As you may have noticed by now, 2008 was the year Archie Comics pulled out all the stops with one intriguing storyline after another. From Alex Simmons’ thrilling mysteries in the pages of ARCHIE & FRIENDS, to Jughead’s and Moose & Midge’s forays into the “realistic style” in JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST and PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST respectively, to the readers voting for Cheryl’s new boyfriend in BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST, Archie readers have enjoyed plenty of stories that play up the classic personalities and relationships of everyone’s favorite comic book teens!

Just because the year is ending doesn’t mean the excitement is dying down. Archie Comics has several stories of note to keep you laughing and intrigued, and best of all on a cold winter’s day, tales that will warm your heart as well! Remember, not only are Archie Comics the best holiday stocking stuffers, they’re the perfect cure for December doldrums, too! Be sure to check out these awesome stories:

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126,

FAN-FAVORITE WRITER ALEX SIMMONS RETURNS FOR A FUN-FILLED, FOUR-PART TALE!

“The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part One: Gnomes & Stick Figure Funnies”: Chuck Clayton takes center stage in this special storyline. Chuck is asked to teach an after-school program in cartooning to elementary school kids… and it isn’t long before he learns the kids can be more hyperactive than his doodles! Can Chuck ultimately connect with the kids and help them create the next comic book classics? Will his temporary teaching gig lead to bigger and better things, or is his tenure soon to be terminated? The answer’s just a splash panel away! This new multi-part epic comes courtesy of someone who knows his way around both creating and teaching comics, namely acclaimed writer, children’s art advocate, and organizer of the world’s only “Kids’ Comics” convention, Alex Simmons.

SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.

ART: Fernando Ruiz.

Shipping Date: December 3rd, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 10th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 23rd, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

ARCHIE DIGEST #250

“The Archies in Beverly Hills”: When pop star Jessica Simmers asks The Archies band to play her high school reunion, the teens are headed for the California sun! While there, they partake of the many Hollywood sights and meet other celebrities, too! This star-studded story comes courtesy of famed “pop archaeologist” and celebrity news columnist Hal Lifson.

SCRIPT: Hal Lifson.

ART: Rex Lindsey.

Cool-ifornia cover by Rex Lindsey, inspired by the famous Beatles’ “Abbey Road” album cover!

Shipping Date: December 17th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 24th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: January 6th, 2009

88-page, full color digest

$2.49 US.

BETTY & VERONICA #239

“Good Bye Paparazzi!”: The paparazzi follow Veronica home to Riverdale from a movie premiere, and it isn’t long before most of her friends are vogue-ing for the cameras, too! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Jeff Shultz.

Shipping Date: December 10th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 17th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 30th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #190

“Coming to the U.S.A.”: This poignant tale details Kumi and her family’s arrival in the United States and their introduction to American life and culture. Not to mention Kumi’s first day at Riverdale High and how she met Archie and his friends. It’s a very special day for Archie Comics’ newest superstar!

SCRIPT: Misako Rocks!

ART: Jeff Shultz.

Shipping Date: December 10th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 17th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 30th, 2008

88-page, full color digest

$2.49 US.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #167

“Get Out of Town”: You can take Cheryl out of Riverdale, but you can’t take Riverdale out of Cheryl… especially when Archie visits Pembroke to remind her!

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.

Shipping Date: December 31st, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 7th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: January 20th, 2009

176-page, full color digest

$3.69 US.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #127

THE THIRD PART OF A NEW FOUR-PART STORY IN THE “REALISTIC STYLE” – AND THIS TIME, MOOSE & MIDGE’S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!

“Breakup Blues, Part 3”: The unbelievable has happened: Midge and Moose have broken up! Now Midge is seeing Reggie while Moose is dating Judy Johnson. Needless to say, the status quo of Riverdale High’s circle of friends has been shaken, but the former couple’s friends aren’t giving up hope. In this latest installment, Betty and Archie have a plan to get Midge and Moose talking again. Will it bring the former lovebirds back together or drive a further wedge between them? They say the road to regret is paved with good intentions… are Betty and Archie just what the doctor ordered or have they gone too far? Now the stakes are higher, as not just romantic relationships but lifelong friendships hang in the balance! It’s romantic intrigue served up in the “realistic” art style that made both Betty and Veronica’s “Bad Boy Trouble” and Jughead’s “Matchmakers” some of the most-talked about Archie stories in recent years! Veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that popular style in what is sure to be the most explosive Archie Comics story of the year!

SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan.

ART: Tod Smith (pencils) and Al Milgrom (inks).

PLUS: Other new and classic tales!

SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.

BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: December 3rd, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 10th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 23rd, 2008

176-page, full color digest

$3.69 US.