Written by Dan Parent
Illustrated by Dan Parent; Rich Koslowski; Jack Morelli; & Digikore Studios
SUMMARY:
Published by Archie Comic Publications in 2014, this 104-page paperback reprints 2011’s Archie # 631-634. It’s also Vol. 22 of the Archie & Friends All-Stars Series. Attending a Josie & The Pussycats concert with his friends, Archie Andrews becomes smitten with Pussycats guitarist Valerie Brown. Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge wistfully observe their beloved Archie move on from them. Valerie’s younger brother, Trev, is also introduced.
Meanwhile, Valerie wistfully ponders her destiny with Archie at the mythical Memory Lane, as other alternate fates play out for The Archies and Josie & The Pussycats. Cameos include Cheryl Blossom and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
REVIEW:
From start to finish, writer-artist Dan Parent delivers a gem. What could have been a passable variant of the ‘Archie Marries Betty/Archie Marries Veronica’ concept exceeds both of these predecessors. In large part, Parent’s excellent writing and consistently likable artwork matches the exuberance of Valerie & Archie’s whirlwind chemistry. Even better is seeing this Archie decisively committed vs. still contemplating his what-if’s with Betty and/or Veronica.
Endearing Archie & Valerie as a plausible couple, Parent’s game plan meets every expectation, including fun sub-plots for Veronica, Betty, and newcomer Trev. While Jughead, Reggie, Josie, and Melody receive minimal ‘screen time,’ Parent enjoyably links the various Archie teen franchises together to add some further depth. Yet, this storyline’s MVP is unquestionably Valerie, as she excels in a worthy spotlight anchoring the storyline’s narrative. Archie: A Rock ‘N’ Romance delivers a wonderful what-if for fans balancing humor, poignancy, and romance, with an appreciated dash of realism.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a two-page pencil sketchbook.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
Note: For additional reading, there’s Archie # 608-609. This Josie & The Pussycats cross-over previews Archie & Valerie’s romantic chemistry, as their two bands team up for a tour.
