Archie #589

September 27, 2008

Archie #589 (Archie Comics)
By Batton Lash & Bill Galvan

In part three of “Freshman Year,” Archie volunteers to work backstage on the school play so he can spend some time with Veronica. A makeover of his old tomboy pal Betty, however, sends Arch’s heart spinning into chaos — which girl does he like more? And thus, the eternal triangle begins. What’s really great about this storyline is how Batton Lash has several character storylines and subplots running simultaneously. Even as Archie begins his constant floundering between Betty and Veronica, we see Moose come to him in the hopes that Archie can help him win the heart of Midge Klump. At the same time, a new teacher at Riverdale may spell trouble for the new principal, Mr. Weatherbee. The book is remarkably well-balanced, and it really does feel like an organic, perfectly suited “origin” tale and not just something that was shoehorned into continuity. This is hands-down one of the best Archie stories in a very long time.
Rating: 10/10