Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #600
IT'S THE MILESTONE 600th ISSUE AND WE'RE SERVING UP THE ARCHIE STORY OF THE CENTURY AS ARCHIE MARRIES VERONICA!!!
"Archie Marries Veronica Part 1: The Proposal": Could it be true? Has Archie finally decided to take the plunge and propose to comics' favorite rich girl? It sure looks that way! Earlier this year readers got a chance to relive "Freshman Year" with the famous teens of Riverdale High. Now make way for this special story that takes a look at Archie and his friends after they graduate college! What careers will they seek? Will the friends stay in Riverdale or disperse? What would lead Archie to have marriage on his mind? And why would he choose Veronica over Betty? How will Betty react? Can Archie shake off his klutzy past and hold down a steady job... for more than a month? Two things are certain: with the Lodges as hosts, this will be the biggest wedding Riverdale has ever seen... and the biggest Archie Comics story since the famous "Love Showdown!" Acclaimed superhero movie producer Michael Uslan draws upon his lifelong love of Archie comic books to write this very special tale, rendered by legendary Archie Comics artist Stan Goldberg! The Archie story of the century begins here... don't miss it!
SCRIPT: Michael Uslan
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 19, 2009
On sale on newsstands: September 1, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #134
"The Archies in New York": Not since the Beatles first landed in America has a rock band's trip to Manhattan caused such excitement! The Archies have touched down in the Big Apple for a gig in Central Park. Of course, when in the big city be sure to partake of the big sights... and partake the group does! From the Plaza Royal Hotel to the swank shops at Central Park West and the world famous Tavern on the Green, the band makes the most of their stay. They even meet famous New York "celebrities" like late night talk show host David Betterman, gossip columnist Liz Smythe and real estate mogul Donald Stump! Best of all, their concert benefits the New York Homeless Shelter! Archie, rock 'n' roll and the greatest city on earth – has there ever been a more perfect combination? It's all brought to you by no less a pop music authority than Hal Lifson, author of the swingin' sixties coffee table tome, "Hal Lifson's 1966!"
SCRIPT: Hal Lifson
ART: Dan Parent
"Fair Time": Its time for rides, games, contests and more when Archie and his friends enjoy one last summer at the Riverdale County Fair!
SCRIPT: John Rose.
ART: Dan Parent. "Archie's Guide to Body Language": The story that proves every "body" has something to say!
SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare
ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 12, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 25, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #201
PART TWO OF THE LATEST, POIGNANT "NEW LOOK" TALE!
"Goodbye Forever Part Two": A promotion for Mr. Andrews means a new hometown for Archie... and his closest friends are crushed! So far, only Betty and Jughead know, but Veronica is about to find out, along with the rest of the gang having snacks at Pop's Chok'lit Shoppe. That tremor running through Riverdale isn't an earthquake, but the collective shock of all of Archie's friends as they hear the news! Can Riverdale ever be the same? It's the most poignant "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 "Matchmakers," and Moose and Midge's "Break-up Blues" some of the most talked about Archie stories in recent years! Multiple award-winning and -nominated artist Norm Breyfogle brings his fine-tuned talents to this heart-tugging tale, brought to you by "New Look" scribe Melanie J. Morgan.
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Norm Breyfogle
PLUS.: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 12, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 25, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #243
"It's All About Mia": Coach Betty must teach her new star soccer player that there's no "I" in team!
SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare
ART: Jeff Shultz
"The Impossible Dream": Betty dreams... literally... of the perfect solution to the love triangle!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Flip Service": Betty and Veronica "flip" head over heels for their new karate instructor!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 26, 2009
On sale on newsstands: September 8, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #197
"Route 66 Here We Come": It's both fast and furious... furiously funny and entertaining that is – this pavement pounding tale of eco-friendly cars... libraries promoting literacy through comic reading... suitcase cars... famous sites like the Cadillac Ranch... and more as the teens rev up for a Route 66 rendezvous! Special guest appearance by Phil Yeh of "Cartoonists Across America!"
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Birdhouse Builders": A simple birdhouse building project becomes a major development... and we do mean major... when Veronica gets involved! PLU.S.: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONU.S.: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: September 1, 2009
On sale on newsstands: September 15, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #153
"Celebration Elation": The 100th anniversary of Pop Tate's Chock'lit Shoppe comes once in a lifetime... and is Pop ever grateful for that!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Penny Wise-Guy": Reggie cries "small change" when Jughead finds a penny... until it starts yielding dividend upon dividend!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Bill Galvan
"Show & Tell": It's Friday afternoon, and that means weekend fever for Jughead!
SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy
PLU.S.: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONU.S.: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 26, 2009
On sale on newsstands: September 8, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #134
"Car Pool?": Rev up your engine for a worry-reversal when Archie lends his car to his dad!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Me, Myself & I": The world awaits the outcome when Archie adopts Jughead's new decision-making process!
SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy
"A Fish Tale": When Archie and Jughead invite Reggie fishing, Riverdale's resident wise guy tries to "bait" the pair into falling for his pranks!
SCRIPT: John Rose
ART: Fernando Ruiz
PLUS.: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONU.S.: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 19, 2009
On sale on newsstands: September 1, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

VERONICA #196
"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 specialty shops: September 1, 2009
On sale on newsstands: September 15, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

Smoky Mountain Fan Fest: A little "Duke" boy's dream

It pays to emulate Bo Duke, ya know. Especially if you're a young'un. Hunter Seiber, 4, of Tennessee found that out when he won a local contest -- and tickets for his family to attend this past weekend's Smoky Mountain Fan Fest. His parents submitted Halloween photos of him, depicting him dressed up like Bo Duke complete with beige shirt and blond wig, to the local newspaper. Fellow fans voted online, and Hunter took the top prize.

"He won two tickets to Fan Fest and three nights' stay at the Holiday Inn and dinner for two, for three nights," his mom, Tammy Seiber, says. "The package also included meeting the cast members. So we are very excited that he won!!!! He loves 'The Dukes of Hazzard.'"

Tammy sent BRBTV these photos of the weekend's fun, where Hunter and his family got to meet not only Catherine Bach, Sonny Shroyer, Don Pedro Colley, Byron Cherry, James Best, Ben Jones and Rick Hurst of "The Dukes," but also Butch Patrick of "The Munsters," Donna Douglas of "The Beverly Hillbillies" and Munchkin Margaret Pellegrini of "The Wizard of Oz." Crazy, classic stuff!




The family got autographs from all the "Dukes" cast members who were at the event, which was held at the Smokies Baseball Stadium in Kodak, Tennessee.

"Donna Douglas (Elly May Clampett) was also there and was sweet enough to let us snap a picture at the hotel where we stayed," Tammy says, "along with all of the cast members that were at Fan Fest (that was a treat, especially for Hunter)."



"Some of the entertainment included the Country Tonight Theater from Pigeon Forge, Cooter's Garage Band, with Cletus and Enos joining them on stage for a couple of songs (Rick Hurst was so funny)," she says, "and Catherine Bach and her two daughters (Laura and Sophia, above) sang Patsy Cline's 'Crazy,' and Janie Fricke closed the show."



"I would just have to say some moments that stand out in my mind would be Byron Cherry, he is always fun with the kids," Tammy says, "and when Catherine was told about Hunter winning a 'Dukes of Hazzard' look-alike contest, she signed all eight items we had for free. I thought that was very classy. And last, Ben asked if he could display Hunter's contest-winning photo in one of his Cooter's store museums (very touching to a proud momma). We had a very fun time."



Many thanks to Tammy and her whole family for sharing the fun with us!

Photos by Tammy Seiber

Tennessee Shakespeare Festival: A little peek

Ahhhh ... it takes a special kind of "Santa Barbara" fan to drive across the country just to see one of the show's stars in the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival. While we cannot show you photos of the actual play we saw since it was an Equity production, we can still offer a little glimpse of the whole experience ... four days in a car, 1,100 miles, from D.C. to Dalton, Georgia, to pick up a fellow "SB" fan, then up to Bell Buckle, Tennessee ...

What a sweet little town that the festival host, the Webb School, is located in, we saw as we arrived on Saturday afternoon ....


We couldn't resist taking a closer look at this bright caboose, retired and parked near the main street of town.


There it is ... the very event that brings us here ...


The stage is set for "Romeo & Juliet," inside a roomy and comfy tent on the grounds of the school.

The Webb School also produced "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as part of this summer's festival; those playdates were in June and earlier July. The Tennessee Shakespeare Festival is in its second year.

This version of "Romeo & Juliet" was set on the frontier of 18th-century America, complete with Redcoats and Indians. "After almost 40 years of acting, directing and producing Shakespeare," director Lane Davies said, "I look for ways to freshen the more familiar plays without compromising the story or the author's intent. I especially wanted a period that would preserve the romanticism of this season's 'Romeo & Juliet,' as well as exploit the opportunities for the more visceral and violent aspects of the play."

Some of the actors rehearse the fight scenes before the play.

There he is, the man of the hour, Mr. Lane Davies, our own Mason Capwell of "SB." After the show, he did some meet-and-greet and was incredibly warm and cordial.

Not only did he direct the play, but had a powerful role as Prince, the Redcoat who was tasked with some formidable crowd control amid the warring Montagues and Capulets. For this key role, which basically served as our "host" for the classic love story, Davies' voice thundered from the balcony as if he were Mason fighting once again with his dad C.C.! But after the show ... he was the most handsome and kind Southern gentleman, so at ease with chatting with folks!

Davies has another upcoming stage gig, by the way: Henry Higgins in "My Fair Lady" in September at Smyrna, Tennessee's Lamplighter's Theatre.

Davies suggested this photo with our traveling companion Tracy. "Now you can say you've been on stage with me," he softly joked as he led her over to the prop well. Thanks, Mr. Davies, for a fine, fine production of "Romeo & Juliet," and for the amazing work you do!

To see more photos from this crazy chick road trip, see BRB's author profile page in Facebook.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand!

Spotted: Michael Parks

Wow, that's some mile-high hair on that dude. And if you didn't look close, you wouldn't realize that it's Michael Parks, our own Phillip Colby of "The Colbys." Sydney Pollack directed this episode of "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" (yes, we're still on that classic tour, and we're gonna bring you each and every BRBTV star we spot among the master of horror's hourlong TV shots!).

Parks plays Dr. Dan Dana in "Diagnosis: Danger," one of two episodes of the series he appeared in, about 25 years before he came back from the grave to torment poor Frankie Colby. He's an epidemiologist dealing with an anthrax outbreak in L.A. Parks seems taller and leaner than his "Colbys" days (Johnny Bravo hair helps), though the tilt of the head is certainly the same. Horned-rim glasses add a nice touch.

The Calilfornia-born Parks began his acting career at only age 20 and has numerous roles to his credit. He's even got a couple new projects in the works: "The Last Horseman" and "Smokin' Aces: Blowback."

BRB releases her third novel, "Enie"

There's just something different about Enie.

From the moment this mysterious young woman sweeps into the sleepy Southern town of April's Hope, she raises eyebrows. Well-spoken and so "city," she quickly purchases the town's most expensive piece of real estate: the elaborate, hulking, custom-built stone house, which has sat empty for two years. She also keeps the details of her personal life to a minimum ... fresh out of Philly, her fortune made in Internet domain prospecting in the 1990s, looking for something different in her life ...

Just why Enie is in the town of April's Hope is sure to keep readers guessing in the third novel from longtime author and journalist Billie Rae Bates -- known on this news blog as our own BRB.

"She's a mysterious figure, and she's very different," says Bates, who up until a couple months ago lived in the South, herself. "Tongues quickly start wagging about her, and as the story progresses, it's clear there's something unusual going on with her life. She's on the run from something or someone, and strange things seem to happen around her."

"Enie" is a story about redemption, the author says. "Just about every character in the book experiences some sort of personal redemption, however great or small, and for the two main characters, it's very big."

"Enie," a 388-page trade paperback, is a departure from Bates' other two novels, "Rubi" and "Call Me Mary Magdalene." The other two books were set in downtown Detroit, where Bates spent seven years living and working. Those first two novels also were written in the first person, whereas "Enie" is written in the third person. And another element unique to "Enie": for the character and place names, the 41-year-old reached back in time -- to her elementary school days, to be exact.

"I mixed and matched first and last names of kids I went to school with," she says. "There's a Jodi Lane, a Hall Street, a city named Markton ... and the character names are mostly derived from pieces of those elementary schoolmate names."

Born and raised in rural mid-Michigan, Bates graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and English. She spent 10 years in the daily newspaper business, including The Detroit News, before moving into the corporate world for several years. She then worked in ministry for several years while living in Georgia, all the while developing not only the novels but also BRBTV, which began as a web tribute to classic '80s TV shows such as "Dallas" and "The Dukes of Hazzard" and evolved into fact books and reference guides.

The idea for "Enie" came to Bates on May 18, 2004, as she was sitting at her kitchen table in northern Michigan, where she had worked as a director of communication at a health system. "I dismissed it at first," she admits, "because I was just finishing up my second novel for print and really didn't want to take on another project, and I was nurturing a lot of BRBTV projects at the time, too. But the more I tried to ignore this idea for a third novel, the more it seemed to chase me around. I realized that the project was very special."

In some ways it's been a labor of love, much like the attention-getting photo-essay project, "My Mother's Clothing," which she launched in 2008 in celebration of her 40th birthday. The yearlong project, a sort of weekly photo and essay blog, chronicled 52 different pieces from the clothing collection once belonging to her mother, Lois Ann Bates, and originally worn in the '50s and '60s. Bates followed up My Mother's Clothing with a second yearlong photo essay project for 2009, "The Inexplicable Lives of Dolls," which showcases her own fashion doll collection from childhood and modern times.

And now, as a special initiative in memory of her mother, Bates is giving away a free copy of "Enie" to 100 friends and family members who've supported her in her writing efforts.

"Any writer will tell you, this business is a long, long road, rife with rejection," says Bates, who recently moved from Georgia to the Washington, D.C., area. "I've very much appreciated anyone I've known who's paid a compliment, bought a book, or shown support in some other way. Plus, I believe so much in this story that I'm going to make sure someone reads it -- even if I have to give the books away!"

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Enie"
Paperback: 388 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439236321
ISBN-13: 978-1439236321
Available at Amazon, BookSurge, Target.com, Alibris, Abebooks.com and other e-tailers

Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #599
"Return to Riverstock": It's peace, love and rock 'n roll as Archie Comics commemorates the 40th anniversary of the original Woodstock concert/cultural happening! Join The Archies and all their friends as they enjoy the "Riverstock Festival!" When those friends include Riverdale's resident "flower child" Mustang Sally, you know you're in for a groovy time! The kids use their concert as an opportunity to promote environmental issues, and their parents see the event as a chance to relive and reminisce about their own experiences at the original Riverstock. In addition to all the music, fun and positive vibes, this story is filled with the best the '60s had to offer - from peace symbols to colorful fashions to the favored rock instruments of the decade, it's all here in this tuneful tale! It's all brought to you by no less an authority than Hal Lifson, author of the swingin' sixties pop culture tome, "Hal Lifson's 1966!"
SCRIPT: Hal Lifson
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Mower Madness": Archie cuts lawns to raise the entry fee for the big go-kart race, but can he "cut it" against his speedy competitors?
SCRIPT: John Rose
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Beach Brouhaha": Archie learns summer jobs are no day at the beach, even when those jobs are ON the beach!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 22, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 4, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #133
"Archie is History Part 2 of 2": Last issue, Archie and his friends went to Washington, D.C. to take part in a living history festival - where everyone dons costumes of their favorite historical figures! But now Archie's wallet is history - it's been mysteriously stolen and everyone's return bus tickets are inside! Meanwhile, Reggie tries making political power plays while Veronica tries making a real estate deal of historic proportions - literally! Before story's end, a valuable lesson about Honest Abe Lincoln is learned... and just wait until you see who's disguised as Ben Franklin! It's a trip through history filled with laughter and learning, as only the Archie gang can deliver!
SCRIPT: Arie Kaplan
ART: Pat Kennedy
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 21, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #256
"Reel Funny": Archie and Reggie bet one another a free meal for whoever can catch the most fish... now if only they can get the fish to cooperate! "Just Imagine": Whether he realizes it or not, Archie's summer job as kiddie pool lifeguard bears a striking resemblance to Mr. Weatherbee's position as principal!
SCRIPTS: 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 specialty shops: July 29, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 11, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #200
SPECIAL MILESTONE 200th - AND THE LATEST IN THE "NEW LOOK" SERIES!
"Goodbye Forever": Archie's dad finally receives the promotion he's been working a lifetime for, but it comes at a price: the family must relocate and leave Riverdale! How will this affect Archie's two best girls, Betty and Veronica, not to mention his best friend, Jughead? Who will rise to bedevil Mr. Lodge and Mr. Weatherbee in Archie's absence? Can a hamburger and fries really taste the same if Archie isn't there to share Pop Tate's delectable dishes? Why even Reggie will miss having Archie around to play pranks on. It's the most poignant "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 "Match Makers," and Moose and Midge's "Break-up Blues" some of the most-talked about Archie stories in recent years! Multiple award-winning and nominated artist Norm Breyfogle brings his fine-tuned talents to this heart-tugging tale, brought to you by "New Look" scribe Melanie J. Morgan.
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Norm Breyfogle
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 21, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

BETTY #181
"The Diva Wore Yada": A summer internship at "Harmon's Bazzar" fashion magazine brings Betty face-to-face with a demanding diva of a boss. Imagine Betty's surprise when the boss demands she model for the magazine's spring fashion spectacular! Celebrity news columnist Hal Lifson brings his fashionable first-hand perspective to this "tongue-in-chic" tale!
SCRIPT: Hal Lifson
ART: Stan Goldberg
"The Big Pitch": The "Good Will Girls" are back and their charity baseball game is a grand-slam success... especially with Betty pitching strikes from the mound and Archie pitching snacks in the stands!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Applause for Paws": Hot Dog makes a "splash"... by "catching a wave"... at the dog surfing contest!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: August 5, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 18, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #90
SEE MORE STARS THAN ARE IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM IN THIS CELEBRITY-PACKED ISSUE!
"Star Struck": It's a boy band brouhaha, as Betty and Veronica get jobs as reporters for Ginger Lopez's "Glitz Magazine" and have a controversial run-in with The Juneau Brothers! "Paparazzi Problem": To gossip or not to gossip... that is the rumor! "Sign Me Up": Mr. Lodge reveals a sensational secret from his past: he once dated a celebrity! All this, plus pop-culture extras like a Hollywood quiz, celebrity fashions, and more!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 15, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 28, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #196
"The Past Will Haunt You": By popular demand, secret agents Betty & Veronica (last seen in BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #87) return! Last time, those super secret spies with the chic mystique, Betty and Veronica saved Archie with the help of some high tech gadgets from Dilton, not to mention a mystery operative. Just who was she, and what is her connection to Archie? Don't miss the mysterious answer!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
"A Bad Attitude": The gang learns if there's one thing that spreads faster than bad news, it's a bad attitude!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb
ART: Bob Bolling
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 22, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 4, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #173
THIS IS IT - THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO THE MOST EXPLOSIVE "NEW LOOK" STORY YET!
"My Father's Betrayal Part 4": The latest "New Look" saga has rocked Riverdale, with Veronica and her friends facing off against Mr. Lodge and his constituents as the teens try to keep a beloved nature preserve from becoming an industrial park! This issue, the debate reaches a fever pitch, and someone may just get hurt! Can the two sides resolve their differences peacefully and constructively? Is there a compromise yet to be considered or will the opponents stay deadlocked forever? It's the explosive conclusion you just can't miss, served up in the "realistic" art style that made Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" Jughead's "Match Makers," and Moose and Midge's "Break-up Blues" some of the most-talked about Archie stories in recent years! Famous superhero art team and Eisner Award nominees Rick Burchett and Terry Austin lend their formidable penciling and inking talents to this intriguing tale, brought to you by "New Look" scribe Melanie J. Morgan.
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Rick Burchett and Terry Austin
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: August 5, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 18, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD #196
"Tortoise vs. Hare": A charity run at the zoo brings a challenge from Ethel: if she wins, Jughead owes her a month's worth of dates watching chick flicks. If he wins, she owes him dinner. But each faces a major obstacle - Ethel's job wearing mascot costumes finds her saddled in a turtle suit while Jughead must resist the lure of all the food vendors along the trail! Who will win? Will Jughead sacrifice mile marker snacks for a full course dinner? Will Ethel's cumbersome costume put the kibosh on canoodling at the multiplex? Don't get left behind in the pack... lace up your running shoes and race to reserve this issue today!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Rex Lindsey
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 29, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 11, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #152
"Theme Park Lark": Mr. Lodge asks Jughead for suggestions on his new amusement park... and is highly amused by all of those suggestions! But are those suggestions really just in jest?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Beach Bot": It's sand, surf and circuitry when Dilton unveils his amazing new robot at Riverdale beach!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Bob Bolling
"Picture Perfect": Can Jughead shift his "focus" from food long enough to enter the photo contest?
SCRIPT AND ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 22, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 4, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

PALS 'N' GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #133
First, Archie reprinted PEP COMICS #22 and ARCHIE COMICS #1 to celebrate Archie's 65th anniversary in ARCHIE DIGEST #236. Then, Jughead got the same treatment in JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #138. That was followed by BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #185, a special issue commemorating the anniversary of ARCHIE'S GIRLS BETTY & VERONICA #1 from 1950. Now, one of Archie's most (in)famous characters, Reggie Mantle is celebrated in this special edition of ARCHIE'S PESTS... er... ARCHIE'S PALS 'N GALS DIGEST! Archie Comics is pleased to present this vintage material once more, including one of Reggie's earliest appearances in JACKPOT #5 as well as the entire first issue of ARCHIE'S RIVAL REGGIE in its entirety.
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
"Reggie Meets Reggie": In addition to the classic tales, Reggie gets the same opportunity Archie, Jughead and Betty and Veronica received in the aforementioned issues: the opportunity for his present self to meet his past self! And since there's no one Reggie loves more than himself, we can't think of anyone he'd rather meet! It's all courtesy of a trip down "memory lane," that magical road that leads to all sorts of space-time continuum chaos! Will modern Reggie's jokes and pranks be "new" in the 1950s? Will he even have time to crack wise when he angers the '50s Moose? It's a Reggie story for the ages... literally!
SCRIPT: Fernando Ruiz
ART: Rex Lindsey
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 22, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 4, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #104
THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO YOUNG SALEM'S TALE!
"Finders - Keepers Part Four": Our look back at young Salem concludes in grand fashion! Our boy wizard must brave the dank caves and vicious Lizarymn to rescue his Uncle Mort from the evil wizard Todicus. Can Salem match up to Todicus's magic? Can he out-wit his leathery foe? Will the young wizard-in-training prevail in the most treacherous trial yet? There's only one way to find out - don't miss this fantas-magical finale!
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn
ART: Chad Thomas
Massively magical cover by Chad Thomas!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 29, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 11, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #34
"Texting Trouble": Betty hopes her week spent at tennis camp will "serve" her well on the court. But will her tendency to text give her a case of tennis wrist?
SCRIPT: John Rose
ART: Pat Kennedy
"Archie & Me": Mr. Weatherbee contemplates how peaceful early retirement could be... until he realizes how boring it would be without Archie around!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Fernando Ruiz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 15, 2009
On sale on newsstands: August 28, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

Timothy Gibbs launches new business

Marketing strategist. Textologist. Actor. Video game character. OK, we knew at least two of those. Builder of exceptional dwellings and retail environments. Yea, we knew that, too. Lover of red wine and chocolate. Skydiving. Definitely! Because we have photos of his skydiving in the "Send Me to Santa Barbara" fun fact book!

He's Timothy Gibbs, and to us he was the dashing Dash Nichols on our beloved "Santa Barbara." Now he's got something else on his resume: His new business, Gardenia, has officially launched. Billed as a "progressive branding and marketing laboratory committed to increasing sales figures, cultivating brand awareness and growing legacies" for each of its client's companies, products and services, Gardenia springs from two years of planning and months of work, Gibbs says.

The new company is essentially a merging of Gibbs' existing business ventures, which we explore a little in the "SB" fact book, and which include a construction company he founded in 1997 that’s based in New York City, with offices in Arizona and Tennessee (see Jrhdavis.com).

“I named it after Thomas Jefferson, and Rainer Maria Rilke is a famous poet. Miles Davis the performer, Edward Hopper is an oil painter," Gibbs told us in February in the interview for the book. "An interior design construction company that I named after those four artists, with Thomas Jefferson as an architect.”

Gibbs does have a manager and an agent and does still do auditions these days, but he certainly stays busy, besides. "I split my time up a lot," he said. "I spend a lot of time in different parts of the country and outside of the country these days a lot. My business is sort of at the spearhead of what’s happening economically speaking, so it's much slower these days and it’s changed the way I do business."

Book a trip with Veronica in the "Passport" collection

From Archie Comics

Pack your bags and renew your passport – it’s time to take a trip with Veronica! Several, in fact! Traveling is a way of life for this jetsetting rich girl, and now you can relive some of Veronica’s most memorable journeys in this trade paperback collection. Just make sure you’re ready for anything – in addition to seeing all the great historical sites and tourist attractions, Veronica’s been known to get involved with mysteries and adventures … not to mention a local boy or two!

This full-color edition collects some of the more popular globe-trekking tales from the early issues of VERONICA. When the series debuted in 1989, readers were intrigued by the notion of one jetsetting trip after another. Even the New York Times picked up on the story, most likely thrilled that Manhattan would be one of the glamorous destinations of comic books’ favorite rich girl!

In this handsome volume, you’ll feel as if you’re traveling right alongside Veronica, sharing worldwide romance and intrigue along with Mr. and Mrs. Lodge, family friend Lady Smitty and special guest stars. You’ll thrill to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum in France! You’ll marvel at the Pantheon and Colosseum in Rome! Step right up and take a tour of a Bollywood studio and sample the sights and sounds of the city of Bombay in India! And let’s not forget scaling the heights of the Empire State Building and crossing the famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York City! These are just a few of the marvelous landmarks you’ll learn about as you share hilarious travels with Veronica. You’ll also enjoy fabulous pin-ups of fashions from each destination!

As if that weren’t enough, you’ll have an opportunity to witness Veronica’s return trip to Paris in the pages of Veronica’s monthly comic book. In VERONICA #195, she jets off to Paris on a month-long trip and is reunited with Lady Smitty, the family friend who accompanied her on several trips over the years. It isn’t long before Veronica meets Lady Smitty’s nephew who just happens to be a hunk named Archie! The French Archie shows Veronica all the sights – the shops along the Champs Elysees , the Arc de Triomphe, the Moulin Rouge, the Louvre museum and more! But what will happen when the Archie back in the U.S. finds out about Veronica’s new friend? It’s a tale of international love and adventure as only Veronica can get into, and the perfect lead-in to the VERONICA’S PASSPORT trade paperback collection shipping this June!

VERONICA #195
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 14, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

VERONICA’S PASSPORT VOLUME ONE
SCRIPTS: Hal Smith, George Gladir, Kathleen Webb, Chris Allan and Mark Waid
ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic specialty shops: June 24, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 7, 2009
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-43-6
96-page, full-color trade paperback
$9.95 U.S.

Spotted: Albert Salmi

On "Dallas," he was Gil Thurmond, the slimy refinery owner who put the moves on both Sue Ellen Ewing and Afton Cooper while he was pitching deals to their men, J.R. Ewing and Cliff Barnes. A couple decades before that, though, Albert Salmi was equally slimy in a keen role on the black-and-white "Alfred Hitchcock Hour."

In the episode "I'll Be the Judge, I'll Be the Jury," Salmi is certainly shifty, too. He not only tried to run over a young couple with his car in Mexico, but he's also suspected of later killing the woman. A young, solid and dashing Peter Graves is his adversary in this tense tale, playing the husband of the young woman and the man who must attempt to gain Salmi's trust and get him to confess to the crime in this wayward place south of the border. The bespeckled, nervous Salmi effectively becomes a cornered animal. But then Graves comes up missing, and two of his friends then take it upon themselves to try to sting Salmi.

Explosive "new look" saga continues in Betty & Veronica Double Digest

From Archie Comics

The latest "New Look" saga has rocked Riverdale, with Veronica and her friends facing off against Mr. Lodge and his constituents as the teens try to keep a beloved nature preserve from becoming an industrial park! The problem came to light in BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #170 and things really heated up in issue #171. The debate rages on in "My Father's Betrayal, Part 3!" in issue #172, shipping this June.

Factory or forest? New jobs and low taxes or clear streams and tall trees? Now the protest hits the pavement as both sides hit the streets to march and counter-march. What will happen when both sides meet in front of Lodge industries? With Mr. Lodge leaning to one side of the argument, what will this do the Lodge family? The stakes are higher than ever as relationships hang in the balance. It's the most poignant "New Look" tale yet!

Back in the spring of 2007, the world of Archie Comics was rocked by the publication of BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #151, featuring the first installment of "Bad Boy Trouble," an epic tale that ran through issue #154 and found Riverdale's favorite teens rendered in a realistic style!

The "New Look" inspired months and months of debate and media coverage... and was so intriguing to fans that it led to further "New Look" sagas, including Jughead dealing with a bunch of "Matchmakers" in JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #139-142 and Moose and Midge's time-tested romance put to the test in "Breakup Blues," chronicled in PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #125-128.

Now, the "New Look" has returned to its roots, with the latest story to portray the famous Riverdale teens in a "realistic" style once again appearing in the pages of BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST.

Famous superhero art team and Eisner Award nominees Rick Burchett and Terry Austin lend their formidable penciling and inking talents to this intriguing tale, brought to you by "New Look" scribe Melanie J. Morgan. It's the "new look" story you just can't afford to miss!

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #172
"My Father's Betrayal, Part 3": The latest "New Look" saga has rocked Riverdale, with Veronica and her friends facing off against Mr. Lodge and his constituents as the teens try to keep a beloved nature preserve from becoming an industrial park! This issue, the debate rages on. Factory or forest? New jobs and low taxes or clear streams and tall trees? Now the protest hits the pavement as both sides hit the streets to march and counter-march. What will happen when both sides meet in front of Lodge industries? It's the story you just can't afford to miss, served up in the "realistic" art style that made Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble," Jughead's "Matchmakers," and Moose and Midge's "Breakup Blues" some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years! Famous superhero art team and Eisner Award nominees Rick Burchett and Terry Austin lend their formidable penciling and inking talents to this intriguing tale, brought to you by "New Look" scribe Melanie J. Morgan.
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Rick Burchett and Terry Austin
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: July 8, 2009
On sale on newsstands: July 14, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

Diahann Carroll guests on Tavis Smiley show

The web administator for the official site of Diahann Carroll, our own Dominique Deveraux of "Dynasty," passes along this news. Carroll will be a guest on the Tavis Smiley Show on July 10. Details

Tavis Smiley Show
Friday, July 10, 2009
Guests: Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade (University of Chicago Medical Center); Diahann Carroll and television writer Jessica Queller

Learn more about Smiley at PBS' site.

BRBTV birthdays for July

- Brock Peters, who voiced Lucius Fox on "Batman: The Animated Series," was born on July 2, 1927 and died on August 23, 2005.
- Signy Coleman, our Celeste DiNapoli of "Santa Barbara," who also did an 1987 episode of "Dallas," turns 49 on Independence Day.
- Rosemary Forsyth, the original Sophia Capwell (and Dominic) of "SB," and Anne McFadden on "Dallas," turns 66 on July 6.
- Grant Goodeve, who was Chris Deegan on "Dynasty," also has a birthday on July 6, turning 57.
- Deborah Tranelli, our own Phyllis Wapner of "Dallas," turns 54 on July 6.
- Kimberly Foster, who portrayed Michelle Stevens on "Dallas," is our fourth July 6 birthday, turning 48.
- Cree Summer, Terry's buddy Max on "Batman Beyond," turns 40 on July 7.
- William Smithers, who was Jeremy Wendell on "Dallas," turns 82 on July 10.
- Michael Rosenbaum, who voiced several characters in "Batman Beyond" (Ollie, Carl, Wendell), "Justice League" (the Flash) and the like, and whom BRBTV will miss very much on the CW's "Smallville," turns 37 on July 11.
- Sandy Ward, who played Jeb Ames on "Dallas," was born on July 12, 1926, and died on March 6, 2005.
- Dale Robertson, who was Walter Lankershim on "Dynasty" and Frank Crutcher on "Dallas," turns 86 on July 14.
- Ken Kercheval, our unforgettable Cliff Barnes of "Dallas," turns 74 on July 15.
- Derek McGrath, who was the eccentric Oswald Valentine on "Dallas," turns 60 on July 15.
- Barbara Stanwyck, the legendary film star who was Constance Colby on "The Colbys," was born on July 16, 1907 and died on January 20, 1990.
- Diahann Carroll, the songstress who vexed Alexis as Dominique Devereaux on "Dynasty," turns 74 on July 17.
- Audrey Landers, who was Afton Cooper on "Dallas" and a couple roles on "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 50 on July 18.
- George Dzundza, the voice of the Ventriloquist on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 64 on July 19.
- Paul Burke, the second C.C. Capwell of "Santa Barbara," who also did a memorable turn on "Dynasty" as Neal McVane, turns 83 on July 21.
- Art Hindle, who brokered babies as Jeff Farraday on "Dallas," turns 61 on July 21.
- Lenore Kasdorf, the lovely Caroline Wilson on "SB," turns 61 on July 23.
- James Best, our own Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turns 83 on July 26.
- Dierdre Imershein, who was the caught-in-the-middle Jory Taylor on "Dallas," turns 46 on July 26.
- Keenan Wynn, the second Digger Barnes on "Dallas," was born on July 27, 1916 and died on October 14, 1986.
- Sasha Mitchell, another "Dallas" alum as long-lost Ewing son James Beaumont, turns 42 on July 27.
- Lloyd Bochner, who was Cecil Colby on "Dynasty," was born on July 29, 1924 and died on October 29, 2005.
- David Warner, who was the commanding and ghoulish Ra's al Ghul on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 68 on July 29.
- Ben Piazza, our own Walt Driscoll of "Dallas," was born on July 30, 1934, and died on September 7, 1991.
- Susan Flannery, who played Leslie Stewart on "Dallas," turns 70 on July 31.
- Lane Davies, the unforgettable original Mason Capwell on "Santa Barbara," who showed up on "Dallas" as Craig Gurney, also has a birthday on July 31, turning 59.


Happy birthday to all!
And happy Independence Day!!!

Archie Comics names new CEO, plans mondo stuff for San Diego Comic-Con

OK, when they say "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE," they sometimes have to take a back burner while we get some hot-hot-hot event coverage out of the way, but better late than never to run a couple intriguing Archie press releases ...

From Archie Comics

MAMARONECK, NY - As the son of Archie Comics founder John L. Goldwater, new CEO Jon Goldwater looks forward to expanding the role of his family’s company, Archie Comics Publications, in prominence in the comic book medium as well as other media.

Jon Goldwater began his career 20 years ago as the partner to the Japanese concert promoter, Zak Concerts. On Zak Concerts' behalf, Jon Goldwater negotiated concert major tours of Japan include the "Super Rock Festival" and many others. He is the former President and CEO of AFA Music Group, Ltd., the Executive Producer of the film, "Return of Superfly", He has served as President and CEO of Crash Management Inc.

Using his experience in the entertainment industry he plans on focusing his attention on a variety of family entertainment projects from his family business, suitable for your family. Jon Goldwater plans on bringing the kids from Riverdale to a larger multi-media audience. He is also looking ahead to developing new projects focusing on not just Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jugehead and Reggie, but other long standing Archie Properties such as Katy Keene, Lil Jinx, the Red Circle Heroes, Sabrina, Josie & the Pussycats, Cosmo The Merry Martian, Pat The Brat, Wilbur Wilkins, Bingo Wilkins, Suzie and Ginger Snapp. just to name a few.

Jon Goldwater purchased an ownership interest in the company with the intent of making Archie Comic entertainment powerhouse. In his first few days as CEO he has already started negotiations on projects that will be announced shortly, including a big budget Archie feature film, a new Archie animated project, a Katy Keene television program and a major music deal for the Archies. Every effort will me made to bring all the Archie Comics properties to the forefront of the entertainment industry.

Also in Archie news ...

ARCHIE ANDREWS MARRIES VERONICA LODGE PANEL @ SDCC

SAN DIEGO: COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
San Diego Convention Center
111 W. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 491-2475
www.comic-con.org

Thursday, July 23, 2009
11:30-12:30
ROOM 4

It's the wedding of the century, but that is just the start, with plenty of surprise announcements about the future of Archie Comics, including the latest news about Archie on television and in feature films! The creators and staff of Archie Comics are coming to San Diego to talk to the fans directly about all the excitement.

Panelists include legendary "The Dark Knight" movie producer and Archie writer, Michael Uslan, new Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater, iVerse CEO Michael Murphy, IDW Publishing COO Greg Goldstein, Archie Comics President/Director of Circulation Fred Mausser, and Archie Comics Vice President/Managing Editor Mike Pellerito. The panel will be moderated by Archie's Public Relations Coordinator Rik Offenberger and will feature a question and answer session with the fans. An Archie Marries Veronica poster will be given to everyone attending the panel.

THERE WILL BE MANY EXITING NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF ARCHIE COMICS, THIS IS ONE PANEL YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

Professional Stuntman Invitational: Other odds and ends

This week's coverage of the Professional Stuntman Invitational rounds out with some bits and pieces from different aspects of the show. Thanks so much to Wayne and Donna Wooten, Tom Sarmento and the Hazzard County Stunt Team for putting a whole lot of work into a great event!



Generals Lee (left) and Longstreet took in the event, and we're guessing the 95-degree heat was considerably more comfortable than the battlefield!


Yea, buddy, you flex that muscle ... Our friend Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry, right, needs little prodding to ham it up.

You know you've pulled into the right hotel on Friday evening when you see a Lee and a sheriff's car side by side. 'Twas the Sleep Inn off exit 50 of I-95, by the way.


One of the show's features was a chance to "smack an import." Since the BRBTV corporate car (a Ford Taurus) just died a few weeks ago and we were in a rental that was slightly-less-than-American, we won't comment ...

This car is a replica of the very first Lee jumped on "The Dukes." This one made a special commemorative jump at the same site, Oxford College near Covington, Georgia, in 2005.


Fellow author Jon Holland, who was at the track signing his own "Dukes" book, stopped by BRB's signing table to chat. Jon is working on a new "Dukes" book that's sure to be much-talked-about. He's had some great unexplored territory to dig into, as far as "Dukes" history goes, and he's been pounding the pavement for public records. Look for that hot book --a book that will reveal some surprising truths -- later this year!


We mentioned on Monday that there was a "Dukes"-themed engagement at the show -- a real memory-maker. Well, here's the happy couple earlier that day. Little did Rusty's special lady know, at this point ... and when he proposed she was sure shocked! She had no idea that was coming, she told us later.


BRB had a great time at the event, signing not only books, but an occasional car, too! Many thanks to all who stopped by the table to chat. We'll see ya at the next "Dukes" event!

Photos, except the one directly above, by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand!

Professional Stuntman Invitational: Here's a car you probably haven't seen ... at least in person ...

You know, we're always so amazed at the creativity we see when we attend car shows such as this past weekend's Professional Stuntman Invitational in Concord, N.C. Oh sure, we get used to seeing the beautiful blazin'-orange General Lees and the abundance of sheriff's cars from "The Dukes of Hazzard." We also note the occasional Daisy Jeep, or Boss Hogg Caddy. The "Back to the Future" car tends to pop up now and then. But today, our coverage of the Invitational continues as we take a look at a quite unique vehicle making one of its first car-show appearances.

Take a close look, now. Does it remind you of anything? Maybe a movie you saw once ... maybe in your youth ... back in the '80s? Maybe the first of a series of movies ... starring Chevy Chase?



Yes, it's the Family Truckster of National Lampoon's "Vacation." Or a very nice replica of it. Right down to the luggage and the ... er, family member ... on the roof (not a real family member, of course! or even a real person! and take heart -- there was no dog on the leash in the back!).

Gary Schneider, known so well in the "Dukes of Hazzard" community for his General Lee story, brought this attention-getter to the show. He tells BRBTV he's owned the car for about a year, and he just completed it a month ago. He's taken it to a couple other car shows around his local Chicago area, but this is the first bigger show for the Truckster, which also made some laps around the track at the Concord Motorsports Park on Saturday. And this beauty didn't get trailered here like some of the other unique autos -- it made the drive itself, all the way from Chicago.

Designed by George Barris, the Wagon Queen Family Truckster was a fictional car created for the 1983 movie and based on a Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon. Schneider's is actually a 1986 model, which he says is the same body style as 1983. Don Schisler, former transportation director of "The Dukes of Hazzard" who just recently passed away, also served as the process car driver in "Vacation" and inspired Gary to build the car. Schisler provided him with a rarity -- the only known remaining crown emblem from the cars. You can see some construction photos of the Truckster at MyFamilyTruckster.com.

And just so ya know ... it might seem like it, but this is not the only Family Truckster out there. At least one more exists, Schneider says, in Missouri.

Besides the Truckster, there were plenty of other star cars inside the track for the event, such as Herbie, the "Smokey and the Bandit" Trans Am and, of course, lots'o Lees ...

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand