Showing posts with label Dan Parent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dan Parent. Show all posts

Thursday, February 1, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE Valentine's Spectacular #1 2023

ARCHIE VALENTINE'S SPECTACULAR #1 (In-stories and on digital Wed., Feb. 1st)
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Jamie Lee Rotante; Greg Crosby; Craig Boldman; Dan Parent
PENCILS: Holly G!; Pat Kennedy; Rex Lindsey; Dan Parent
INKS: Jim Amash; Jon D'Agostino; Rich Koslowski; Rudy Lapick
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

“More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character.  In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”).  One of them is the Archie Valentine's Spectacular No.1.  It features one new story and four reprint stories.  Entitled “More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!,” the new story stars Archie Comics' newest character, “Cassie Cloud.”  The story is written by Jamie Lee Rotante; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Introducing Cassie Cloud in “More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!”:
The story opens at the "Valentine's Spectacular Dance."  The newest student at Riverdale High is Cassie Cloud, who recently transferred from Centerville.  Cassie is tall, confident, funny, and catching all the guys’ attention – much to the chagrin of the girls.  Betty and Veronica notice, however, that Cassie doesn't seem interested in the attention of the most popular boys in school, including Archie and Reggie.  So Ethel and Midge join them for some research into Cassie.

Why is the hot new girl hanging out with the likes of Dilton, Toño, Raj, Randolph, and even Simon a.k.a. “Prankenstein” – all known as nerds?  And do the girls have something to learn from her about learning to love the “short kings?”

THE LOWDOWN:   I have been reading comic books, on and off, for the better part of five decades.  I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time, so I usually miss the publisher's introduction of new characters.  Thus, Cassie Cloud isn't the only character that is new to me in Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

I think she has a lot of potential, as set up in this nice five-page story that is “More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!”  Cassie is similar to classic Archie female characters like Betty and Veronica, but she is different enough, especially in terms of her interests, to create hopefully exciting new story scenarios across all Archie titles.  Writer Jamie Lee Rotante and artist Holly G! have created a winning story for this character, and hopefully, they will do more.

The rest of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1 is comprised of reprints:  three “Veronica” solo stories and one “Jughead” solo.  One Veronica story, “Valentine's Day Dilemma,” finds Archie struggling to figure out what kind of Valentine's Day gift he could give to the rich girl (Veronica) who already has had a better version of anything he can afford.  In “Sweets to the Sweet,” Jughead is sure that he has the perfect way to scam the girls of Riverdale out of their Valentine's candy.

If you are like me and love classic-style Archie Comics, you will love these stories.  And Archie Valentine's Spectacular is for you.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://archiecomics.com/
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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: JOSIE ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1

JOSIE ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Holly G!; Frank Doyle; Tom DeFalco
PENCILS: Holly G!: Dan DeCarlo; Kennedy Bros.
INKS: Jim Amash; Rudy Lapick
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vincent DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024); on-sale November 8, 2023

Rating: All-Ages

Josie and the Pussycats in “Rock Cats”

In December 1962, Archie Comics published a comic book entitled She's JosieShe's Josie #1 (cover date: February 1963) gave a starring role to a level-headed redhead named “Josie Jones” and focused on her fanciful life and times as a teenager.  Created by Dan DeCarlo, Josie first appeared in Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23 (cover dated: Winter 1962-1963).

Josie Jones would become "Josie James," and later, she would take the name by which most readers and fans know her, “Josie McCoy.”  She's Josie was renamed Josie with issue #17 (cover dated: December 1965).  The series became Josie and the Pussycats with issue #45 (cover date: December 1969), in which Josie and her friend, Melody, formed a band called the Pussycats.  The two friends added bassist, Valerie Smith, the new girl in school and one of the first major African-American comic book characters.  The trio donned leopard print band uniforms that came with long tails and cat-ear headbands.  Hanna-Barbera adapted this new-look Josie into the Saturday morning animated television series, “Josie and the Pussy Cats” (1970-71), and the follow-up, “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” (1972-73).

2023 is the year Archie Comics is celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of Josie's debut.  Archie has just published the one-shot comic book, Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1.  The comic book features one new story, “Rock Cats.”  It is written by Holly G!; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Josie and the Pussycats in “Rock Cats”:
The story opens with Josie and the Pussycats: Josie McCoy, Valerie Brown, and Melody Valentine being launched into space aboard the first Lodge/Cabot rocket for an extraordinary concert event.  It's a first – Pussycats in orbit!  There is trouble in space, however, and soon the girls have lost contact with their fans back on Earth.  Can a passing space fan save the day and the concert? 

The story features a host of characters from the world of Archie Comics.  From Josie and the Pussycats, there is Alan M. Mayberry, Alexander Cabot III, Alexandra Cabot, and Pepper Smith.  The “Archie Gang” includes, Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, and Veronica Lodge, to name a few.  Plus, there is a special appearance by Cosmo the Merry Martian.

THE LOWDOWN:  I have been a fan of the Josie and the Pussycats franchise since I was a small child.  I am crazy about classic Josie comic books from the 1960s to the early 1980s and of the 1970s animated series.

Josie Anniversary Spectacular No. 1 offers a new story in “Rock Cats” that manages to hit upon a number of familiar Josie elements, although it is only five pages long.  I must admit that I like writer-artist Holly G!'s visual nod to the rocket ship that the legendary comic book artist and illustrator, Alex Toth, designed for the “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” animated series.

Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1 also reprints two vintage Josie stories drawn by Dan DeCarlo, Josie's creator.  They are “A Gym Dandy” from She's Josie #1, and “The Ghostly Guardian” from Josie and the Pussycats #61 (cover dated: April 1972).  This comic book also includes a story starring one of the original She's Josie's supporting characters, Pepper Smith, who has made something of a comeback.  It is a modern story entitled “Only the Strong Survive” from World of Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #18 (cover dated: August 2022).

I must warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles.  Thus, I am happy to recommend Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1, and I am pleased that Archie Comics has published it.  Here's to a brighter future for Josie and the Pussycats.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Josie and the Pussycats will definitely want to get a copy of Josie Anniversary Spectacular No. 1.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://archiecomics.com/
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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------------------


Thursday, November 9, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: Beach Party #1

BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: BEACH PARTY #1
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Jamie L. Rotante; Dan Parent; Francis Bonnet; Craig Boldman; Tania Del Rio; George Gladir
PENCILS: Holly G!; Dan Parent; Jeff Shultz; Rex Lindsey; Bill Gollhier; Dan DeCarlo
INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Rex Lindsey; Rudy Lapick
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Rex Lindsey; Vincent DeCarlo
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante, Vincent Lavallo, and Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Holly G! with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

Betty and Veronica in “Babbi's Riverdale Beach Party”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character.  In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.” Two of Archie Comics' main characters are Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie.

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Betty and Veronica.  The latest, apparently the twenty-first in this series, is Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Beach Party #1 (#21).  It features one new story and five reprint stories.  Entitled “Babbi's Riverdale Beach Party,” the new story is written by Jamie L. Rotante; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Betty and Veronica in “Babbi's Riverdale Beach Party”:
The story opens at Veronica's beach house, which she has decorated so that it looks like Babbi's beach house.  Who is “Babbi?”  She is this story's stand-in for the beloved fashion doll, “Barbie.”  Many of the young women at the party are hugely influenced by Babbi, but not everyone attending is crazy about the iconic Babbi.  That includes Cassie Cloud, so when her brother, Casey Cloud, gets caught up in Babbi fever, she has something to say.

Archie, Reggie, Jughead, Trevor, Kevin, and Eliza are among the Archie gang appearing in this story.  Plus, a special guest star is just around the corner.

THE LOWDOWN:  Archie Comics often sends me PDF copies of their titles for review.  While I don't get to review all of them, I enjoy these single issue titles like Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Beach Party #1.

First, I enjoyed “Babbi's Riverdale Beach Party” because Holly G!'s art is so pretty.  Next, there is a delightful scene of Kevin Keller openly lusting after new character Casey Cloud.  Third, the whole Barbie/Babbi angle is quite nice, and in the end, the story left me wanting more.  Because of the appearance of a special guest, the story ends in the middle of Veronica's “Babbi” party, so, at least to me, it feels like we missed out on potentially the best parts of the story.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles.  Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Beach Party #1 offers a new character, but the story feels old school and classically fun.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Beach Party #1.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------------

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Tuesday, August 1, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: Game On #1

BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: GAME ON #1
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ron Robbins; Bob Bolling; Rex Lindsey; George Gladir
PENCILS: Dan Parent; Howard Bender; Bob Bolling; Rex Lindsey; Pat Kennedy
INKS: Bob Smith; Henry Scarpelli; Bob Bolling; Ken Selig
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Digikore Studios
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante, Vincent Lavallo, and Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

Betty and Veronica in “Sabrina is Be Glitched”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character.  In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.” Two of Archie Comics' main characters are Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie Andrews.

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Betty and Veronica.  The latest, apparently the twentieth in the series, is Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1 (#20).  It features one new story and three reprint stories.  Entitled “Sabrina is Be Glitched,” the new story is written by Ron Robbins; drawn by Dan Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Betty and Veronica in “Sabrina is Be Glitched”:
The story features appearances by Sabrina the Teenage Witch and by new Archie Comics characters, Amber Nightstone and Trick & Treat.  “Sabrina is Be Glitched” opens at “Riverdale Arcade.”  Inside, Archie is impressing his pals, Trevor and Sabrina, with his arcade game skills.

Using Trick & Treat and her own magic, Amber transports Archie and friends into a magical MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game).  Now, Betty and Sabrina must launch a bid to save Archie from Amber's tricks.  Veronica, Cassie, Jughead, and Kevin join the virtual reality mayhem.  But is the solution to this trap really about who trusts whom?

THE LOWDOWN:  Archie Comics often sends me PDF copies of their titles for review.  I received Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1 about two weeks ago.  [This review has been delayed because thieves have stolen my car and have ransacked my home for my comic book and periodicals collection.]

“Sabrina is Be Glitched” is the brand new story that kicks off Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1, which is a collection of tales of video games, digital drama, and virtual reality madness.  “Sabrina is Be Glitched” is not a great story, but it is entertaining.  The story shows that Amber Nightstone can become quite a foil for the Archie Gang.  Also, even this story reveals her potential as a star.  We'll see.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles.  Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1 is important because it features another early appearance of characters that can play a big role in the world of Riverdale.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------

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Tuesday, November 22, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: "ARCHIE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR" 2022

ARCHIE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR (2022)
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Francis Bonnet; Bill Golliher; Dan Parent; Rich Margopoulos
PENCILS: Ryan Jampole; Pat & Tim Kennedy; Bill Golliher; Dan Parent; Gene Colon
INKS: Ryan Jampole; Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (November 2022)

Rating: All-Ages

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character.  In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”).  One of them is the Archie Halloween Spectacular, which Archie has been publishing since 2017.  This year's edition features four Halloween-themed reprint stories and one brand new story.  Entitled “Spirits of Halloween,” the new story stars Archie Comics' newest character duo, “Trick & Treat.”  The story is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Ryan Jampole; colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie Halloween Spectacular opens with Trick & Treat in “Spirits of Halloween.”  Meet Trick & Treat, a pair of impish magical creatures that come around every Halloween and eventually cause chaos.  Trick, a pumpkin-headed fellow who also sports bat wings, loves the three “S's” of Halloween:  suspense, screams, and scares.  Treat, a Caspar-like ghost, loves the three “C's”: costumes, creativity, and candy.

This year, the duo arrives in Riverdale for some Halloween fun and then, fall into disagreement.  Which imp's view of Halloween is the better?  They decide to make a wager of it, one that involves Archie and his rival, Reggie.  How much mischief will Trick & Treat cause Riverdale and Archie while everyone is out trick-or-treating?

THE LOWDOWN:   Trick & Treat are impish characters like “The Great Gazoo” from the animated television series, “The Flintstones” or “Jiminy Cricket” of Walt Disney's Pinocchio.  Although introduced as Halloween characters, I think Trick & Treat can cause trouble anywhere and anytime in the universe of the Archie gang.

The reprinted stories are comprised of two “Betty and Veronica” stories, and one of those guest-stars Sabrina the Teenage Witch.  There are also two “Archie” stories, including “The Secret Project,” a fun story featuring Archie and his pal, Jughead Jones.

Dear readers, I always have to be honest.  I have enjoyed what little of the modern Archie Comics that I have read, but I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics.  Thus, I will always recommend such Archie titles, so I am giving Archie Halloween Spectacular 2022 a hearty recommendation.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of the 2022 edition of Archie Halloween Spectacular.

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://archiecomics.com/
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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------------------

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Tuesday, October 18, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: SABRINA ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1

SABRINA ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Dan Parent; George Gladir; Dexter Taylor; Frank Doyle
PENCILS: Dan Parent; Bob Bolling; Dexter Taylor; Stan Goldberg
INKS: Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; Jon D'Agostino
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2022)

Rating: All-Ages

Sabrina in “Celebration Vexation”

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is an Archie Comics character that was created by writer George Gladir and artist Dan DeCarlo.  Sabrina Spellman first appeared in Archie's Madhouse #22 (cover-dated: October 1962).  2022 is the sixtieth anniversary of Sabrina's debut, and Archie Comics is honoring the character with the “60 Years of Magic” celebration.

The celebration includes a newly-released one-shot comic book entitled Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1.  The comic book reprints four Sabrina stories.  It also includes the new story “Celebration Vexation,” which introduces a brand new character, Amber Nightstone.  The new tale is written by Dan Parent; drawn by Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1 opens with “Celebration Vexation,” and it is Sabrina's 17th birthday.  Aunt Zelda and Aunt Hilda and Cousin Ambrose are throwing a party for their birthday girl, and of course, her cat, Salem, is present.  However, there is a party crasher, Amber Nightstone, who is also celebrating a seventeenth birthday.

Like Sabrina, Amber is also half-mortal and half-witch, and under the witch's “Code of Sorcery,” only one witch/mortal can achieve ultimate power.  And Amber wants to be the teen witch who gets to live in the mortal world.  So which of these female teen witches is going to have the best birthday?

THE LOWDOWN:  Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1 is an absolutely wonderful anniversary comic book special.  “Celebration Vexation” is one of writer-artist Dan Parent's best stories ever, and maybe he is the best modern Archie Comics storyteller.  Amber Nightstone, in this first look, seems to be a keeper as a character in the world of Sabrina, and I'm sure she can raise quite a bit of heck and hell in other Archie titles.

The four reprint stories include a one-page comic (“Sun Fun”), which finds Sabrina engaging a genie for some help, with painful results.  There is a “Little Sabrina” story (“Bats All, Folks”), which features Little Archie and Riverdale High regulars, Mr. Weatherbee and Miss Grundy.  Because of the new story, new character debut, and the quality of the reprinted stories, I highly recommend Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Sabrina the Teenage Witch will definitely want to get a copy of Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1.

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://archiecomics.com/
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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).


Thursday, September 15, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE & FRIENDS: Thrills and Chills #1

ARCHIE & FRIENDS: THRILLS & CHILLS #1
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: J. Torres; Tom DeFalco; Frank Doyle; Mike Pellowski
PENCILS: Rex Lindsey; Pat & Tim Kennedy; Dan DeCarlo
INKS: Rex Lindsey; Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; Jon D'Agostino
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Digikore Studios; Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Rex Lindsey; Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2022)

Rating: All-Ages

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character.  In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

In 1992, Archie Comics began publishing the title Archie & Friends, and it would run for 159 issues, ceasing publication in 2012.  Since 2019, Archie has published a number of single-issue Archie & Friends titles built around a theme, such as Archie & Friends: Beach Party, Archie & Friends: Fall Festival, and Archie & Friends: Superheroes.

Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 is the newest Archie & Friends themed release and is issue #14 in the series.  Described by Archie Comics as a “collection of thrill rides, exciting adventures, and odd occurrences,” Thrills & Chills #1 contains four stories – one new story and three reprints.

“Return to Mirrordale” is the opening story.  It is written by J. Torres; drawn and lettered by Rex Lindsey; colored by Glenn Whitmore.  Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Reggie are visiting a local carnival when Archie starts acting strangely.  It seems that he is very frightened of the “House of Mirrors,” but the others insist on going inside even if Archie won't.  Soon, Betty, Veronica, and Reggie will discover the absolute weirdness of the mirrors inside.

THE LOWDOWN:   The current Archie & Friends series presents art and stories in the classic Archie Comics style.  Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 even includes a “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” story (“Carnival Capers”) that is drawn by the progenitor of the classic Archie Comics house style, the late Dan DeCarlo (1919-2001).

In fact, the theme of the four stories in Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 is wacky fun at the carnival.  The lead and new story for this issue, “Return to Mirrordale” is a delight and could have been longer than its five pages in length, which does leave it with untapped potential.  This story is also a sequel of sorts to “Welcome to Mirrordale,” a story about an alternate dimension that appeared in Archie #647.  I hope that the creative team of Return to Mirrordale,” J. Torres and Rex Lindsey (or another team), return to “Mirrordale” at some point in the future.

Dear readers, I have to be honest.  I have enjoyed what little of the modern Archie Comics that I have read, but I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics.  Thus, I will always recommend such Archie titles, so I am giving Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 a hearty recommendation.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of  Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 and copies of other Archie & Friends comic books.

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://archiecomics.com/
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Wednesday, August 31, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE MILESTONES DIGEST #16

ARCHIE MILESTONES (JUMBO COMICS) DIGEST #16
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Dan Parent; Angelo DeCesare; Kathleen Webb; Craig Boldman; Greg Cosby; Mike Pellowski; and others
PENCILS: Dan Parent; Dan DeCarlo, Stan Goldberg; Rex Lindsey; and others
INKS: Bob Smith; Henry Scarpelli; Rudy Lapick; Rich Koslowski; Jeff Shultz; Al Milgrom; and others
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida; and others
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
EIC: Mike Pellerito
ISSN: 2641-5402; (October 2022)
192pp, Color, $8.99 U.S. (August 24, 2022 – direct market)

Rating: All-Ages

New story: “Movie Melée!”


Archie Milestones (Jumbo Comics) Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series.  Archie Milestones Digest celebrates over 80 years of Archie Comics' history, one decade at a time.  Each issue of Archie Milestones Digest features Archie Comics stories published in a particular decade and also features a brand new “throwback story” written, drawn, and set in the featured decade.

Archie Milestones (Jumbo Comics) Digest #16, the latest edition, focuses on the 2000s.  This issue's new throwback story is “Movie Melée!”  It is written by Dan Parent; drawn by Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie in “Movie Melée!”:
Archie Andrews is sharing his uncle's cabin in the woods with old pals Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, and Jughead Jones and with newer pals, Chuck Clayton and Nancy Woods (two African-American characters).  After some hiking, the friends decide to relax in the cabin and watch movies.  Luckily, Archie gets DVDs in the mail via “Netfilms” (obviously a stand-in for “Netflix”), and Archie picks are the first seven installments of the “Blood Camp” horror film series.  But as Archie is want to do, he doesn't pay attention to the details, and soon, he is being haunted by DVDs.

THE LOWDOWN:  Archie Milestones Digest is not only an Archie Andrews title.  It is also an Archie Comics title, so this edition includes stories focusing on Betty and Veronica (as a pair and as solo acts), Jughead, Dilton Doiley, and the pop group, The Archies.  There is a story from the Archie & Friends comic book series and also some decades-old stories, including one, “The Case in Brief,” drawn by the co-creator and designer of many Archie Comics characters, Bob Montana (1920-75)

“Movie Melée!” is funny, and writer-artist Dan Parent offers a snarky tale of something the 2000s did bring about – the beginning of the rapid demise of the bricks-and-mortar video rental stores.  The story manages to encapsulate the way things were early in the 2000s and what was coming late in the 2000s.  “Movie Melée!” is a clever bit of fun and is what I would expect from one of the best modern Archie Comics creatives.

Aside from the fun of the throwback story, Archie Milestones Digest #16 offers a reprint of a milestone Archie Comics publication from the 2000s, the 500th issue of Archie.  This digest reprints the main stories from Archie #500 (October 2000), “The Big Five-Oh-Oh!” and the three-part “Happy Anni-Worse-ary.”

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles.  And Archie Milestones Digest looks like the kind of digest series that I can't help but recommend.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Archie Milestones (Jumbo Comics) Digest #16.

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



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Wednesday, August 17, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA Double Digest #306

BETTY & VERONICA (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #306
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Tania Del Rio; Tom DeFalco; Frank Doyle; Angelo DeCesare; George Gladir and others
PENCILS: Jeff Shultz; Bill Galvan; Dan Parent; Dan DeCarlo and others
INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; Rich Koslowski and others
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vince DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida and others
COVER: Bill Golliher with Rosario “Tito” Peña
EIC: Mike Pellerito
ISSN: 10440321; (October 2022)
192pp, Color, $8.99 U.S. (August 10, 2022 – direct market)


Rating: All-Ages

New stories: “Sunny with a Chance of Rescue!;” “Mall Madness!”


Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series.  Debuting in the spring of 1987, Betty & Veronica Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics.  The stories focus on two of Archie Comics' main characters, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie Andrews.  Sometimes, however, these digests open with an original story.

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #306, the latest edition, contains two brand new five -page stories.  The first is a “Betty and Veronica” tale entitled “Sunny with a Chance of Rescue!”  It is written by Tania Del Rio and is drawn by Jeff Shultz (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks).  The second is a “Pepper Smith” story entitled, “Mall Madness!”  It is written by Tom DeFalco and drawn by Bill Galvan (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks).  Both stories are colored by Glenn Whitmore and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Betty and Veronica in “Sunny with a Chance of Rescue!”:

It's summer, and Betty and Veronica are racing to Riverdale Beach.  It's time for their favorite summer activity – boy watching!  The summer lifeguard trials provide the perfect opportunity for the duo to check out the cute guys training to be lifeguards for the season, and their friends, Toni and Shelia, are joining in on the fun.  However, Betty and Veronica's decision to get up close and personal could lead to a need for rescuing.

Pepper Smith in “Mall Madness!”:

Pepper and Josie McCoy (of Josie and the Pussycats) are at the local mall shopping for bathing suits.  However, when word gets out that Josie's band mate, Melody Valentine, is also shopping for a bathing suit, things get hectic.  Now, Pepper and Josie have to escape … the mall madness!

THE LOWDOWN:  Betty & Veronica Double Digest #306 is a Betty & Veronica title, of course.  Thus, most of the stories feature Betty and Veronica as a duo or stories that focus on either Betty or Veronica.  This title also offers stories featuring other characters, as is the case in one of the two new stories included in this edition.

“Sunny with a Chance of Rescue!” is a Betty and Veronica story that offers the girls equal space as writer Tania Del Rio has them in a perfect partnership.  The story only works with them playing off each other's similarities.  It is one of the best new Archie Comics stories of the year, with artist Jeff Shultz perfectly capturing the classic Archie Comics vibe.

The second new story focuses on “other characters,” specifically Pepper Smith, a character from She's Josie, the precursor title to Josie and the Pussycats.  Tom DeFalco pens a surprisingly spry tale that plays of the offbeat luck of Pussycat, Melody, while using Pepper and Josie to drive the action.  Artist Bob Galvan expertly recalls the graphical style of Josie's creator, Dan DeCarlo, in this winning story.

The rest of this comic book offers one tale of Betty and/or Veronica after another, for your enjoyment.  As a Josie fan, however, I must inform you that there are three other Josie stories in Betty & Veronica Double Digest #306.  There is the two-part, “Lend Lease Part I & II,” and “Home is Where the Heart Is,” in addition to a reprint of some Josie pin-up art.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles.  However, this 306th edition of Betty & Veronica Double Digest is a standout simply because it offers two quality new stories, so I am recommending it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #306.

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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Tuesday, June 21, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA Double Digest #304

BETTY & VERONICA (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #304
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Tania Del Rio; Angelo DeCesare; Frank Doyle; George Gladir; Dick Malmgren; Dan Parent; Mike Pellowski; Barbara Slate; Hal Smith; Dexter Taylor; Kathleen Webb
PENCILS: Bill Golliher; Dan DeCarlo; Gus Lemoine; Stan Goldberg; Tim Kennedy; Bill Kresse; Rudy Lapick; Dan Parent; Fernando Ruiz; Jeff Shultz; Chic Stone; Dexter Taylor; Bill Vigoda
INKS: Jim Amash; Jon D'Agostino; Jim DeCarlo; Vince DeCarlo; Mike Esposito; Bill Kresse; John Lowe; Al Milgrom; Henry Scarpelli; Chic Stone
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vince DeCarlo; Bill Kresse; Dexter Taylor; Bill Yoshida
COVER: Dan Parent with Francis Bonnet
EIC: Mike Pellerito
ISSN: 10440321; (July 2022)
192pp, Color, $8.99 U.S. (June 1, 2022 – direct market)

Rating: All-Ages

New stories: “Smells Like Teen Spirits!”


Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series.  Debuting in the spring of 1987, Betty & Veronica Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics.  The stories focus on two of Archie Comics' main characters, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie Andrews.  Sometimes, however, these digests open with an original story.

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #304, the latest edition, contains one brand new story, “Smells Like Teen Spirits!”  It is written by Tania Del Rio; drawn by Bill Golliher (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by Jack Morelli.  It stars Sabrina Spellman with Betty and Veronica.  A teenage witch, Sabrina was created by writer George Gladir and artist Dan DeCarlo, and first appeared in Archie's Madhouse #22 (cover-dated: October 1962).  2022 is the sixtieth anniversary of the character, and Archie Comics is honoring the character with the “60 Years of Magic” celebration.

Sabrina in “Smells Like Teen Spirits!”:

The story opens at Riverdale Beach, and Sabrina is looking for a particular new pop-up shop among the beach's boardwalk shops.  Sabina hopes the new shop, “Perfume Pop-Up,” also sells empty perfume bottles.  She needs a thick new one to contain a troublesome potion she made that is about to break out of the flimsy old perfume bottle in which it is currently contained.

Unfortunately, all it takes is a moment for Betty and Veronica to expose themselves to the potion.  Now, unfortunate and unexpected things are happening to them, and Sabrina has to fix this awful situation without Betty and Veronica noticing.

THE LOWDOWN:  Although Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #304 is a Betty & Veronica title, it is also a celebration of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.  In addition to the new story, “Smell Like Teen Spirits!,” which is the story that opens this issue, the next six stories feature Sabrina as the star or co-star.

The rest of the Sabrina stories include classic old-school Sabrina characters like her Aunt Hilda and Della, the Head Witch, with Archie and the gang joining the fun.  Another delight, two of the stories are drawn by Sabrina's co-creator, the late Dan DeCarlo.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles.  And this 304th edition of Betty & Veronica Double Digest is doubly recommended because we get Betty & Veronica and the Archie Gang and Sabrina Spellman.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #304.

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



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---------------------


Wednesday, May 11, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA Double Digest #303

BETTY & VERONICA (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #303
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Dan Parent; Francis Bonnet with Bob Bolling; Frank Doyle; George Gladir; Bill Golliher; Mike Pellowski; Hal Smith; Dexter Taylor; Kathleen Webb
PENCILS: Dan Parent; Rex Lindsey with Bob Bolling; Doug Crane; Jon D'Agostino; Dan DeCarlo; Stan Goldberg; Tim Kennedy; Rudy Lapick; Jeff Shultz
INKS: Bob Smith; Rex Lindsey with Jim Amash; Jim DeCarlo; Vince DeCarlo; Mike Esposito; Rich Koslowski; Rudy Lapick; John Lowe; Al Milgrom; Henry Scarpelli; Ken Selig
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore with Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Rex Lindsey with Jon D'Agostino; Teresa Davidson; Vince DeCarlo; Phil Felix; Rod Ollerenshaw; Vickie Williams; Bill Yoshida
COVER: Bill Galvan and Ben Galvan with Rosario “Tito” Peña
EIC: Mike Pellerito
ISSN: 10440321; (June 2022)
192pp, Color, $8.99 U.S. (April 27, 2022 – direct market)

Rating: All-Ages

New stories: “New Trails, Trials, and Tribulations!” and “A Million Dollars Short”


Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series.  Debuting in the spring of 1987, Betty & Veronica Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics.  The stories focus on two of Archie Comics' main characters, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie Andrews.  Sometimes, however, these digests open with an original story.

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #303, the latest edition, contains two brand new stories.  The first is a “Betty & Veronica” story entitled “New Trails, Trials and Tribulations!”  It is written by Dan Parent; drawn by Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the Great Jack Morelli.  The second original is a “Cricket O'Dell” story entitled “A Million Dollars Short!”  It is written by Francis Bonnet; drawn and lettered by Rex Lindsey; and colored by Glenn Whitmore.

“New Trails, Trials and Tribulations!”

Betty, Veronica, Archie, and Jughead are ready to do some hiking.  Then, the gang discovers that their favorite hiking trail, Pike Trail, has been washed out by a flood.  They need to find a new one, but every other trail is riddled with problems.  Will Betty and Veronica and friends be able to find the perfect trail and enjoy the great outdoors?

“A Million Dollars Short!”

Betty and Veronica are having lunch when Veronica realizes that she has misplaced her purse … which has a million-dollar gold coin in it!  Luckily, Cricket O’Dell is also having lunch and she offers to use her sense of smell for money to track down the missing purse.  With Veronica at the wheel of her car, and Betty in the backseat, Cricket shouts out directions, sending them tearing through Riverdale as Cricket follows her nose towards the scent of the missing money.  Will they be able to track down the missing coin?

THE LOWDOWN:  “New Trails, Trials and Tribulations!” and “A Million Dollars Short!” are both only five pages long, and the latter is really a “Betty & Veronica” story guest-starring Cricket O'Dell (a recurring character who is a friend of Betty and Veronica).  Still, this is a welcomed ten new pages of classic-style Archie Comics, and I had a blast reading them.

There are also two stories featuring Josie McCoy (of Josie and the Pussycats), and both are drawn by the ultimate “Josie” comic book artist and her creator, Dan DeCarlo.  The easiest way to make me like any Archie “Jumbo Comics” digest is to include Josie, and the ten-page “The Photographers” and the six-page “Forget It” make me “over the moon” about Betty & Veronica Double Digest #303.

This edition of the digest also contains multiple pin-up illustrations featuring Betty or Veronica or both of the girls.  There are also several stories that seem to predate the “Silver Age” of comic books.  So I heartily recommend this 303rd edition of this digest, but I must warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #303.

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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------------------------


Friday, December 24, 2021

BETTY & VERONICA Jumbo Comics Double Digest #299

BETTY & VERONICA (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #299
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Bill Golliher with Craig Boldman; Frank Doyle; George Gladir; Al Hartley; Sid Jacobson; Dick Malmgren; Mike Pellowski; Hal Smith; Dexter Taylor; Kathleen Webb
PENCILS: Bill Golliher with Dan DeCarlo; Holly G!; Al Hartley; Pat Kennedy; Dan Parent; Jeff Shultz; Dexter Taylor
INKS: Jim Amash with John Costanza; Jon D'Agostino; Jimmy DeCarlo; Hy Eisman; Mike Esposito; Alison Flood; Rick Koslowski; Rudy Lapick; Al Milgrom; Henry Scarpelli; Dexter Taylor
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore with Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli with Vince DeCarlo; Dexter Taylor; Bill Yoshida
COVER: Jeff Shultz with Rosario “Tito” Peña
192pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rating: All-Ages

“Holiday Lights!”


Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series.  Debuting in the spring of 1987, Betty & Veronica Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics.  Sometimes, however, these digests open with an original story.

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #299 opens with the original story, “Holiday Lights!”  It is written by Bill Golliher; drawn by Golliher (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by Jack Morelli.

As “Holiday Lights!” opens, Betty and Veronica are planning their big Christmas party, which will take place at Veronica's family home, the Lodge estate.  Veronica has planned for a “killer light display” across the entire estate, and she wants it to be the biggest light display in Riverdale.  The party guests begin to arrive:  Moose & Midge, Toni & Kevin, Jughead, Dilton, Archie, and more.  Can the guests, however, discover the true spirit of Christmas beyond the light display?

THE LOWDOWN:  “Holiday Lights” is only five pages long, but it is a delightful tale.  It's easy to digest moral is a perfect fit for Christmas and for the end of the year holidays.

Like the concurrently released, World of Archie Double Digest #115, Betty & Veronica Double Digest #299 offers other Christmas-themed and holiday-themed stories.  There is also a two-part, movie studio-set mystery tale, “Mystery at the Studio” by classic-style Archie Comics creative stalwarts, writer George Gladir and artists Stan Goldberg (pencils) and Rudy Lapick (inks).  This digest also has some Betty solo comics and some Veronica solo comics … for those who want to enjoy the girls apart.

I must warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Christmas-themed comics will want Betty & Veronica Double Digest #299.

B+
7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



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--------------------


Thursday, December 23, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: WORLD OF ARCHIE Jumbo Comics Double Digest #115

WORLD OF ARCHIE (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #115
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ron Robbins with Frank Doyle; Craig Boldman; Bill Golliher; George Gladir; Tim Kennedy; Al Hartley; Mike Pellowski; Rich Margopoulos; J. Torres; Dexter Taylor
PENCILS: Pat & Tim Kennedy with Dan DeCarlo; Harry Lucey; Rex Lindsey; Bob Bolling; Dan Parent; Stan Goldberg; Bob White; Tim Kennedy; Al Hartley; Fernando Ruiz; Samm Schwartz; Henry Scarpelli; Dexter Taylor
INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Jon D'Agostino; Mike Esposito; Bob White; Rod Ollerenshaw; Rick Koslowski; Rudy Lapick; Samm Schwartz; Dexter Taylor; Henry Scarpelli; Joe Sinnott
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore with Barry Grossman; Rod Ollerenshaw; Digikore Studios
LETTERS: Jack Morelli with Bill Yoshida; Vickie Williams; Samm Schwartz; Dexter Taylor
COVER: Bill Golliher and Jeff Shultz with Rosario “Tito” Peña and Jack Morelli
192pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rating: All-Ages

“Santa Con Carne”


World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series.  Debuting in late 2010, World of Archie Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics.  Sometimes, however, these digests offer original stories.

World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #115 opens with an original story, “Santa Con Carne.”  It is written by Ron Robbins; drawn by Pat & Tim Kennedy (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by Jack Morelli.

“Santa Con Carne” opens on Christmas DayArchie, Betty, Veronica, and Trevor are enjoying the “Christmas Day Santa Con” and are surprised to meet the real Kris Kringle.  It seems he has a problem.  Something important to jolly old St. Nick is missing, and the culprit may be someone familiar to Archie and his friends.

THE LOWDOWN:  “Santa Con Carne” is both a strange and delightful story, and I think of it that way because the second half of the story reminds me of Winsor McCay's acclaimed comic strip, Little Nemo in Slumberland.  The surreal elements in “Santa Con Carne” are also similar to the flights of fancy found in Aki Irie's magical manga, Ran and the Gray World.  This story is five pages long, and I wished it was longer because it has potential.

Meanwhile, the rest of World of Archie Double Digest #115 is comprised of other Christmas and Christmas-themed and holiday-themed comics.  There are also other winter-set tales, and it would not be Archie Comics without some high school set misadventures.

I should warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Christmas-themed comic books will want World of Archie.

B+
7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Review: TUROK, Vol.1 #1

TUROK, VOL. 1, No. 1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT – @dynamitecomics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Chuck Wendig
ARTIST: Alvaro Sarraseca
COLORS: Triona Farrell
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
COVER A: Aaron Lopresti with Pete Pantazis
COVER B: Aaron Conley with Jean-Francois Beaulieu
COVER C: Alvaro Sarraseca
COVER D: Andy Belanger
COVER E: Aaron Lopresti (B&W)
COVER F: Alvaro Sarraseca (B&W)
COVER G: Aaron Lopresti with Pete Pantazis (Virgin Art Incentive)
COVER H: Dan Parent with Anwar Hanano (Limited Edition)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (2016)

Rated “Teen+”

“Blood Hunt”

Turok is an American comic book character that belonged to Western Publishing.  Turok first appeared in Four Color Comics #596 (cover dated:  October/November 1954), which was published by Dell Comics, and eventually got his own title, Turok, Son of Stone. Turok (also named “Mandan”) is a pre-Columbian Native American who, along with his brother, Andar, becomes trapped in an isolated canyon valley populated by dinosaurs.

In 1992, Valiant Comics introduced a revamped and re-imagined version of Turok.  Turok and and his brother Andar were now 18th century Native Americans and were trapped in “The Lost Lands.”  This was a land that existed in a self-contained loop where aliens, demons, and dinosaurs flourished.  Millions of years might pass outside the loop, but time barely moved inside the loop.

Dynamite Entertainment is the current license holder of Western Publishing, now Random House's comic book characters.  There is a new Turok comic book series.  It is set in the “Lost Valley,” a prehistoric jungle which exists in all points in time simultaneously.  The saurian Varanid Empire of dinosaur people rule the Lost Valley.  Here, Turok is trying to find a missing girl who may hold the clue as to how things changed so much in the valley.  Turok is written by Chuck Wendig; drawn by Alvaro Sarraseca; colored Triona Farrell; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.

Turok #1 opens on the “Thornbush Road,” on the way to Terminal Market, a prison belonging to the Varanid Empire.  Marak, a “pigblood” (half-human/half Varanid), and Nettle, a human, are being transported to the prison to become residents.  There is, however, a legendary hero aboard the transport.  He is Turok, and he actually wants to get inside Terminal Market.

My only previous experience reading Turok comic books is a Dark Horse Archives collection of the Dell Comics Turok from several years ago.  I was curious about Valiant Comics' Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, but got around to reading it.  It seems as if Dynamite's new Turok (part of a brand called “The Sovereigns”) is probably closer to Valiant's Turok than the original Dell Comics' Turok.

This new Turok is competently written and drawn, and these 21 pages are good enough to make me want to try the second issue.  There is not really enough here to make a solid judgment about the quality of the series, but I will give it a grade.  I really like the striking cover drawn by Aaron Lopresti and colored by Pete Pantazis.  Speaking of striking images, that last page will probably encourage readers to come back for at least a second issue.

[This comic book contains the Doctor Spektor back-up story, “Part 2,” by writer Aubrey Sitterson; artist Dylan Burnett; colored by Triona Farrell; and letterer Taylor Esposito.]

6.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, December 13, 2013

I Reads You Review: ARCHIE #634

ARCHIE #634
ARCHIE COMICS – @archiecomics

SCRIPT/PENCILS: Dan Parent
INKS: Rich Koslowski
LETTERS: Jack Morelli
COLORS: Digikore Studios
COVER: Dan Parent
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Archie Marries Valerie: Part 4 of 4 – “Here and Now!”

In Spring 2014, I started reading the Archie comic book series for the first time in years.  Archie #631 began a storyline that focused on a hypothetical romantic relationship between Archie Andrews and Valerie Smith of Josie and the Pussycats.  Apparently, the two characters had been paying special attention to one another for some time.

After Valerie and her family move to Archie’s hometown of Riverdale, the two become closer.  When the relationship takes a turn towards the really serious, Valerie goes for a walk down Memory Lane.  This is a magical street somewhere in Riverdale that allows characters to see possible futures.

Archie #634 (“Here and Now”) concludes the “Archie Marries Valerie” story arc.  The issue opens to find Archie and Valerie quite happy and touring as a musical act.  Things change dramatically when the two introduce their young daughter, Star, into their act.  Suddenly, the family finds itself getting unwanted attention.  Also, Memory Lane shows Valerie other possible futures.

When Archie #634 was originally published last year, it sold out before I could get to the comic book shop.  A year and a half later, I took advantage of a Mile High Comics sale to finally get a copy.  I was surprised to find that I enjoyed the story now as much as I did last year.  I wish that it would run longer, if for no other reason than to have regular Josie and the Pussycats, a childhood favorite about which I am still crazy in love.

Cheers to Dan Parent, the writer and lead artist behind this comic book.  As a big Josie and the Pussycats fan, I appreciate this story, but, in general, this is also a fun Archie comic book to read.

I’ll repeat myself:   if you ever read and liked Archie, you will read and like Archie again with this storyline.

A

www.archiecomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.




Saturday, June 2, 2012

I Reads You Review: ARCHIE #633

ARCHIE #633
ARCHIE COMICS

SCRIPT/PENCILS: Dan Parent
INKS: Rich Koslowski
LETTERS: Jack Morelli
COLORS: Digikore Studios
COVER: Dan Parent
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Archie Marries Valerie: Part 3 of 4 – “A Star is Born”

Readers who have been following the Archie comic book series know that a recent storyline has Archie Andrews dating Valerie Smith of Josie and the Pussycats. Apparently, the two have been paying special attention to each other for some time, and now that Valerie and her family have moved to Archie’s hometown of Riverdale, the two have gotten even closer. When the relationship takes a turn towards the really serious, Valerie goes for a walk down Memory Lane, a magical street somewhere in Riverdale that allows characters to see possible futures.

Archie #633 has Part 3 of the story (“A Star is Born”), and it finds Archie and Valerie married. To better focus on their new life together, Archie has quit his band, The Archies, and Valerie has also left Josie and the Pussycats. Now, the two bands have to find new members, but tensions rise when the new lineups don’t necessarily work out for the best. Meanwhile, things are also a little bumpy for the newlyweds, but Archie and Valerie are also in for some big changes in their lineup.

I pretty much can repeat what I said in my review of Archie #632: What a delightful comic book this is! I read it in a few minutes in one sitting. I tore through Archie #633 as if it held some great secret. I can’t remember the last time I read a comic book as fast as I read this one. Hooray for Dan Parent, the writer and lead artist behind this comic book. As a big Josie and the Pussycats fan, I appreciate his work.

I’ll say it again: if you ever read and liked Archie, you will read and like Archie again with this storyline.

A

http://www.archiecomics.com/

Thursday, May 31, 2012

I Reads You Review: ARCHIE #632

ARCHIE #632
ARCHIE COMICS

SCRIPT/PENCILS: Dan Parent
INKS: Rich Koslowski
LETTERS: Jack Morelli
COLORS: Digikore Studios
COVER: Dan Parent
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Archie Marries Valerie: Part 2 of 4 – “With this Ring!”

It had been several years since I’d read an Archie comic book, but my interest was aroused when I saw the cover of Archie #631. The cover featured Archie Andrews cradling Valerie Smith of Josie and the Pussycats in his arms, as the two kissed. I am a huge fan of Josie and the Pussycats going back to the two, early 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series starring the characters.

The current storyline running in the long-running Archie comic book series is “Archie Marries Valerie.” Apparently, the two have been eyeing each other for some time, and now that Valerie and her family have moved to Archie’s hometown of Riverdale, the two have gotten closer.

As Archie #632 opens, Valerie takes a stroll down Memory Lane, the magical street that allows characters to see possible futures. Valerie sees a future in which she and Archie are going to get married, but not everyone is happy, especially long-time, off-again, on-again girlfriend, Veronica Lodge. However, Valerie’s band, Josie and the Pussycats, and Archie’s band, The Archies, have an active touring schedule. So can they unite their separate professional lives in order to make a personal life together work?

What a delightful comic book this is. I wondered if Archie the series still had its special brand of charm and magic, and it does. I could read this every day. The simplest thing that I can say is that if you ever read and liked Archie, you can still read and like Archie. Current writer/artist, Dan Parent, keeps things retro cool, while modernizing the characters, settings, and plots, and that makes Archie’s very own comic book series eternally young and fun.

A-

http://www.archiecomics.com/

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

I Reads You Review: ARCHIE #631

"Jungle Fever"
ARCHIE #631
ARCHIE COMICS

SCRIPT/PENCILS: Dan Parent
INKS: Rich Koslowski
LETTERS: Jack Morelli
COLORS: Digikore Studios
COVER: Dan Parent
32pp, Color, $2.99

The CBS Saturday morning animated series, Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space (originally broadcast during the 1972-73 television season), was very important to me. It was the singular work that introduced me to and got me interested in comic books, science fiction, and all-things-fantasy. By the time I discovered that there was such a thing as a Josie and the Pussycats comic book, the title had been discontinued.

During a recent infrequent visit to a comic book shop in the region, I was scanning the shelves for a copy of Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2 #1, when I spotted the cover of Archie #631. I saw its depiction of Archie Andrews cradling Pussycat Valerie Smith as the two kissed, and I quickly snatched the comic off the shelf.

Apparently, Archie and Valerie have been eyeing each other for some time, much to the chagrin of Archie’s longtime, dual love interests, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge. Now, Valerie, her parents, and her little, brother Trevor AKA “Trev,” are moving to Archie and gang’s hometown of Riverdale. Now, that Archie and Valerie are closer, their fledgling romance takes flight. Not everyone is happy, but maybe Archie’s friends and Valerie’s band mates will just have to deal.

The Archie Comics creator of which I’m most acquainted is Dan DeCarlo, and I think of him when I think of Archie Comics. I can, however, learn to really like Dan Parent, who scripts and pencils Archie #631. He modernizes the characters and settings, but retains the eternally retro charm that is inherently Archie. The story moves at a lively pace and the dialogue and characterizations are funny and even a bit peppery, while staying in the zone that is Archie Comics’ version of “all ages.”

I bought Archie #631 because Josie and the Pussycats are in it, but I didn’t plan on really liking it. Dan Parent makes me want more.

http://www.archiecomics.com/