by Vic Bloom, Illustrated by Bob Montana, George Frese
Dark Horse,$24.99, 160 pages
This Dark Horse Special Edition is perfect. It is a collection of classic Archie comics printed on pulp paper, with matte print so it feels like reading the originals. The first stories came out between 1941 and 1950 and are organized into four chapters. Each chapter collects stories where a particular character is the focus. The chapters are Archie, Betty and Veronica, Jughead, and Reggie.
The stories are great. They are 70 years old but still good fun. The simplicity of the tales brings back memories of our past, when stories were written, drawn and colored by hand. Lifelong Archie fan or newbie, this is worth the read.
As a bit of a bonus, if the dust jacket is removed, the Riverdale High seal is embossed in gold on the cover!
Reviewed by Johanna Betis