ARCHIE DIGEST #258Media Release -- 'Tis the season to be jolly as Archie and his friends celebrate in true holiday style! Since November 1941 Archie and his friends have delighted readers both young and old with their wholesome brand of family entertainment! For nearly as long, they have upheld the family traditions of the holiday season. The first Archie Christmas stories appeared in such flagship titles as ARCHIE, PEP and LAUGH throughout the 1940s. Response to these stories was so great that soon an entire title was devoted to stories of holiday cheer and good will toward men: ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING #1, released in 1954! This title not only became a holiday tradition, but was joined by such others as ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS LOVE-IN, ARCHIE'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING and BETTY & VERONICA CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. Yes, Archie and crew have long displayed their holiday spirit throughout the years, and this year is no different, as a pair of our October shipping Archie titles feature stories of the holidays and winter season. They make the perfect stocking stuffers!

ARCHIE DIGEST #258

DECK THE HALLS AND FILL YOUR STOCKINGS WITH THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY ISSUE FULL OF FESTIVE FUN!

"Give & Take": Get set for Veronica's most unusually-themed Christmas party yet, with gifts that come straight from the heart instead of the bank account!

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent

"All Alone": Mr. Weatherbee's Christmas break isn't so cheery when he ends up a shut-in due to his fractured foot… but it isn't long before his students show up to restore his holiday spirit in this poignant tale!

SCRIPT: George Gladir

ART: Stan Goldberg

PLUS: Other new and classic tales!

SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents

BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: October 7th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Shops: October 14th, 2009

Newsstands: October 27th, 2009

88-page, full color digest

$2.69 US

BETTY & VERONICA #244

"Holiday Watch": It just wouldn't be the holidays without a visit from Jingles the Elf and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but now that they're love-struck they need someone to make sure they don't slack on their duties… and Santa has assigned that task to Betty and Veronica! "Snuggle Up": Seeking ideas that will save some money this holiday, the gang decide to do a "Secret Santa" giveaway… but once they see their presents they'll wish the idea had stayed a "secret!" "Caramel on Top": The claws come out when Veronica matches wits with someone even cattier than herself – Betty's cat Caramel!

SCRIPTS: Dan Parent

ART: Jeff Shultz

Shipping Date: October 21st, 2009

On Sale at Comic Shops: October 28th, 2009

Newsstands: November 11th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US