ARCHIE COMICS FOR DECEMBER

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #115

Written by Jeffrey C. Branch, art by Red Lindsey.

"From the Ground Up": Inspired by TV's home makeover shows, Archie and his friends endeavor to restore historic Pickens General Store and turn it into a museum. But can they overcome their lack of construction experience, not to mention opportunistic politicians who want to exploit the situation for their own gain and fame? The first story written by longtime Archie collector/historian Jeffrey C. Branch -- a poignant addition to the fabled canon of Riverdale lore!

32 pages, $2.25, in stoers on Dec. 26.

ARCHIE DIGEST #240

Written by George Gladir and others, art by Pat Kennedy and others.

"Arrow Talk": The new cupid in town gets a lesson from the retiring one ­ when it comes to love, there's no more star-crossed place than Riverdale! How else to explain one boy who just can't seem to choose a girl, another who prefers hamburgers to honies, and a third who finds no more stunning beauty than that which stares back at him from the mirror? Plus: Other new and classic tales! Bonus: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Digest format, $2.49, in stores on Dec. 19.

BETTY & VERONICA #232

Written by George Gladir, Kathleen Webb and Mike Pellowski, art by Jeff Schultz.

"Pairing Off": With Archie's car problems making him perpetually late and in danger of detention after detention, the girls present alternatives: Betty urges Archie to take the bus in with her, but Veronica offers to pick Archie up in her sports car!

"Lost": Some folks get lost the moment they get behind the wheel of a car, but Veronica doesn't even get that far ­ she's still working our way out of her labyrinthine closet!

"Backstage Pass": When the girls get backstage passes to the "Tumbling Boulders" concert, they're surprised to learn that offstage the band is more "mild" than "wild!"

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 19.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #180

Written and art by Dan Parent.

"Love Can Be Nasty": Cheryl Blossom is tired of competing with Betty and Veronica for Archie's affections. Likewise, Reggie is tired of competing with Archie for dates with Betty and Veronica. Guess it's time for Reggie and Cheryl to form an alliance to solve this once and for all! But will putting their heads together result in their hearts coming together, too? Plus: Other new and classic tales, including the "animated" Sabrina! Bonus: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Digest format, $2.49, in stores on Dec. 12.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #157

Written by Kathleen Webb and others, art by Pat Kennedy and others.

"You Ain't Got No Elegance": Both Betty and Archie are abuzz when they learn Veronica's got a hot date with a high class gentleman! Is this finally the answer to Betty's prayers, or merely the beginning of Archie's nightmares? The answer will melt your heart! Plus: Other new and classic tales! Bonus: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Digest format, $3.69, in stores on Dec. 26.

JUGHEAD #186

Written by Craig Boldman, art by Rex Lindsey.

"The Big Sleep": The annual ice shuffleboard championship is on, but Riverdale's star player Jughead is in deep hibernation! Will his teammates be able to revive him before they're "iced?!" "To Beach His Own": Jughead discovers how to beat the crowds at the beach ­ go in the dead of winter! "Chilly Reception": When a girl gets tangled in Hot Dog's chain, Jughead untangles her and treats her at Pop's. The question is, will their hearts get tangled, too?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 26.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #136

Written by George Gladir, art by Fernando Ruiz.

"His Hidden Talent": Jughead discovers a hidden talent ­ although he hates to work himself, he devises a way to find work for others... a way that results in free snow removal And free pizzas! Just what is Jughead's marvelous new method for avoiding work? Plus: Other new and classic tales! Bonus: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

$3.69, in stores on Dec. 12.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #90

Written by Tania del Rio, art and cover by del Rio and Jim Amash.

"Hidden Worlds, Forbidden Power": After discovering the "Duality Wands," Sabrina finds once forbidden powers and abilities are opening up to her. While attempting to grasp this new, unbelievable power, she discovers one of her new powers is the ability to create portals into hidden worlds ­ worlds filled with magical treasures! Entering these hidden worlds results in at least two consequences: separated from her boyfriend and other loved ones, Sabrina is left to face the unknown alone; and with nothing else to do but continue trying to control the power of the "Duality Wands," she doesn't realize that it is the power that is controlling her!

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 12.

SONIC X #28

Written by Tracy Yardley, art by Steven Butler, cover by Spaz.

"Green Eyed Monster!": The world is embracing "green" energy to reduce cost and help the environment, and Sonic's adopted city, Station Square, is no different. But some choose to use eco-friendly means toward eco-unfriendly ends! Namely the evil Dr. Eggman, who uses his new 'bots powered by the sun, wind and water to devastate the city and leave Sonic and friends on the defensive! Now Eggman is free to pursue the biggest natural energies ever, the Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald. With these power sources in hand, Eggman will be in control of more power than the world has ever seen. Will Sonic be literally powerless to stop Eggman this time?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Jan. 2.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #183

Written by Ian Flynn, art by Tracy Yardley and Jim Amash, cover by Yardley and Ben Hunzeker.

"Desperate Times": Sonic and Julie-Su have been abducted by Knuckles' father, Locke, who wants them to find the one weapon that will destroy Enerjak. But why don't our heroes want to use it? And can they even get a shot in edgewise as Enerjak and Dr. Eggman's army square off? It's a clash of the villainous titans that's sure to rock Sonic's world! "Ashes and Dust": This is it, the answers you've been waiting for! Learn the dark secrets behind Enerjak, Angel Island, the Guardians, the Dark Legion... and more!

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 19.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #26

Written by George Gladir and others, art by Fernando Ruiz and others.

"A Warming Effect": Reggie gives a "chilly reception" to his eco-friendly pals' concerns over global warming, but an even more "chilling" dream soon "cools" his objections! Plus: Other new and classic tales! Bonus: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Digest format, $2.49, in stores on Jan. 2.

VERONICA #186

Written and art by Dan Parent.

"Isn't It Romantic?": Betty and Veronica become enraptured by the latest "hot" romance story, but due to a clever pseudonym, little do they realize the author is really someone they know quite well! Is it one of their classmates? A parent? One of the faculty?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Jan. 2.