Spotted: Lane Davies

Though it might be unwise for him to admit it in polite company, Lane Davies, our own original Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara," once starred in a short-lived Fox sitcom called "Woops!" The premise of the 1992 show was the aftermath of a nuclear war, when six people -- seemingly the only survivors -- gather at a farm to try to carry on with their lives.

They're quite a mix, these six. Davies is magnificently Masonlike as Curtis Thorpe, a former powerful stockbroker, forever clad in suit and tie and appropriately arrogant and authoritative. He's joined by Fred Applegate of "Night Court" and "Growing Pains," a schlumpy former homeless guy; Evan Handler of "Sex and the City" (with hair this time), the level-headed schoolteacher who narrates the show; Meagen Fay, who as the "bleeding heart liberal" of the group is poorly defined even by early-'90s standards; Marita Geraghty as the sexy ditzy girl (though brunette instead of blond, which doesn't seem to make sense, given the show's overuse of cliches); and Cleavant Derricks, patient pathologist and (even more patient) token black guy.

We had a special BRBTV viewing of four "Woops!" episodes (thanks, Tracy!). Despite the fact that it's vintage television, the show gives new meaning to the notion of absurdist comedy. Right away in the first few moments you're almost subconsciously suspending disbelief (the disbelief that the show actually aired, that is), though the more you watch, the more the initial blow is softened. Does it grow on you? Well ... ummmm ... maybe if you find one of its stars continually fascinating ...

Of the four eps, the most enjoyable was the one giving the best screen time to Davies. In it, he's assigned the chore of cleaning the farm's septic tank. He's truly traumatized, especially after losing his tie (read: corporate identity). He slips into a delusional state where he believes he's back in the mid-'80s, before this nuclear holocaust, and he's once again commanding his empire. (Sorry, no flashbacks featuring C.C. or Eden!)

Given the "Gilligan"-esque premise, we can kinda understand the fact that the characters always wear the same clothes, but really -- they have a whole world of clothing at their disposal! Are you telling us it's all radioactive or something? There have to be closets of clothing upstairs at the farmhouse!

OK, sorry. Thinking too much.

Josie and the Pussycats are purring again

OK, we don't make a practice of copying others' headlines (we used to write headlines ourselves for a living, once, ya know!), but this one was a good one. And along with the PR from Archie Comics, we got a line on the Hollywood Reporter's coverage of exciting news for Archie fans, and specifically fans of Josie and the Pussycats!

From Archie Comics

New York, NY -- Archie Comic Publications Inc. is excited to announce a partnership with entertainer and multimedia mogul Nick Cannon’s NCredible Entertainment to develop a scripted and nonscripted television series based on Josie and the Pussycats.

As part of Cannon’s vision to revive the famed rock trio, a worldwide search for the new Josie, Melody and Valerie will be chronicled on a potential reality competition series. The plan also includes a possible Josie offshoot, a dramedy scripted series starring the new band members. In addition, Archie plans to launch several new and exciting publishing projects for Josie and the Pussycats to coincide with the new series.

“We are thrilled to be working with Nick Cannon and the NCredible Entertainment team,” states Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater. “His relentless passion and compelling creative vision is exactly what Archie Comics is all about. Through this partnership we envision endless possibilities with Archie’s vast library of intellectual properties married with Cannon’s range of interests and talents.”

"Archie Comics and Josie and the Pussycats are both iconic brands that I am excited to be working with," Cannon says. “It is my vision to create a multiplatform campaign to bring the Josie and the Pussycats brand to life. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to experiencing huge success together."

Josie and the Pussycats, created at Archie Comics, is the first all-girl rock ‘n’ roll group in history and is an innovation that changed the face of music.

"Dallas" cast event postponed

On September 27, we reported on a fab New Year's Eve event planned with a dozen "Dallas" castmembers in Naples, Florida. Well, unfortunately the event has been postponed, BRBTV has learned from Jeanne Jackson, director of the J. Timothy Hogan Foundation, which is hosting the event. We'll let you know when we hear the new date and any other details.

"Dukes" fans celebrate a special VIP

You know, there's a reason we so dearly love our friends in "The Dukes of Hazzard" world. There's a reason we call them our very best friends.

A couple weeks ago, a special person in the "Dukes" world had a birthday. She's Miss Jo McLaney, fervent "Dukes" fan and preserver of precious "Dukes" collectibles at her former flower shop on the square in Covington, Georgia, a filming site of the first five "Dukes" episodes. We profiled Miss Jo in "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!", and we are privileged to call her a friend. Chad Fullerton, another longtime "Dukes" fan also featured in the book, decided to honor Miss Jo on her big day in a very public way. So we're including here, for your perusal, some images from that blessed day on the Covington Square ...


Both of these folks are lookin' good ... Here's Chad with Miss Jo, and the special plaque she received at her birthday celebration.

Can you believe that ole Boss Hogg had the nerve to show up? Turns out, he's a fan of Miss Jo, too! Who woulda thunk it?

Many thanks to Chad Fullerton and Denise Crews for the fine photos.

Also, check out the special video Denise put together for the birthday celebration, complete with a one-of-a-kind message from Bo Duke, John Schneider!

Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #604
The aftermath of the Archie story of the century continues! What could possibly happen next? The answers may astound you!
SCRIPT: Michael Uslan
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic shops December 23, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 5, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #138
THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO A TWO-PART STORY REINTRODUCING SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE CHARACTERS ARCHIE EVER PUBLISHED!
"Cosmic Cosmosis Part Two": The comic book characters unleashed through the inter-dimensional portal in the previous issue have moved out of the Pep Comics shop and into Archie's world! It's up to Chuck, Archie and their friends to retrieve the characters before they cause too much havoc... but it's not easy to contain a comic book character! However, the comic characters soon realize they aren't a perfect fit for the world of Riverdale. Cubby the Bear finds that the bears of Riverdale are kept in a zoo and don't talk. Cosmo and Orbi discover that most people either don't believe in life on Mars or fear the idea of extraterrestrials. The various monsters of Mad House cause a panic. Captain Sprocket gets in trouble for interfering in police business. And on and on it goes... Will these classic characters from comics' past ever go home, or will they lay down permanent roots in Riverdale? Will Archie and his friends manage to control the four color frenzy, or find themselves trapped in another dimension as well? The answers await you in this thrilling conclusion! And remember: anything can happen in a comic book... especially a comic book about comic books!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz
On sale at comic shops December 9, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 22, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS ALL-STARS VOLUME 2: BETTY'S DIARY
Originally appearing as a feature in Archie's Jokebook, then later in its own series as well as in the pages of BETTY, the "Betty's Diary" stories are among the most fondly remembered of all Archie tales, with a tremendous following that exists to this day. Told with first person narrative by Betty herself, the stories focused on the day to day events in her life as she truthfully related them in her diary. Warm, funny, touching, thought provoking, occasionally heartrending, but always told with a down to earth realness, Betty's "diary entries" made fans smile, cheer and think about life. Now readers can relive these oft-requested tales in this upscale edition!
SCRIPTS: Kathleen Webb, Frank Doyle, Rod Ollerenshaw
ART: Stan Goldberg, Bob Bolling, Dan DeCarlo
On sale at comic shops December 31, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 12, 2010
96-page, full-color trade paperback
$9.95 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #260
"The Snow Ball": Archie is determined to take Betty to the big dance, and he won't let little things like inclement weather, a car in need of repair and lack of funds get in the way... or will he?
SCRIPT: John Rose
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Joke's on Who?": When Reggie unleashes a practical joke spree, the teachers enlist the other students to fight--er, prank--back!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 31, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 12, 2010
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #245
"Now THAT Was a Mistake": When Archie wins not one, not two, but FIVE bouquets of roses from the local florist, he has to send them somewhere... and Betty and Veronica sure aren't happy about the other three!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Eat Those Words": Veronica enters a world she doesn't understand: the supermarket, where items marked "cheap" are desirable, you have to pick a number and wait in line for cold cuts, and you scan and bag your own items!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Good Old Days": A senior from the retirement home tells Betty and Veronica what it was like to be in the middle of a "love triangle" in an age without cell phones, texting and the internet!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Snow Daze": The girls would never be so immature as to participate in the boys' snowball brawl... unless they got hit, of course!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
On sale at comic shops December 16, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 29, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #200
MILESTONE 200th ISSUE CELEBRATION!
In honor of the 200th issue of BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST, intrepid reporter Ginger Lopez makes Betty & Veronica relive all their past dates in game show setting, just like "This is Your Life" - complete with silhouettes of ex-boyfriends behind dark screens! And just who are these exes? The answers will astound you... they include a few hunks making surprise guest-appearances!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
"Friendly Competition": When Betty and Veronica volunteer to help out with the grammar school after-school program; they encounter a trio of kids embroiled in a pint-sized love triangle of their own!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Bob Bolling
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 23, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 5, 2010
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #177
"NOT Second Best" Veronica is unfazed that Betty is better at winter sports - as long as there's a line of cute boys willing to help her at the ski lodge, she doesn't mind at all!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Pat Kennedy
"Going Around in Circles": Mr. Weatherbee introduces the new teacher to all the various circles of friends that populate Riverdale High, not to mention its famous triangle of love!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
"It's Shoe Time": If the shoe fits, wear it... but whatever you do, don't go shoe shopping with Betty & Veronica!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops January 7, 2010
On sale at newsstands January 19, 2010
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #156
"Spaced Out": Reggie imagines that Jughead is an alien from another planet... at least he thinks he's imagining it!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
"Horseplay": Ethel visits her cowgirl cousin Claudine in Oklahoma and has a rip-roaring good time at the rodeo - especially when a cute cowboy offers to show her around!
SCRIPT: Tim Kennedy
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 16, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 29, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

PALS 'N' GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #137
DON'T MISS PART THREE OF THE LATEST "NEW LOOK" SAGA THAT TRANSFORMS REGGIE FROM WISE GUY TO ROMEO!
"A Funny Kind of Love Part Three": The gorgeous new girl in town has Reggie's eye... but for how long? Bernadette Brownlee is beautiful and bright, and finds Reggie amusing despite her dislike of comedians. She promises to go to Reggie's performance as he competes in a major stand-up comic search... if he promises to try out for the debate team in return! No one is surprised at how Reggie's comedy act goes over... but are they prepared for seriously effective debating from the master prankster? It all leads to a dramatic turning point... and a decision that's neither a laughing matter nor up for debate, as far as Reggie is concerned! It's the most unexpected "New Look" story yet , rendered in the "realistic" art style that made Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" and "My Father's Betrayal," Jughead's "The Matchmakers," Moose and Midge's "Break-up Blues," and Archie and his friends' "Goodbye Forever" some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Tod Smith and Al Milgrom
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 9, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 22, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #36
"No Time for History": The new exchange student is out of this world... way out! Summer Madison has been sent from the future to witness 21st century life first-hand... and to meet Archie Andrews, who apparently is quite the hero in the history books of the future! But when Riverdale's teens grow suspicious of her, it could lead to full-blown space-time continuum chaos! You haven't got "time" to waste - reserve this issue today!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Fernando Ruiz
"What's in a Name": Rotten Reggie excels at calling people names - especially when an unusually named family moves into Riverdale!
SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 16, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 29, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

VERONICA #198
"Show me the Monet": An art student decides to make Veronica his muse... but is the world ready for Veronica to show up in every classical painting he does?
"Your Space or Mine": When Veronica introduces her father to the "Spacebook" social networking website, she ends up running "interference" between her dad and her friends!
"Star Treatment": A sci-fi star from the past uses Marcy to get close to Veronica... how long before he's "seeing stars"?!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic shops December 31, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 12, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

"Dallas" project gets a(nother) new approach

For years BRBTV has been of the opinion that the only real way to revisit the "Dallas" property -- and give it fresh life, great continuity, honor, respectability and a whole new generation of fans -- is to center it around the boys, John Ross and Christopher. Throw in some Pamela Rebecca Cooper, too, of course. We've been dyin' to know what those kids have been up to, after all! And so much time has elapsed that nobody has to pull one of those cheesy daytime-soap manuevers and hyper-age the kids too rapidly. John Ross just turned the big 3-0, Christopher is 28, and cute little Pammie is 25. Perfect prime age for cuttin' a few corporate deals, cheatin' a few poor widows, runnin' a ranch, hostin' a few barbecues or rodeos, and throwin' all kinds of people into the Southfork pool! Heck, even Margaret Krebbs and Lucas Ewing are 22 -- fresh out of college, ready to attack the world! They're half-cousins, so we can picture them as good friends, despite the complicated relationships of their parents. And twins Bobby and Betsy Ewing -- they're at a nice, prime age, too. Even little Jimmy Beaumont is probably around 20.

Yea, we're likin' this. We're likin' this a lot. And we would look forward to seeing how the city of Dallas itself has changed since the oil-rich '80s. How would this fresh set of faces wear their 2010 Texan surrounds? Hmmm ...

So bring it on, man! Tell us their story!!!! Hire on the original actors to play 'em, if possible, and bring on a Hagman or a Duffy every other episode or so!!! Sounds like heaven!!!!

Well, we're encouraged by what we just read in the Hollywood Reporter. The rumors have been swirling for a couple months about TNT's "Dallas" project, such a long way, it seems, from the whole big-screen John Travolta thing. Now TNT has tapped Cynthia Cidre to write the script. She has some experience with primetime dramas; she created 2007's short-lived "Cane."

"The initial idea was to have the series revolve around J.R. and Sue Ellen's son John Ross and Bobby and Pam's adopted son Christopher," THR says, "but the studio and the network are waiting for Cidre's take on the Ewing clan and want to read her script before making a decision."

OK, if we say pretty please with sugar on top??????????????

Dreaming of an orange Christmas? Here are a few things to put a "Yeeee-haaaa!" in your stocking

Ahhhh ... Christmastime. And we do mean CHRISTMAStime, here at the BRBTV News Blog, being firm supporters of Christmas and all. Heck, we're even firm supporters of keeping this economy alive! And on our Black Friday daytrip up to the Big Apple, we were fairly sure that the flagship Macy's store on 34th Street was doing that all by itself!!! But we know the economy needs you, too. So in that spirit -- and certainly in the spirit of giving -- here are a few shopping ideas to wave under your "Dukes of Hazzard"-loving nose ...

"Dukes" tote bag

It's a John-John exclusive, found only on the official site of our own Bo Duke. We've seen similar totes a-totin' around at events like Dukesfest over the years, but this design is just too cute. In fact, it's what precipitated this blog post in the first place -- we get the cast members' e-newsletters on a regular basis, but when we saw this little cutie, let's just say game over! We had to pass it along! And the price is reasonable, too!

$7, buy here

Acoustic Christmas CD

Christmas music is something we can't get enough of this time of year, but Christmas music sung by John Schneider? And recorded in his personal studio? Sign us the heck up!

$12.99, buy here

James Best original art

You've been seeing it at "Dukes" events for a few years now -- have you gotten yourself one yet? This is nice stuff, not just the "Dukes"-themed pieces. You can get one of his originals, some acrylic and some oil, or snag yourself a print for a little break on the pocketbook.
$50 - $1,200, buy here and here

"Best in Hollywood: The Good, The Bad and the Beautiful" by James Best

Anyone who's frequented the Confederate General Lee Fan Club message board in the past few years knows that James Best can write up a story like nobody's business. He's got all kinds of great nuggets from his early days in Hollywood. This book is new this year, and he even employs his beautiful beagle to help in the promo video! "The Good Lord really blessed me," he says. Amen.

$25 signed, plus shipping, buy here

BRBTV birthdays for December

- Forry Smith, the dashing Reese Walker on "SB," turns 57 on December 1.
- Charlene Tilton, little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," turns 51 on December 1, though reports sometimes conflict on her age.
- Nicolas Coster, the unforgettable Lionel Lockridge on "SB," as well as Lyle Sloan and Joe Morris on "Dallas," and even Ezra Bushmaster in "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood" TV movie, turns 76 on December 3.
- Morgan Brittany, who also was unforgettable as the Bobby-stalking Katherine Wentworth on "Dallas," and who played Mary Lou Pringle on a 1980 episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Hazzardville Horror," celebrates her birthday on December 5, this year turning 58.
- Gunnar Hellström, who not only played Rolf Brundin on "Dallas" but also directed some episodes, was born on December 6, 1928 and died on November 28, 2001.
- Tom Fuccello, who was Sen. Dave Culver on "Dallas," was born on December 11, 1936, and died on August 16, 1993.
- Sheree J. Wilson, our own April Stevens Ewing of "Dallas," is the same age as our little Lucy (apparently!), turning 51 on December 12.
- Thaao Penghlis, who was Dr. Micah De Angelis in the tail-end of the run of "Santa Barbara," turns 64 on December 15.
- Helen Slater, who voiced Talia on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 46 on December 15.
- Christopher Cazenove, rugged and angry bro to Blake Carrington as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 66 on December 17.
- Brad Pitt, who was a very youthful Randy, boyfriend to Charlie, in one of his very first roles, on "Dallas," turns 46 on December 18.
- Karen Moncrieff, who played Cassandra Benedict on "Santa Barbara," turns 46 on December 20.
- Jared Martin, our own Dusty Farlow of "Dallas," turns 68 on December 21, according to the IMDb, although sources are conflicting.
- John Callahan, who was Craig Hunt on "SB," turns 56 on December 23.
- Susan Lucci, the evil Hillary Taylor in the latter years of "Dallas," has a birthday on Saturday, December 23, as well, turning 63.
- Dane Witherspoon, who originated the role of Joe Perkins on "Santa Barbara," turns 52 on December 27.
- Terri Garber, who was the feisty Leslie Carrington on "Dynasty," as well as Suzanne Collier on "SB," turns 49 on December 28.
- Barbara Carrera, who played the evil Angelica Nero on "Dallas," turns 64 on New Year's Eve, December 31, although sources have conflicted on that one, too!

Happy birthday to all, whatever age ya are!!!!! (It IS good to be alive, after all, isn't it???)

Archie releases first digital-only comic book

From Archie Comics

Archie Comics has just released an all-new holiday special Betty & Veronica Christmas Spectacular as its first exclusively digital comic book.

This new special holiday issue is Archie’s next step into the future of comic books. Archie Comics is embracing the digital medium in 2009, partnering with iVerse Media to open its online comic store archiedigital.com and also to release previously printed comics in digital versions for iTunes. The first of these releases, Archie Freshman Year #1, established Archie Comics as a grassroots digital comics leader when it quickly became the most downloaded comic book on iTunes.

Releasing an issue directly to digital may seem like the next logical move, but Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater emphasized the company’s desire to make their first digital-only release “something unique and extraordinary.” Betty & Veronica Christmas Spectacular is certain to live up to these expectations, especially in the eyes of fans who have eagerly anticipated this issue since the Betty & Veronica Spectacular title was saved from cancellation by a fan-organized movement on Facebook earlier in the year.

Betty & Veronica Christmas Spectacular is available now in the iTunes Store for download as an app for the iPhone and iPod Touch: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/betty-and-veronica-christmas-spectacular/id334714885?mt=8

BETTY & VERONICA CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
“Have Yourself a Cheryl Little Christmas” starring the whole Archie gang and featuring fan-favorite “bad girl” Cheryl Blossom along with appearances from familiar magical holiday characters Santa Claus and Jingles the Elf.
Story & Pencils: Dan Parent
Inks: Rich Koslowski
Full-color digital comic
$1.99

Spotted: Joseph Campanella

Looking stately and seasoned in his military uniform and considerably younger than Hutch Corrigan, Joseph Campanella kept his eyes on a menacing "Meteor" six years before he portrayed Connie Colby's faithful gentleman caller on "The Colbys."

The 1979 film features a megawatt classic-star cast, namely Sean Connery on a "Bond" break. There's also Karl Malden, Henry Fonda, Natalie Wood, and even the oh-so recognizable Michael Zaslow, so infamous as Roger Thorpe on "The Guiding Light" around that time (remember, Tammy, how we used to joke as kids about how creepy he was?!).

Campanella plays the father of an astronaut whose job it is to help mitigate the threat of the five-mile-wide meteor. His velvety voice is as smooth and respectable as ever, as he monitors the dangerous mission from the communication headquarters.

Fan gets a chance to appear in an Archie Comics story

From Archie Comics

Earlier this year, one lucky comic book fan won the opportunity to appear in an Archie Comics story in a special contest from Kids Comic Con, Time Out New York magazine and Archie Comics.

When Time Out New York Magazine’s Time Out Kids web page held a poll where kids where asked who their favorite comic book characters are, Summer chose Betty and Veronica… and now, just like her faves Summer is a part of comic book history!

In the story titled “Summer Spring Show,” Betty and Veronica babysit Summer. It soon becomes apparent that everyone’s favorite comic book teens are in for a really big show… and they’re the stars! Summer is a “showbiz kid” with a flair for the theatrical, and she literally shines the spotlight on Betty and Veronica as she engages them in interactive skits, songs and more. Summer’s debut is sure to go down as one of the most memorable “first appearances” in comics ever!

Alex Simmons, writer of this special story, has also written novels, plays and historical biographies. With all of his accomplishments, educating children remains Simmons’ #1 passion. As a guest speaker and teaching artist, he travels the country conducting creative writing workshops, and is also the Educational Outreach Director for New York City’s Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art.

In 2007, Alex launched the family-friendly Kids Comic Con, a celebration of children’s comics and their creators that is both entertaining and educational. It was at this year’s third annual convention that Summer’s winning entry was revealed.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #139
SCRIPTS: Alex Simmons
ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic shops: January 13, 2010
On sale at newsstands: January 26, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

Tracy Scoggins plans Anaheim con stop

Sure, she's done that "Babylon 5" thing, and there was that gig on "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" in the '90s. But to us, she's Monica Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," as well as Anita Smithfield of the "Dallas" realm and even some cool time on "The Dukes of Hazzard." Now Tracy Scoggins is heading to Anaheim, California, for the Anaheim Comic Con.

Con dates are April 16-18, 2010 (never too early for travel plans!) at the Anaheim Convention Center. The event is hosted by pop-culture-con heavy Wizard World. Learn more at their site.

The guest list of the con is shaping up to be quite fab, besides. Catherine Bach of "The Dukes of Hazzard" is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Michael York, who did voices on our beloved "Batman" and "Superman" animated series of the '90s as well as a regular role on the "Dallas" spinoff "Knots Landing," will be there. Throw in William Shatner, Adam West, Erik Estrada and a host of other classic stars, and it will be supercool.

Spotted: John Forsythe and George Hamilton

Before he ever tapped them for his lush primetime drama "Dynasty," producer Aaron Spelling put John Forsythe and George Hamilton to good use in another project, "The Users," a 1978 movie about the unsavory behavior of Hollywood.

In a script by Dominick Dunne based on Joyce Haber's novel, "The Users" is so '70s, a little slow in parts, and way-hokey in dialogue compared to today's standards. But for classic star fare, it rates big-time.

Tony Curtis as a tempermental actor rumored to be all washed up leads the way, with Red Buttons, Alan Feinstein, Joan Fontaine as the gossipy Hollywood-socialite cliche Grace St. George, Darren McGavin, a delightfully young Michelle Phillips, John Pleshette and even a Romulan we remember from classic "Star Trek," Joanne Linville! Wow. But that's not all. The one holding all the power throughout the movie is none other than one of Spelling's "Charlie's Angels," Jaclyn Smith, who as Elena Scheider looks like she drew from the very same yummy '70s wardrobe as Kelly Garrett. She's smart, she's cunning, and she pulls it all off as Ms. Small-Town Innocent as she climbs to acclaim on the arm of Curtis.

But back to John Forsythe and George Hamilton! Our future Blake Carrington (who, like Smith, was two years into "Angels" at the time) is not much younger here, but dashing as ever. His Reade Jamieson is steady and faithful and seems to be the only one who's not fooled by the petty games played in the industry -- and he certainly gets rewarded for it! To see him sharing an actual scene (you know, visually!) with his "Angels" co-star is delish.

As Adam Baker, our future Joel Abrigore is lean, suave, and confident enough, though a little bewildered and needy as a behind-the-scenes Hollywood heavy needing a big score. And yes, he's tan (you knew we had to mention that, right?).

We're guessing "The Users" didn't win any awards, but nowadays, its value is all in its vintage star appeal.

John Schneider: Who took the "Promise" out of the "Promised Land"?

John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," has been busy as always, but in-between those numerous acting gigs he's always thinkin' about his music. He just recorded a new song he feels strongly about, and he's urging fans to spread it across the 'Net.

"The Promise" is written by Schneider's friend Phil Redrow, who played Tex in his film "Collier & Co." Redrow is "an amazing songwriter," Schneider says. "That song went right to my soul. Johnny Cash once told me that a song would find me one day that I would just have to record, no two ways about it. When I heard this song I knew it was the one the Man in Black had told me about. It's not that he knew that particular song; it was more that he knew me well enough to know that it would be an amazing song that would put me back in the studio."

Schneider continues, "Phil's song is the sad truth about what is happening in this country with the economy, the unemployment rate, the devaluing of the elderly. A song that asks a very tough question."

You can find "The Promise" on YouTube.

Besides his studio time, Schneider's latest acting work: "The last couple of months I did 'What Would Jesus Do,' shot the pilot for 'Crash Dummies' (which you will be able to see on SPIKE very soon), been working on a six-hour miniseries based on the book, 'Shadow of an Indian Star.'"

Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #603
Life has taken some amazing turns for Archie and his friends lately. What path will Archie follow next? One thing is certain: should he choose to venture back down memory lane, anything can happen!
SCRIPT: Michael Uslan
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic shops: November 25, 2009
Newsstands: December 8, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #137
PART ONE OF A TWO-PART STORY THAT REINTRODUCES SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE CHARACTERS ARCHIE EVER PUBLISHED!
"Cosmic Cosmosis Part One": Working at the Pep Comics shop to get a discount on comics and a place to store his collection, Chuck is visited by his friends as he bags and boards. Suddenly, glowing meteors from the MLJ Nebula rain down in Riverdale, including one that crashes into the shop and morphs into a door to other dimensions! This cosmic portal leads to a world that Chuck, Archie and his friends have only ever seen in comics... a world of talking ducks and bears, super-powered heroes and oddball beings from other planets. It doesn't take them long to realize they are in the presence of a veritable "who's who" of some of the greatest comic book characters ever published by Archie and its earlier incarnation, MLJ Comics: Captain Sprocket, Cosmo the Merry Martian, Squoimy the Woim, Gloomy Gus, Judge Owl, Ginger, Suzie and more! The trouble is, now that the "fantasy world" has invaded the "real world," the "fictional" characters seek as much a taste of reality as possible: Wilbur and Seymour want to meet "real" girls to date, Pat the Brat realizes there's a whole new potential audience to pull pranks on, Cubby the Bear wants to see how earth bears live, and more. On top of it all, Super Duck and Reggie get into a no-holds-barred shouting match! Realizing the veritable "Pandora's Box" situation they're in, Archie decides it would best for the comic book characters to go back through the portal to return to their own worlds... but the characters have other plans. Namely, they plan to stay indefinitely!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz
On sale at comic shops: November 11, 2009
Newsstands: November 24, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE NEW LOOK SERIES VOLUME 3: MOOSE & MIDGE – BREAKUP BLUES
It's the third installment in Archie's dynamic "New Look" series! For years, Archie fans the world over wondered what their favorite Riverdale teens would look like if rendered in a realistic style, and in 2007, Archie Comics answered the question with the ground-breaking, pulse-pounding, media-grabbing story: "Betty & Veronica: Bad Boy Trouble!" The success of that story prompted them to create an entire "New Look" series, continuing with "Jughead: The Matchmakers!" Now, Archie Comics reprints "Moose & Midge: Breakup Blues" from PALS ‘N GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #125-128. When Midge decides to go on a date with Reggie Mantle behind Moose's back, the relationship dissolves before their friends' very eyes! Can Betty, Archie and Veronica help the two former lovebirds see the light and rekindle the flame between them? You'll never guess who comes to the rescue in this captivating story, brought to you by "New Look" scribe Melanie J. Morgan and masterfully penciled in the realistic style by veteran artist Tod Smith, with inks from journeyman talent Al Milgrom. Let's just hope Riverdale can survive the epic rift!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Tod Smith and Al Milgrom
On sale at comic shops: November 25, 2009
Newsstands: December 8, 2009
112-page, full-color 6" x 9" square bound paperback
$10.95 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #259
"Scene in Public": Ahoy, ye hungry vagabonds! Archie and his friends have a swashbucklin' good time when they visit a pirate-themed restaurant.
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Pat Kennedy
"Playing Footsie": A sprained ankle leads to all of Archie's friends competing to help him out... and he loves the attention!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: November 18, 2009
Newsstands: December 1, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #204
"Prize Surprise": A mysterious prize inside a cereal box baffles Archie and his friends... and may be a bigger mystery than they realize!
SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy
"Toy Story": A visit to the toy store is a trip down memory lane... and a look into the future... for Archie's dad!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Bob Bolling
"A Class Act": The roots of the Archies band are revealed in this rockin' Little Archie tale!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Bob Bolling
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: December 3, 2009
Newsstands: December 15, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

BETTY #183
"Close Encounters of the Clothespin Kind": Betty's friends are left "hanging on the line" when she becomes obsessed with her clothespin doll collection!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Many Magic Moments": When Betty's grandparents come over for the holidays they bring their own Christmas ornaments – each representing a magical moment in their romance!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Party Smarty": It's time once again for beloved holiday traditions: stockings, presents, mistletoe... and competing Christmas parties from Betty and Veronica!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Cold Spell!": The weather may be cold, but Archie knows how to warm Betty's heart!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic shops: December 3, 2009
Newsstands: December 15, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #199
"The Fame Game": The "Goodwill Girls" have become the "Green Girls!" They've set their sights on ways to conserve energy at Riverdale High and free up costs for school supplies. But Veronica's too busy trying to become a star and can't pitch in. Wait until her friends end up in the spotlight! This timely tale highlights the movement toward "no tray days" at schools across the country.
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: November 11, 2009
Newsstands: November 24, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #176
FEATURING AN ALL-NEW CHERYL BLOSSOM STORY!
"The Seventh Month Itch": With her birthday just around the corner, Cheryl Blossom is worried that her boyfriend George has developed a wandering eye... and concern turns to anger when he discovers Betty and Veronica are his "Spacebook" friends! But nothing prepares her for the surprise ahead!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
"Home Theater Buzz": The unveiling of Mr. Lodge's remodeled, state-of-the art home theater creates a buzz that brings all of Riverdale's teens to his home... and that's one "buzz" he can't get out of his ears!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"Party Time": Filled with the holiday spirit, Veronica enhances an event to feed the needy by transforming it into a feel-good, cool-yule costume party!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: November 25, 2009
Newsstands: December 8, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD #198
"Dine by Design": Jughead doesn't take well to the latest restaurant trend toward tiny-sized, slider-style hamburgers, and counters by launching his own new wave of designer burgers! Will his dreams of a sandwich supreme come true, or will they get "ground" to pieces like so much chopped meat?
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Rex Lindsey
On sale at comic shops: November 25, 2009
Newsstands: December 8, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #35
"Playing Santa": When ‘ol Kris Kringle needs extra help delivering presents, Jughead trades in his trademark crown cap for a genuine Santa hat in this festive holiday tale!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Fernando Ruiz
"Fast Food": Things really get cooking when 60-minute TV chef Ethel Elray comes to Riverdale!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: November 25, 2009
Newsstands: December 8, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #155
"The Film Maker": After his experience in Hollywood last issue, Jughead decides to become a filmmaker. Will audiences "quack up" when they see his "duck-umentary?"
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Lunch Break": Everyone knows there's "no free lunch"... or is there? If anyone can find out, it's Jughead!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Bill Galvan
"Poe Boy": While writing a report on the macabre bard of Baltimore, Jughead learns that nothing's im-POE-ssible when it comes to the imagination!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Bill Galvan
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: November 11, 2009
Newsstands: November 24, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

BACKLIST

Holidays are a time of good will and cheer, and this month's backlist titles are no exception!

Archie's Holiday Fun Digests, carol with Archie and his Friends with these 96-page yuletide bonanzas, which feature some of everyone's favorite Riverdale holiday stories.

ARCHIE'S HOLIDAY FUN DIGEST #9
Tis the Season to be Jolly, as Archie and his friends celebrate in true Holiday style! Archie and crew have long displayed their holiday spirit, and now through the magic of this digest series, many of the Christmas classics of old are re-presented along with new yuletide tales. It's a stocking-full of good holiday cheer you won't want to miss!
PLUS: Class yuletide tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: November 11, 2009
Newsstands: November 24, 2009
96-page, full-color digest
$2.39 U.S.

ARCHIE'S HOLIDAY FUN DIGEST #10
"The Job": A stint as a department store Santa listening to children's Christmas wish lists could inspire a list of Archie's own: incorrigible, bratty, and pushy are some words that come to mind!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Class yuletide tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: November 11, 2009
Newsstands: November 24, 2009
96-page, full-color digest
$2.39 U.S.

ARCHIE'S HOLIDAY FUN DIGEST #11
"Holiday Rush": Betty and Veronica lament the fact that the stores seem to rush the holiday months before it hits...until Mr. Lodge gives them some early Christmas gifts! "Gift Horse Laugh": Reggie gets a nice holiday bonus at his job and the gang suspects he's going to spend it all on himself. Or will the holiday spirit dictate otherwise? "Gift Exchange": Chuck and Moose are having a hard time figuring out what to get their girlfriends for Christmas, until they make suggestions for each other's girls!
SCRIPTS: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Class yuletide tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: November 11, 2009
Newsstands: November 24, 2009
96-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

ARCHIE'S HOLIDAY FUN DIGEST #12
"Archie's Holiday Scrapbook": Relive the cherished holiday memories of Archie and his friends as you pour through their festive "scrapbook" filled with their first Christmas photos and other memorabilia they've collected through the years. Along the way, you'll witness many firsts: Archie's discovery of mistletoe, Betty & Veronica's first gift-shopping sprees, Jughead's first holiday buffet and Reggie's first mirror! It's an old-fashioned Christmas you'll be delighted to celebrate!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
PLUS: Class yuletide tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: November 11, 2009
Newsstands: November 24, 2009
96-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art features "The Art of Archie"

Join New York City's Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art --- MoCCA --- in celebrating the world of Archie Comics, from November 19, 2009 through February 28, 2010.

The exhibition, which kicks off with a special evening reception on November 19, will feature pages and pages of rare comic art, as well as vintage house ads, news clippings, custom collectibles, toys and other merchandise from Archie's 65-plus years as America's eternal teenager.

For more info, check the museum's site, particularly this page!

BRBTV birthdays for November

- Timothy Patrick Murphy, who was Mickey Trotter on "Dallas," was born on November 3, 1959 and died December 6, 1988.
- Kate Reid, who was Mickey's mom Lil on "Dallas," was born on November 4, 1930 and died March 27, 1993.
- Deborah Rennard, our own Sly Lovegren on "Dallas," turns 50 on November 4.
- Todd McKee, our own original Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 46 on November 7.
- Russell Johnson, who is a BRBTV triple-shot for playing Sheriff Wyatt Mansfield on "Dallas," Earl Thompson on "Dynasty" and the third Roger Wainwright (Julia's dad) on "SB," turns 85 on November 10.
- Jack Scalia, the mysterious Nicholas Pearce / Joey Lombardi on "Dallas," has a birthday on November 10, as well, turning 59.
- Vincent Irizarry, a bigtime soaper who was Scott Clark on "SB," turns 50 on November 12.
- Dack Rambo, the hunky Jack Ewing of "Dallas," was born on November 13, 1941 and died of AIDS on March 21, 1994.
- Tracy Scoggins, our Monica Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," as well as Anita Smithfield on "Dallas: War of the Ewings," turns 56 on November 13.
- Edward Asner, the voice of Roland Daggett in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 80 on November 15.
- Tricia Cast, who was Christy Duvall on "Santa Barbara," turns 41 on November 16.
- George O. Petrie, who played Harv Smithfield on "Dallas," was born on November 16, 1912 and died November 16, 1997.
- Brandon Call, the third Brandon DeMott Capwell on "SB," who was also notable as J.T. Lambert on ABC's sitcom "Step By Step" (side-by-side with Sasha Mitchell and Patrick Duffy of "Dallas"), as well as Hobie Buchanon in the syndicated "Baywatch," turns a so-young 33 on November 17.
- Rock Hudson, who played Daniel Reece on "Dynasty," was born on November 17, 1925 and, like Dack Rambo, died of AIDS, on October 2, 1985.
- Linda Evans, Hudson's on-screen love interest for a time, as Krystle on "Dynasty," turns 67 on November 18.
- Jocelyn Brando, who was John Ross' nanny Mrs. Reeves on "Dallas," was born on November 18, 1919 and died November 27, 2005.
- Joseph Campanella, a true classic actor who is a BRBTV triple-shot for his roles as mobster Joseph Lombardi Sr. on "Dallas" and Hutch Corrigan on "The Colbys," as well as Dr. Matthew Thorne on "Batman: TAS," turns 82 on November 21.
- Deborah Shelton, the stunning Mandy Winger on "Dallas," turns 61 on November 21.
- Maxwell Caulfield, our own Miles Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," turns 50 on November 23.
- Michael Brainard, our final Ted Capwell on "Santa Barbara," turns 44 on November 23.
- Roscoe Born, our "SB" evil-twin actor as Robert Barr and Quinn Armitage, turns 59 on November 24.
- Howard Duff, who was Sen. Henry Harrison O'Dell on "Dallas," then Paul Galveston on the spinoff, "Knots Landing," was born on November 24, 1913 and died July 8, 1990.
- And ... sigh ... one of BRBTV's very favorite actors ... the wonderful, the great, the accomplished, the amazing (!) Ricardo Montalban, who was Zach Powers on "The Colbys" among so many other things, was born on November 25, 1920, and died on January 14, 2009.
- Marcy Walker, our own Eden Capwell of "SB" who since has settled into work for God's Kingdom, turns 48 on November 26.
- Joshua Harris, our darling little Christopher Ewing of "Dallas," is a big boy now, turning 31 on November 27.
- Stephen Elliott, who was Scotty Demarest on "Dallas," was born on November 27, 1918 and died May 21, 2005.
- Sherilyn Wolter, the evil Elena Nikolas / Capwell on "SB," has a birthday on November 30, turning 58.
- Efrem Zimbalist Jr., who voiced Alfred the butler in "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 91 on November 30.
- Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman in "Batman: The Animated Series" and all the other series that spun off from it, as well as playing Bart Fallmont on "Dynasty," turns 54 on November 30.


Happy birthday to all!

Diahann Carroll has new small-screen and stage projects

The folks at Diahann Carroll's official website inform us that the songstress and onetime Dominique Deveraux of "Dynasty" has some new stuff going on.

Right now, Carroll has a recurring role on the new USA Network Series "White Collar."

"We are very excited about this new series, that has a very strong cast and excellent writers," says webmaster Kathy Bartels.

Carroll also will be co-starring in two Lifetime feature productions, "At Risk" and "The Front." Filming in Toronto, the movies are based on Patricia Cornwell novels and also star Andie MacDowell. They are scheduled to air in the first quarter of 2010.

"For those of you in the New York City area," Bartels says, "she will be appearing at Lincoln Center on the evening of November 16, along with Wynton Marsalis and Michael Feinstein, in the annual Jazz at Lincoln Center Fundraiser."

Get your getup ready for the Archie Halloween Costume Contest

From Archie Comics

It's that SPOOKY time of year...

Halloween is fun for both the young and young at heart. Archie Comics wants to see how creative their fans are, so they're presenting the "2009 Archie Halloween Costume Contest!"

Here are all the details you need to join in the fun:

Get your costume together (for you and/or your pet).
Take a picture.
Email it as an attachment to 2009.halloween.contest@archiecomics.com
Be sure to put the words "2009 Costume Contest" in the subject line!
And you can enter more than once!*

The contest will be closed for new entries at midnight (EST) on Halloween, October 31, so begin submitting your photos today! ALL photos** will be put up on the Archie Comics website on Halloween, October 31, with the voting starting November 1.

There are 12 prizes this year:
2 Grand Prizes: One-year free subscriptions to http://www.ArchieDigital.com!
10 Runners-up Prizes: 30 day subscriptions to http://www.ArchieDigital.com!

Voting ends at 12:00 AM EST November 15. The costumes that get the most votes** WIN!

* You can enter more than once, but to make sure as many people get to have fun, each contestant can only win one prize per contest.
** Photos must be suitable for the entire family to be featue on the Archie Comics website.
*** Each voter can only vote once. Double voting is not allowed.

Lane Davies: A hot cat, yes, but tin? Never!

There he goes again, Mr. Lane Davies, our own original Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara," generating some more ink ...

This time it's the Elmira (N.Y.) College News profiling Davies on his next stint, as patriarch Big Daddy in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" later this month.

"Inimitable ," indeed!

Betty Cooper's most confidential secrets revealed in special give-away comic

From Archie Comics

Over the past several years, Archie Comics has delighted comic shop customers with exclusive giveaway comics produced in conjunction with Diamond Distribution. In addition to Archie’s involvement in Diamond’s annual Free Comic Book Day program, Archie has also served up thrills and chills come Halloween-time. These full-color, 16-page, Halloween-themed comics have all-new stories and art and make the perfect “treat” for the goody bags of costumed revelers.

This year, Archie Comics is back with another fun-filled giveaway issue. Betty’s most confidential secrets are the focus in this tale that highlights Betty’s fabled Diary. Popular writer-penciler Dan Parent unravels the thrilling details with fan-favorite Rich Koslowski on board providing the inks, so this issue is sure to appeal not just to children but adult collectors as well.

In “Betty Cooper, Confidential,” Betty is en route to the book binder to get her diary professionally bound when a stiff wind literally sends the pages of her life flying! Will her friends be able to resist taking a peek at the pages they recover? Just what has Betty written about everyone over the years? These answers and more await you in this suspenseful and poignant tale, the perfect lead-in to the soon-to-be-released trade paperback collection, ARCHIE’S ALL-STARS PRESENTS VOLUME 2: BETTY’S DIARY!

This 16-page giveaway comic may be ordered through comic shops in bundles of 25 for you to give away to trick-or-treaters at your home. Although participating comic shops giveaway one free copy to their customers the bundles are not free, they are for sale at your local comic shop. Go to http://www.comicshoplocator.com/ to find a shop near you.

James Best has a double-header appearance in Hickory, N.C.

It's "Best Fest" in Hickory, N.C., as our own Rosco P. Coltrane of "The Dukes of Hazzard" appears at two separate events in one weekend later this month.

On Saturday, October 24, James Best will be showing his original art and signing copies of his book, "Best in Hollywood," at Hickory's Finest Custom Framing on Highway 127 North. The event runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The next day, he'll be having some lunch with fans at the River Street Grill at the Rivercrest Golf Course. The country buffet, which is 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is $9.95 for adults and $4.95 for kids under age 8.

Visit JamesBest.com to learn more.

John Schneider in concert next month

John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," will be in concert on Thanksgiving weekend at the Sky City Casino in Acoma, New Mexico. He hits the stage on Saturday, November 28.

To find out more, visit Skycity.com or call 1-888-SKY-CITY (759-2489)

Archie Comics signs with Creative Artists Agency

From Archie Comics

Archie Comic Publications Inc. has signed with CAA to represent the company in pursuing new developments in film, television, music, interactive media, direct-to-video and theatrical animation.

“With CAA’s guidance, we feel Archie Comics Library of characters can be at the forefront of a new entertainment powerhouse with strong brands for fans of every age,” said Jon Goldwater, co-CEO of Archie Comics.

"Now more than ever, the comic book industry's ability to create and nurture enduring characters and stories to translate to other media is key. Just look at the value the Marvel Comics characters hold for Disney," added Goldwater, alluding to Disney's recent purchase of Marvel Entertainment. "Archie Comics is positioned to add the same value with its deep library of properties."

While major emphasis will be placed on building the franchises for such cornerstone properties as Archie and his Friends, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Josie and the Pussycats, the company also plans to draw upon its 70-year publishing history encompassing thousands of characters. Archie has sold over 1.5 Billion comics and is published in a dozen languages and distributed all over the world.

“The Archie Library of characters is far more varied in style, diverse in content and aimed at more age groups than most people are aware,” added Goldwater. “We see huge growth opportunities for other properties such as Katy Keene, Suzie and Ginger, tough guys Sam Hill and Young Dr. Masters as well as great teen and ‘tween characters like Seymour, That Wilkin Boy and Wilbur.”

Other youthful properties will see new attention in both publishing and other media including Little Archie, Archie Babies, Li'l Jinx, Pat the Brat, Dotty and Ditto, and Pipsqueak.

“Then there are our cult classics like Cosmo the Merry Martian and Super Duck that we feel are primed and ready for CGI animation. We have thousands of characters to draw from,” noted Goldwater.

“In the coming months we expect to have extremely exciting news on bringing all our comic book characters to life in a variety of media,” concluded Goldwater.

As they say in the comics, “to be continued…”

Hold the phone! Archie dumps Veronica for Betty?

From Archie Comics

Since the world first found out Archie was getting married, fans everywhere hoped Betty would be the bride. But those fans discovered quickly Archie Andrews chose Veronica Lodge over Betty Cooper and they were angry! They felt Archie had made the wrong choice, and they are very vocal about it! On television, in the newspapers, and on blogs all over the Internet, fans loudly rejected Archie’s choice.

Despite the tide of public opinion, Archie proposed to Veronica in ARCHIE #600 and she accepted! Fans hoped that something would ruin the wedding plans and Archie would end up with Betty. In ARCHIE #601, not only did Archie and Veronica get married, but Archie joined Lodge Enterprises! Despite all of that, fans everywhere still agreed – Archie made the wrong choice. They didn’t care that Archie and Veronica are happily married, that he has a good job and that they have twins. It didn’t matter what Archie wants, the fans want Archie to choose Betty!

Now Archie Comics will listen to the cry of fans around the world and in ARCHIE #603, Archie Andrews will propose to Betty Cooper!

What about Veronica? Will Archie and Veronica divorce? What about the twins? What about Lodge Enterprises? Will Archie lose his job? What will Mr. & Mrs. Andrews think? What will Mr. & Mrs. Lodge think? What will Mr. & Mrs. Cooper think? What will Jughead think???

Most importantly, what will fans think when Betty finally gets Archie?

The answers to all those questions and more are in ARCHIE #603 - #605 as the “Archie Gets Married” storyline continues. Remember; be careful what you ask for. You just might get it!

(OK, BRBTV will bite ... WE WANT CHERYL BLOSSOM!!!!)