VERONICA #196Media Release -- For decades, Archie and his friends have been at the forefront of the fads and fashions embraced by American teens. They’ve also embraced a love of nostalgia and visited countless U.S. cities along the way. This August, these factors combine for some colorful and exciting tales!

It all starts in ARCHIE & FRIENDS #134, with the story “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!”

Then, in BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #197, the gang declares “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 comics 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!”

Meanwhile, Veronica is not to be outdone. She doesn’t do any traveling in VERONICA #196, but she sure is knee-deep in culture, be it the art world, social networking or classic sci-fi TV stars! Stories include: “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?!” Pop goes the culture as Veronica flaunts her inimitable style in these hilarious tales!

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

Shipping Date: July 5th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: July 12th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: August 25th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US

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! PLUS: Other new and classic tales!

SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents

BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: July 26th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 1st, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: September 15th, 2009

88-page, full color digest

$2.69 US

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

Shipping Date: July 26th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 1st, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: September 15th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US