October 2008 Archives

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #193
In a full length story that was hidden from Victor Gorelick, the entire Archie staff worked behind the scenes and at home to hide the story before publication. Before their passing Michael Silberkleit and Richard Goldwater wanted to honor Victor's 50 years at Archie with a special story. Fred Mausser and Mike Pellerito worked to make the story happen while hiding the entire story from Victor.
"Person of the Year": In this special story honoring Victor Gorelick's 50 years at Archie Comics, the Kids from Riverdale look for the "Person of the Year", ultimately deciding to honor Victor Gorelick for all his years of service.
SCRIPT AND PENCILS: Dan Parent
INKS: Jim Amish
COLOR: Tito Pena
MANAGING EDITOR: Mike Pellerito
ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Carlos Antunes & Stephen Oswald

Shipping Date: October 22nd, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 29th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 11th, 2008
176-page, full color digest
$3.69 US.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #30
"Pajama Tardy": To avoid being late, Jughead decides to wear his pajama pants to school! SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. "In the Pink": Jughead conceives a robot to conserve energy... his own!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Fernando Ruiz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: October 29th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 5th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 18th, 2008
88-page, full color digest
$2.49 US.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #126
THE SECOND PART OF A NEW FOUR-PART STORY IN THE "DYNAMIC NEW LOOK" - AND THIS TIME, MOOSE & MIDGE'S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!
"Break-up Blues Part 2": Last issue, Midge decided to take a break from her possessive boyfriend Moose... and Moose obliged! Now with Midge and Moose dating others, the once close-knit friends at Riverdale High are awash in turmoil! Even though he's taken Midge out on a few dates, Reggie is having second-thoughts as Midge is obviously missing Moose... and Reggie is missing the cat-and- mouse game he used to have so much fun playing with Moose! Does Reggie hold the key in getting Moose and Midge back together... or will his involvement only draw Midge closer to him? And what will Moose's new girlfriend Judy Johnson have to say about it? Its romantic intrigue served up in the "realistic" art style that made both Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" and Jughead's "Matchmakers" some of the most talked about Archie stories in recent years! Veteran penciler Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that popular style in what is sure to be the most explosive Archie Comics story of the year!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
PENCILS: Tod Smith
INKS: Al Milgrom
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: October 29th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 5th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 18th, 2008
176-page, full color digest
$3.69 US.

VERONICA #191
"She's So Gifted": Encouraged to give gifts that are truly from the heart this holiday season, Veronica realizes her special gift is wrapping gifts... and offers to do the wrapping for all her family and friends!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
"Tree Experts": To avoid the stress of arguments and clashing tastes, the Lodges decide to hire a team of "experts" to trim their Christmas tree. They soon learn precision can't beat the joy of family togetherness!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Dan Parent
Shipping Date: October 29th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 5th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 18th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH LAUGHTER, ARCHIE COMICS STYLE!

Wow! 2008 was some year! It will go down in history as the year Archie Comics pulled out all the stops with one intriguing storyline after another. From Alex Simmons' thrilling mysteries in the pages of ARCHIE & FRIENDS, to Jughead's and Moose & Midge's forays into the "realistic style" in JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST and PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST respectively, to the readers voting for Cheryl's new boyfriend in BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST, and more... Archie readers were served a smorgasbord of stories that played up the classic personalities and relationships of everyone's favorite comic book teens!

Well, you don't think the year 2009 is about to let itself be outdone, do you? No? Didn't think so! Archie Comics certainly is NOT resting on its laurels in 2009. Instead, we're rolling right into the New Year with an exciting slate of stories sure to tickle the funnybone and give you goosebumps from suspense! Consider these stories our New Year's Resolution, and our way of giving you, our readers, our very best wishes for 2009!

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #127
THE SECOND PART OF A FUN-FILLED, FOUR-PART TALE FROM FAN-FAVORITE ALEX SIMMONS!
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part Two": Continuing this special storyline, Chuck Clayton takes center stage. Feeling overwhelmed by all the commitments in his life, Chuck could sure use some help teaching his cartooning class... and he's about to get it from an unlikely source! Chuck's world of collecting, drawing, and teaching kids how to make their own comics takes on new meaning in this poignant tale. This new multi-part epic comes courtesy of someone who knows his way around both creating and teaching comics, namely acclaimed writer, children's art advocate, and organizer of the world's only "Kids' Comics" convention, Alex Simmons.
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons
ART: Fernando Ruiz
Shipping Date: January 7th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 14th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: January 27th, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

ARCHIE DIGEST #251
"A Time to Reflect": The gang meets Dilton's inventor uncle - and are soon whisked away on a journey to the future in his time machine! This literally "timely" tale is packed with both laughs and introspection as Archie and his friends explore the fragile nature of the Earth's environment and effects of global warming.
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Job Fair Flair": Obsessed with his new handheld video game, Archie forgets to bring his resume, references, and a proper wardrobe to the Job Fair. Will he be fired before he's even hired?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 28th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 4th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 17th, 2009
88-page, full color digest
$2.49 US.

BETTY #178
A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY ISSUE!
"My One & Only Valentine": Betty makes homemade Valentine's Day cards for Archie and Reggie, one declaring love and the other friendship... but will the cards reach the correct recipients? It's a comedy of romantic errors as only Archie Comics could deliver it!
SPECIAL BONUS: Betty shows her readers how to make homemade Valentines of their own!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate
ART: Stan Goldberg
Shipping Date: January 28th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 4th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 17th, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #128
THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO THE "NEW LOOK" STORY, "BREAKUP BLUES"
THE INTRIGUING TALE WHERE MIDGE & MOOSE'S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!
"Breakup Blues, Part 4": For the past three issues, Archie and his friends have been dealing with the unimaginable: the breakup of Midge and Moose! In the aftermath, Midge started seeing Reggie and Moose began dating Judy Johnson. The status quo of Riverdale High's circle of friends was severely shaken, but that didn't stop the former couple's friends from doing what they could to get the pair back together. Their efforts weren't always successful, but they still haven't given up hope. The fourth and final installment brings everything together as the kids convene at an exclusive dance club to boogie the night away... and hopefully bring Moose and Midge back together once and for all! And they're about to get some help from an unlikely source. Will true love persevere and save the day? Be sure to reserve your copy so you can find out! The romantic intrigue is served up in the "realistic" art style that made both Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" and Jughead's "Matchmakers" some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years! Veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that popular style in what has surely been the most explosive Archie Comics story to date!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
PENCILS: Tod Smith
INKS: Al Milgrom
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 14th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21st, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3rd, 2009
176-page, full color digest
$3.69 US.

ARCHIE AMERICANA SERIES: BEST OF THE NINETIES
The 9th edition in our popular line of classic Archie graphic novel collections! By popular demand, we're serving up a heaping helping of the decade that led up to the Millennium, one of the most interesting and hilarious decades ever for America's favorite comic book teens: the 1990s. Rock out to the sensational sounds of boy bands, grunge and alternative music; chow down with the fat free dessert craze; laugh your head off at silly talk radio, and hook up your satellite dish so you can enjoy purple dinosaurs, funny home videos, teens from Beverly Hills and more! It's all here and then some in this uproarious edition chock full of comedy classics! Carrying on the tradition of the other Americana entries, this edition features a fully-painted cover by fan-favorite Rex Lindsey, and each story is meticulously restored and re-colored to match its original brilliance.
SCRIPT AND ART: Various.
Shipping Date: October 22nd, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 29th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 11th, 2008
96-page, full color graphic novel
$11.95 US.

ARCHIE #590
THE THRILLING "FRESHMAN YEAR SAGA" CONTINUES!
The first year of high school has been an eventful one for Archie and his friends, and it's all leading towards a whirlwind finale! But the teens still have some time to go yet. In this latest installment, they are evaluated by their teachers who report their progress to their folks on "parent-teacher" night. How will they fare once their parents learn how they're doing? Meanwhile, in social life, love triangles abound, and so do pranks - some playful, some nasty. But none nastier than the bikers who have been bedeviling the town. All this, plus a surprise or two! It's the greatest "first year" of high school ever, courtesy of fan-favorite writer Batton Lash of "Wolff & Byrd" and "Archie Meets the Punisher" fame, along with "Scrapyard Detectives" creator and popular Archie artist/writer Bill Galvan.
SCRIPT: Batton Lash.
ART: Bill Galvan.
Shipping Date: October 22nd, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 29th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 11th, 2008
32-recycled pages, full color comic
$2.25 US.

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #193
"To Play or Not to Play": Feeling the stress of studies, extracurricular activities and college applications, the gang decides to put the Archies on hiatus - until Jughead convinces his band mates to appear in a high school musical he's written about a teen rock band stressed out by their studies, extracurricular activities and college applications!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Toy Story": A short time ago, in a town called Riverdale not too far away... Jughead has dragged Archie to a toy store at midnight so he can be among the first to purchase the new "Star Lores" action figures!
SCRIPT AND ART: Bill Galvan.
"Pre-Exam Insurance": Archie's convinced that petting Betty's cat Carmel is good luck before an exam... but the only thing between Archie and a passing grade is the tree Carmel's stuck in!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Henry Scarpelli.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: October 22nd, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 29th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 11th, 2008
176-page, full color digest
$3.69 US.

ARCHIE COMICS SHIPPING JANUARY 2009

ARCHIE NEW LOOK SERIES VOLUME 2: JUGHEAD "THE MATCHMAKERS"
Now, together under one cover for the very first time, the complete "Matchmakers" saga! The story that began in JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #139 and concluded in JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #142 caused quite a stir, as it brought back the "new look" of Riverdale's fabled teens, first seen in the landmark "Bad Boy Trouble," the epic 2007 tale that appeared in several high-profile issues of BETTY & VERONCIA DOUBLE DIGEST. The flagship characters of Archie Comics have once again gotten an extreme makeover, and the buzz has been deafening! Add to that the intrigue of Jughead actually showing interest in a girl and you've got a recipe for a tale of combustible proportions! It all starts when Archie, Betty, Reggie and Veronica agree that Jughead needs a break from his "fifth wheel" status. They hatch a scheme to find a girl who will interest Jughead more than food and sleep... never realizing they would actually succeed! Or have they? Comic book legends Joe Staton and Al Milgrom bring their years of experience to the Archie "new look," handling pencils and inks respectively, and help you relive the most talked-about Jughead story of 2008 in this special collection!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
PENCILS: Joe Staton
INKS: Al Milgrom
Shipping Date: January 14th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21st, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3rd, 2009
112-page, full color squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-38-2 / OLD # 1-879794-38-1
$10.95 US.

ARCHIE #593
"Wreck-ommendation": To get Archie out of his hair... and his mansion... Mr. Lodge agrees to write him a letter of recommendation.
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Changing Times": Feeling passed by, useless and "fossilized" by rapidly advancing technology, Mr. Weatherbee considers retiring. Will the students be able to convince him otherwise?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"It's Downhill from Here": When Jughead and Archie agree to move a piano for Betty, will they hit a high note or be horribly out-of-tune?
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Dancing Lesson!": When the parents of Riverdale's teens chaperone the dance, they wow their kids with dance moves from the past!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Stan Goldberg
Shipping Date: January 21st, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 28th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 10th, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #127
THE SECOND PART OF A FUN-FILLED, FOUR-PART TALE FROM FAN-FAVORITE ALEX SIMMONS!
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part Two": Continuing this special storyline, Chuck Clayton takes center stage. Feeling overwhelmed by all the commitments in his life, Chuck could sure use some help teaching his cartooning class... and he's about to get it from an unlikely source! Chuck's world of collecting, drawing, and teaching kids how to make their own comics takes on new meaning in this poignant tale. This new multi-part epic comes courtesy of someone who knows his way around both creating and teaching comics, namely acclaimed writer, children's art advocate, and organizer of the world's only "Kids' Comics" convention, Alex Simmons.
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons
ART: Fernando Ruiz
Shipping Date: January 7th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 14th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: January 27th, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

ARCHIE DIGEST #251
"A Time to Reflect": The gang meets Dilton's inventor uncle - and are soon whisked away on a journey to the future in his time machine! This literally "timely" tale is packed with both laughs and introspection as Archie and his friends explore the fragile nature of the Earth's environment and effects of global warming.
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Job Fair Flair": Obsessed with his new handheld video game, Archie forgets to bring his resume, references, and a proper wardrobe to the Job Fair. Will he be fired before he's even hired?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 28th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 4th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 17th, 2009
88-page, full color digest
$2.49 US.

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #195
"The Model Z": Mr. Lodge decides to enter the classic car he bought from Archie's grandfather in ARCHIE DIGEST #239 in an antique auto competition... but the car is stolen before the contest begins! Who did it, and what was their "motor-vation?!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Grommet": Archie dreams of winning gold in the cold by becoming an Olympic snowboarder... but wait until he sees how many hills he has to climb to get there - literally!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy.
"Quiet Riot": Archie and his dad decide to let Mrs. Andrews sleep in after a busy week... now if only they can keep quiet!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 7th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 14th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: January 27th, 2009
176-page, full color digest
$3.69 US.

BETTY #178
A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY ISSUE!
"My One & Only Valentine": Betty makes homemade Valentine's Day cards for Archie and Reggie, one declaring love and the other friendship... but will the cards reach the correct recipients? It's a comedy of romantic errors as only Archie Comics could deliver it!
SPECIAL BONUS: Betty shows her readers how to make homemade Valentines of their own!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate
ART: Stan Goldberg
Shipping Date: January 28th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 4th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 17th, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #87
BETTY & VERONICA TRADE FASHIONABLE CHIC FOR INTREPID MYSTIQUE IN THIS ACTION-PACKED ISSUE!
"Where the Action Is!": In perhaps the most aptly-titled tale of the year, Betty and Veronica deliver high-octane action and adventure as the most super secret agents ever to tackle a viperous spy... not to mention the most beautiful! Equipped by Dilton with the latest high tech crime-fighting gadgets, the girls are on the case as Archie goes missing... and the usual suspects are quickly rounded up. But will the real suspect be someone a bit more unusual? You'll never guess! All this plus "Action Fashions," an action movie quiz, gadget pages and more!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
Shipping Date: January 14th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21st, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3rd, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #191
"Flying High": A tribute to the brave female pilots and stunt performers who helped pioneer the early years of aviation! This "what if" story casts Betty as a stunt flyer, with Archie as her trusty mechanic and Veronica as a flashy movie star looking for a secret stunt double for her latest high-flying feature film. Fans of antique airplanes and Hollywood's golden age will love this story's authentic attention to detail in both its script and art!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Bob Bolling
"DesignERR!": Trying to ease a guilty conscience, Veronica finds a designer store that rents clothes and accessories for her friends who can't afford such luxuries.
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 21st, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 28th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 10th, 2009
88-page, full color digest
$2.49 US.

JUGHEAD #193
"The Jughead List": Jughead decides to follow in Mr. Lodge's footsteps by creating a list of goals he simply must accomplish in his lifetime. But can Jughead cram a lifetime of goals into one week the way he's crammed down a lifetime of burgers in one sitting?
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Rex Lindsey
Shipping Date: January 14th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21st, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3rd, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #31
"Banana Split Decision": It's a split decision, and it's decided by the readers as they get a chance to choose the direction of this story! Jughead simply doesn't want to pay up on the empty promise he made to Ethel to take her out on a date. Readers can alternate between pages depicting two separate directions for the story: one where Jughead ducks into Dilton's laboratory to avoid Ethel; the other where Jughead toughs it out and actually goes on the date with Ethel! Each choice leads to another and another... and is of course packed with laughs and adventure!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Mystery Man": Amateur investigators Chuck and Archie have a genuine mystery on their hands: not only has Jughead gotten a top-secret job, he's stopped wearing his trademark crown hat, too! Can this mother of all mysteries be solved?!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 14th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21st, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3rd, 2009
88-page, full color digest
$2.49 US.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #147
"The Big UFO Scare": The truth is out there... and it has something to do with a sky full of bright glowing orbs. Is Riverdale being invaded? Jughead and Archie aim to find out!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Rex Lindsey
"Pet Set": Veronica takes Jughead to the "Doggie Heaven Boutique" to show him and Hot Dog "how the other canines live!" But the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the doghouse!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Intruder": Snowed-in by sub-zero temperatures, Jughead warms up his imagination by reading classic adventure novels, and imagining himself in the heart of the action!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 21st, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 28th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 10th, 2009
176-page, full color digest
$3.69 US.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #128
THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO THE "NEW LOOK" STORY, "BREAKUP BLUES"
THE INTRIGUING TALE WHERE MIDGE & MOOSE'S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!
"Breakup Blues, Part 4": For the past three issues, Archie and his friends have been dealing with the unimaginable: the breakup of Midge and Moose! In the aftermath, Midge started seeing Reggie and Moose began dating Judy Johnson. The status quo of Riverdale High's circle of friends was severely shaken, but that didn't stop the former couple's friends from doing what they could to get the pair back together. Their efforts weren't always successful, but they still haven't given up hope. The fourth and final installment brings everything together as the kids convene at an exclusive dance club to boogie the night away... and hopefully bring Moose and Midge back together once and for all! And they're about to get some help from an unlikely source. Will true love persevere and save the day? Be sure to reserve your copy so you can find out! The romantic intrigue is served up in the "realistic" art style that made both Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" and Jughead's "Matchmakers" some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years! Veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that popular style in what has surely been the most explosive Archie Comics story to date!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
PENCILS: Tod Smith
INKS: Al Milgrom
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 14th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21st, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3rd, 2009
176-page, full color digest
$3.69 US.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #196
"Hedgehog Havoc, Part Two": The "New Moebius" saga comes to an explosive end as hero and villain alike tremble at the power of Super Scourge! The fate of two worlds hangs by a thread, but what can Sonic do against his invincible evil twin? You can't miss this epic climax to the biggest Sonic story of the year!
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn
ART: Tracy Yardley!
Earth-shattering cover by Tracy Yardley!
Shipping Date: January 7th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 14th, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: January 27th, 2009
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA #238
"My Parrot is Gone": Veronica decides to train a parrot to do tricks so they can audition for the "People & Their Pets" TV competition... but it seems the parrot's best trick is a disappearing act! Can Betty, in her guise of "Nancy Clue, Girl Detective", track down the "fowl felon" who perpetrated the parrot purloining?!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Red Carpet Ready": The N-TV awards are the hottest ticket in town, so naturally the girls need to be at their stylish best when they attend the show!
SCRIPT: Barbara and Samantha Slate.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"In on the Game?": Three cheers for girly-girls - in Veronica's world, all a cheerleader really needs to do is physically show up!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
Shipping Date: October 15th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 22nd, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 4th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #165
THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO THE 5-PART, INTERACTIVE STORY WHERE CHERYL BLOSSOM'S NEW BOYFRIEND - AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF ARCHIE COMICS - WILL FINALLY BE REVEALED!
"And the Winner Is... Part 5 of 5": Well, the election results are in and the United States is about to have its first... oh wait, that's that other election! This election is the one where you the readers pick Cheryl Blossom's new boyfriend... and the results are in! Four issues ago, Reggie and Cheryl broke up, and Cheryl wound up on the TV show "The Lonely Hearts Club" in search of a new beau. Three hot contestants stepped up for the challenge, and you the reader witnessed each of their dates with Cheryl and placed your votes for who you thought Cheryl should choose online at www.archiecomics.com! This issue, the new man in Cheryl's life is finally revealed... but not before the host of the show treats all the participants to a wacky recap of clips featuring all their foul-ups and blunders! Where will this latest shake-up in the Archie-verse lead? It's the craziest, kookiest conclusion that you simply can't miss!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"The Pledge": Betty and Veronica vow to go through an entire day without thinking about, mentioning, or talking to Archie... yep, that'll work!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
"Movie Magic": In a modern-day twist on the classic 1940's story "Double Trouble," Archie once again finds himself entangled in the eternal love triangle while trying to enjoy a night at the movies!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: October 15th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 22nd, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 4th, 2008
176-page, full color digest
$3.69 US.

SONIC X #38
"Big Trouble in Little Station Square, Part One": S.O.N.I.C.X. - the secret Sonic-hating organization - is at it again! They have a special serum that will turn Sonic into the monster they think he "really is." The problem now is: how do you catch the fastest thing alive?! It's a high-speed chase through the city with a special guest appearance by the Chaotix and an ending so big you won't believe it!
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn.
ART: Steven Butler (pencils) and Terry Austin (inks).
Monster mayhem cover by spooky Pat "Spaz" Spazinate!
Shipping Date: October 15th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 22nd, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: November 4th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

Have you ever wondered to yourself, "What would have happened if I'd only done this differently?" Or, "This could have gone in a totally different direction if only I had said..."

Well, here's your chance to put that "what if" concept into action by choosing the direction of the lead story in January's JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #31!

That's right: "Banana Split Decision" is decided by you, the reader! Jughead simply doesn't want to pay up on the empty promise he made to Ethel to take her out on a date.

That's where you come in. As you read the story, you can alternate between pages depicting two separate directions: one where Jughead ducks into Dilton's laboratory to avoid Ethel; the other where Jughead toughs it out and actually goes on the date with Ethel! Each choice leads to another and another... and is of course packed with laughs and adventure! Best of all, you can read the story more than once and not come up with the same story twice! How's that for double the fun?!?

Here's the easiest "decision" you ever had to make: be sure to reserve your copy today!

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #31
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz
Shipping Date: January 14th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21st, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3rd, 2009
88-page, full color digest
$2.49 US.

ARCHIE DIGEST #248
DECK THE HALLS WITH LOTS OF LAUGHTER IN THIS ALL-CHRISTMAS-THEMED ISSUE!
"The Surprise Present": When an enterprising elf conceives a website where Christmas lists can be automatically submitted, Santa decides to do a trial run in a little town called Riverdale.
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Santa Claws": Not a creature was stirring - except for all the pets that came to the department store to get their photos taken with Santa Archie!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
"Price Clubbed": Nothing can stop Fred Andrews' quest to find the perfect... and perfectly priced... Christmas tree!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Randy Elliott.
"The Gift Horse Laugh": In this poignant Christmas tale, Riverdale's resident prankster Reggie proves he's not a Scrooge, but has a generous heart after all!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Classic yuletide tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: October 8th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 15th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: October 28th, 2008
88-page, full color digest
$2.49 US.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #97
Remembrance, Part 3": The countdown to issue #100 continues in this thrilling issue. With Sabrina and the renegade group The Four Blades under constant pressure, it seems their leader is losing his nerve. But when things seem to get better for the Four Blades and Sabrina, one of its shadowy members leaves the group only to put them in unimaginable danger! Things go from bad to worse for Sabrina as trouble at home puts her on the edge, not to mention a face-to-face confrontation with the Queen of the Magic Realm, will change everything forever! A new romance for Zelda with former bad guy Atticus Rex and an excursion to explore the treasure aboard a sunken ship add to the intrigue in true spellbinding fashion!
SCRIPT: Tania del Rio.
ART: Lindsey Cibos (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks).
Shipping Date: October 8th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 15th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: October 28th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

Victor Gorelick joined Archie Comics as an art assistant, and has served as production coordinator, art director and now as Archie Comic's Editor-in-Chief. Mr. Gorelick has unique knowledge of every facet of the editorial process required to create and publish successful comics. He has done everything from writing to coloring, and everything between. He has highly regarded artistic skills and an eye for meticulous detail. He also has a well honed sense of the wholesome content of Archie Comics that has been the basis for the bond of trust built with readers by Archie Comics down through the years. He has worked closely with numerous companies designing various custom comic books. For example, he has overseen collaborations between Archie Comics and Kraft General Foods, Radio Shack and even the F.B.I.! He is a moving force on the Comic Magazine Association of America's Code Authority Guidelines Committee, a member of the Board of Advisors of the Joe Kubert School where many of today's comic artists first learned their craft, and he has taught cartooning as an instructor at the Kingsborough Community College in New York City.

On October 3rd 2008 at the company offices Archie Comics surprised Victor Gorelick with a plaque honoring his incredible contribution and in celebration of 50 years of service to the company.

From left to right Barry Grossman, Jon D'agostino, Joe Pep, Mike Pellerito, Jack Morelli, Frank Amarosano, Victor Gorelick, Joe Morciglio and Fred Mausser.

The inscription reads...

"To Victor Gorelick

It is with the greatest of thanks and pride that everyone both past and present, congratulate you on your tremendous contribution of 50 years of service with Archie Comics.

From learning the business with those who started before you, to teaching and mentoring those who have come since, you have been the link to the company's early days while helping to keep it contemporary for today's readers. Working with the founders of Archie Comics, then their sons and now helping to lead Archie Comics into a bright new future, you have held true to the ideals learned in your first years.

Through the years you have helped foster bright new talent while keeping longtime greats creatively challenged, all the while earning the loyalty, respect and friendship of those you have worked with.

However, the greatest achievement of these past 50 years is the millions and millions of children and readers your work with Archie Comics has helped to delight.

Presented by

Your Friends and Family at

Archie Comics

October 4th, 2008"

Back in the spring of 2007, the world of Archie Comics was rocked by the publication of BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #151, featuring the first installment of "Bad Boy Trouble," an epic tale spanning four issues that found Riverdale's favorite teens rendered in a realistic style!

The "new look" inspired months and months of debate and media coverage... and was so intriguing to fans that it led to further "new look" sagas. The most recent is the "Breakup Blues" saga currently concluding in the pages of PALS-N-GALS DIGEST... but in between, the crowned one got a taste of reality, too!

That's right: not only did Jughead get a "realistic makeover," but the intriguing tale he starred in led to a bit of a personality makeover as well. It all started when Archie, Betty, Reggie and Veronica agreed that Jughead needed a break from his "fifth wheel" status. They hatched a scheme to find a girl who would interest Jughead more than food and sleep... never realizing they would actually succeed! Or did they?

Comic book legends Joe Staton and Al Milgrom brought their years of experience to the Archie "new look," handling pencils and inks respectively, giving this story an extra-special touch.

Now, all four installments of this heralded tale from JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #139 through #142 are available in one convenient, affordable edition. The special 6 x 9 inch format contains 112 full-color, thrill-packed pages, with a low cover price of only $9.95 US! Whether reading it again or discovering it for the first time, don't miss the most talked about Jughead story of 2008!

ARCHIE NEW LOOK SERIES VOLUME 2: JUGHEAD
"THE MATCHMAKERS"
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan. ART: Joe Staton.
Shipping Date: January 14th, 2009
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21st, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3rd, 2009
112-page, full color 6"x9" squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-38-2
OLD # 1-879794-38-1
$10.95 US.

BETTY #176
"The Many Charms of Luck": For someone who claims not to be superstitious, Betty sure has a lot of good luck charms!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Fitness Quiz": Betty learns the secret of her mother's physical fitness: being a housewife!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Breath Taking": Everyone loves how Betty's new cheese dip goes down... it's just the halitosis aftermath they can do without!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Wedding Blistered": Attending her cousin's wedding gives Betty an opportunity to observe several married couples... and witness the "good times and bad" firsthand!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
Shipping Date: September 24th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 1st, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: October 14th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #125
IT'S ANOTHER NEW FOUR-PART STORY IN THE "REALISTIC STYLE" - AND THIS TIME, MOOSE & MIDGE'S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!
"Break-up Blues, Part I": First came Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble," followed by Jughead dealing with a bunch of "Matchmakers." Now, the latest story to portray the famous Riverdale teens in a realistic style is here... and it may spell the end of one of the longest-running romances in Archie Comics history! Feeling confined by Moose's possessive nature, Midge decides to try an experiment - namely, dating Reggie! We all know this will make Moose fly off the handle, but this time it won't have an "all's well that ends well" resolution. Can Archie and his friends help pick up the pieces of this shattered relationship, or is it better to leave them where they lay? 2007's "Bad Boy Trouble" set the comics world on its ear as the teens were depicted in a realistic style. This year's "Matchmakers" continued the look and kept people talking. Now veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that look in what is sure to be the most explosive Archie Comics story of the year!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan.
ART: Tod Smith (pencils) and Al Milgrom (inks).
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: September 24th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 1st, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: October 14th, 2008
176-page, full color digest
$3.69 US.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #9
The thrilling new series that lets fans relive classic Sonic stories continues!
Volume 9 presents issues #33 through #36 of Sonic's ongoing comic book series in a special 5 x 7 & ½ inch edition. These stories continue the artistic change to a more "dramatic" tone, better aligning the series to the hit Saturday morning animated series then on the air. The emphasis is on the royal politics of the kingdom, with power plays, self-sacrifice and betrayals galore. Each story is meticulously restored and printed on high-grade paper-so you can feel like you're zipping right alongside the cobalt champion as he saves Knothole Village! This action-packed edition features events like the mystery of the Chaos Emeralds and the return of King Acorn (sort of)!
Stories include:
"Let's Get Small" (issue #33),
"The Big Picture" (issue #33),
"Sonic Shot" (issue #33),
"To Bot or Not to Bot" (issue #34),
"A Sense of History - Part One" (issue #34),
"Ring of Truth" (issue #35),
"A Sense of History - Part Two" (issue #35),
"Heart of Darkness" (issue #36), and
"A Sense of History Party Three" (issue #36).
SCRIPTS: Mike Gallagher, Ken Penders & Mike Kanterovich.
ART: Art Mawhinney, Dave Manak, & Ken Penders.
Colossal cover by Pat "Spaz" Spazinate!
Shipping Date: September 24th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 1st, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: October 14th, 2008
112-page, full color graphic novel
$7.95 US.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #30
"For Monsters Only": Can it be true? Have Archie and Jughead really stumbled into a Halloween party where the guests are not in costume but are actual, real-live monsters? Find out for yourself if this tale is a "trick" or a "treat!"
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"The Pies Have It": Move over, Gordon - it's a real "kitchen nightmare" when cafeteria cook Miss Beazly loses a ring in a pot pie!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Bob Bolling. "The Promise": Mr. Weatherbee promises to perform as a clown if the students improve their reading averages, leading some to ask,
"What else is new?!"
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: September 24th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 1st, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: October 14th, 2008
88-page, full color digest
$2.49 US.