Welcome to the Archie Comics Pubwatch for the month of February! I’m Lisa, reporting from a corner booth at Pop’s Chock ‘lit Shoppe, and here’s this month’s news! In this month’s Archie Comics Pubwatch, a passel of new variant covers are on the horizon, South Side Serpent merch is at hand, and more new series are launched!
Stadium Comics Offers Exclusive Betty and Veronica: Friends Forever Spring Break #1 Variants; Dan Parant exclusive variant for Archie and Friends Guide to Dating #1
As with previous variant exclusives, Nuno Pereira has drawn the Betty Pop Art retro-style variant cover for Betty and Veronica: Friends Forever: Spring Break #1. It features Betty Cooper against a pink background in a pink and white polka dot bikini. Bill Walko, meanwhile, provides a parody of the cover of X-Men#101, which introduced Phoenix, for the same issue. On this cover, Veronica emerges from a wave in a green and yellow bikini wreathed in bright light, while a delighted Archie and Reggie point at her, bearing heart eyes, and a disgusted Betty floats in the foreground. Dan Parent, meanwhile, delivers a parody of the famous “Face it, Tiger, You Hit the Jackpot” scene from Amazing Spider-Man #226, which introduced Mary Jane Watson to the world. In this case, Cheryl Blossom utters the same line to a flustered Archie.
All three variants are limited to 250 copies each, all guaranteed to be VF/NM-graded quality or higher, or as part of a three-cover set, which is available on the links listed below.
All three editions retail for $14.99 each. The Pereira cover has sold out, but you can pre-order the Walko here (Walko is also offering signed editions over on his official website here for $15 plus shipping) and the Parent can be pre-ordered here! The Parent ships in late February and the Walko and Pereira covers in March.
Archie Comics Twitter Tweet of the Month
"Nice meme!" – Twitter Admin for Archie Comic Publications, Inc. https://t.co/q7PxnvruVj
— Archie Comics (@ArchieComics) February 2, 2021
Please sign up for our email list so we can send you daily emails until you get annoyed and unsubscribe: https://t.co/UGvxkSehDC pic.twitter.com/d6yIDIaqas
— Archie Comics (@ArchieComics) January 25, 2021
There were a ton this month, to be honest. You can never go wrong with snark.
Bonus: model-based horror:
Very cool, thanks for sharing!
Just one question: why did you move Pop's to what appears to be a hell dimension? https://t.co/bm0tE4Wces
— Archie Comics (@ArchieComics) January 25, 2021
Sugar Sugar of the Month
Archie 80th Anniversary Jumbo Comic Digest #1
Bill Golliher (Writing); Pat and Tim Kennedy (Art); Jack Morelli (art); Dan Parent (Cover); Bob Smith (Art); Glenn Whitmore (art)
February 2nd, 2021
If you like Archie then you’re going to have fun celebrating the 80th anniversary of everyone’s favorite lovelorn redhead with this special digest comic series. The first issue tweaks the longevity of the series in general when Archie and Jughead must team with the Time Cops to keep the Archie multiverse from pancaking into a single reality, which plays out in a sprightly and funny manner, with solid artwork. The digest’s bonus stories were selected by popular vote, making the issue a readable festival for any fan of the series.
Hotdogs and Hotshots
Archie and Friends Guide to Dating #1
Rosario “Tito” Peña (Cover); Jeff Shultz (Cover); Various (writer); Various (Art); Jack Morelli (Cover)
February 10th, 2021
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Archie and Co examine the ways of romantic love. Want to learn how to balance a sporty blonde and a high-class brunette? Archie probably has an answer for you – but honestly, I want to know what Moose’s secrets to true love are.
Archie Jumbo Comic Digest #371
Pat and Tim Kennedy (Art and cover); Jack Morelli (art); Dan Parent (Cover); Rosario “Tito” Peña (Cover); Ron Robbins (Writing); Bob Smith (Art and cover); Glenn Whitmore (art)
February 17th, 2020
When the gang celebrates Pop Tate’s birthday by taking him out for a fancy feast, they’re stunned to realize that the head chef, a celebrity. is Pops’ old rival from his teen years. May the cooking clash ensue! This one’s a lot of fun.
Archie Unlimited Picks of The Month
If you have Archie Unlimited, here are a few highlights from this month’s offerings!
Archie (2015-) #713 (Archie & Katy Keene Part 4): I’ve sung the praises of this one multiple times before, but this really was a fun arc.
Archie Showcase Digest #1: This one collects some ’50’s era Archie ridiculousness.
Archie Comics 80th Anniversary Presents Sabrina Manga: Color Collection Vol. 1: I’ve previously sung the praises of this sweet, fun manga tank on Sabrina’s mythos; teenagers will likely adore it.
Picks From The Timecops
Sabrina: Something Wicked TR
Veronica Fish (art and cover); Andy Fish (art); Jack Morelli (art); Kelly Thompson (writer)
March 3rd, 2021
The latest Sabrina series packs magical hijinx and fun worldbuilding into a single, tight story. Beautifully illustrated by Veronica and Andy Fish.
Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #318
Jim Amash (Art); Pat and Tim Kennedy (Cover and art); Jack Morelli (Cover And Art); Dan Parent (writing); Rosario “Tito” Peña (Cover); Bob Smith (Cover); Glenn Whitmore (Art)
March 24th, 2020
In the grand traditions of the Beverly Hillbillies and Caddyshack, Archie does battle with a groundhog that’s wrecking his family’s garden. Sounds hijinx-heavy!
Betty And Veronica: Jumbo Comics Digest #292
Bill Golliher (Writing); Jack Morelli (Cover And Art); Dan Parent (art and cover); Bob Smith (art); Glenn Whitmore (Art)
March 31st, 2021
A what-if story asks what would happen to Riverdale if Veronica and Betty were smarter than Dilton. A worthwhile question!
World of Archie Vol. 2
Rex Lindsey (Cover); Rosario “Tito” Peña (cover); Various (Art and Writing)
March 31st, 2021
Want to flashback to the ’90s? This series takes you and the Riverdale gang on a trip through time itself.
World of Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comic Digest #3
Bill Golliher (Writing); Jack Morelli (art); Dan Parent (Cover and Art); Bob Smith (Art); Glenn Whitmore (art)
March 17th, 2021
Your genderswap fanfics come true when Beau and Vernon pursue the hand of the lovely Archina in another Reversedale tale!
Second Looks
- Betty and Veronica: Friends Forever Spring Break #1
- World of Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comic Digest #2
