ARCHIE COMICS FOR SEPTEMBER

ARCHIE #589

Written by Batton Lash, art by Bill Galvan.

"Freshman Year: Winter Term": In the tradition of "Batman: Year One," "Superman: the Man of Steel" and the Marvel Ultimates comes the biggest Archie Comics event since the "Love Showdown!" The third full-length issue of the "Freshman Year" saga finds Archie reflecting on the term just past, pining over Veronica and lamenting how she went away during the holiday break. Hoping to stay close to Veronica, Archie joins the drama club -- the perfect indoor activity during the frosty winter months. But being part of such a large club is hardly the way to gain exclusive quality time with Veronica. Will their reunion be everything Archie hopes, or will the eternal love triangle get off to a rollicking start with friction between Betty and Veronica instead? And will Moose ever be introduced to Midge? Other surprises in store for the gang this second term include some new faculty members as well as the departure of the expelled school bully, Jared McGerk.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Sept. 24.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #123

Written by Alex Simmons, art and cover by Fernando Ruiz and Jim Amash.

"A Tune in Tinsel Town": Now that the smoke has cleared and all the bad guys have been dispatched, Archie and his friends can finally concentrate on the film deal that brought them to Hollywood in the first place. Citing the Archie's popularity and the high profile of their adventures in Europe and Africa, a big-time Hollywood producer is certain the teens' notoriety will translate to box office gold and plans to star them in a series of movies called "Mayhem Musical High." Now that they've saved half of Hollywood's biggest stars (see issue 122), the kids are even hotter properties! Along with that red-hotness comes offers of solo contracts for the players. Will visions of individual fame and fortune strike a sour chord with the band, or can the Archies' love of music and friendship ultimately overcome ego and greed?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Sept. 10.

ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #192

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

"Video Idiocy": Archie's latest scheme to make spending cash: have Jughead video his constant klutziness to enter in TV home video competitions! "The Prince of Green": Archie learns the hard way that you have to expend personal energy to conserve the world's energy! "Fits Like a Glove": A brand-new Little Archie tale by Bob Bolling! This latest Little Archie adventure has all the hallmarks of his classic tales, with a modern ecological twist. Can Little Archie and his friends keep both the Animal Rescue Foundation headquarters and their own clubhouse from being torn down? Not before some hair-raising adventures, including an unplanned ride down the roaring rapids! Plus: Other new and classic tales. Bonus: Puzzles, games and pin-ups.

Digest format, $3.69, in stores on Sept. 24.

BETTY #176

Written by George Gladir, Mike Pellowski and Bill Golliher, art by Stan Goldberg.

"The Many Charms of Luck": For someone who claims not to be superstitious, Betty sure has a lot of good luck charms! "Fitness Quiz": Betty learns the secret of her mother's physical fitness: being a housewife! "Breath Taking": Everyone loves how Betty's new cheese dip goes downŠ it's just the halitosis aftermath they can do without! "Wedding Blistered": Attending her cousin's wedding gives Betty an opportunity to observe several married couplesŠ and witness the "good times and bad" firsthand!

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Oct. 1.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #85

Written and art by Dan Parent.

Special Halloween issue. "An Axe to Grind": It's a dark and stormy night... a fitting night for Betty and Veronica to stay inside and have a scary movie festival! But things go from "reel" to real when Archie, Jughead and Reggie try to crash the girls' private party... and come face-to-face with an axe-wielding maniac! Is everything as it seems, or is it just a case of the boys' imaginations running wild? Guest-starring Veronica's truck driving-aunt, Tessie!

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Sept. 30.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #164

Written by Dan Parent, Mike Pellowski and various, art by Parent, Pat Kennedy and various.

Part 4 of a 5-part, interactive story where the readers decide the outcome! "And the Winner Is... Part 4 of 5": 2008 is an election year, and Archie Comics is no exception as we present a special election of our own: your chance to vote for Cheryl Blossom's new boyfriend! Three issues ago, Reggie and Cheryl broke up, and Cheryl wound up on the TV show, "The Lonely Hearts Club" in search of a new beau. Three hot contestants stepped up for the challenge, and you the reader will witness each of their dates with Cheryl and vote for who you think Cheryl should choose online at www.archiecomics.com! This issue, Cheryl goes on her final date with master chef George. George really knows how to heat things up, both in and out of the kitchen. Can Cheryl handle the competition from all the culinary school cuties lining up for cooking lessons? Not to mention Jughead, who wants to monopolize her man for endless meals? Your vote decides whether George is the main entrée or merely an appetizer. A pivotal issue leading up to the final chapter where your votes... and Cheryl's final choice for new leading man... will be revealed!

"Tired & Re-Tired": Betty and Veronica's day is full of activities, but they refuse to be tired until they're really tired! "Bionic Babes": Betty and Veronica fantasize about what it would be like to be stronger... faster... better than before!

Digest format, $3.69, in stores on Sept. 10.

JUGHEAD #191

Written by Craig Boldman, art by Stan Goldberg.

"The Show Stopper": Jughead decides to try community theater -- but is the community ready to try Jughead's brand of theater? "Juggie's Utility Belt!": With his "food utility belt," Jughead is ready for any emergency craving! "Cart Smart": When Jughead goes to the grocery store, is he a kid in a candy shop or a bull in a china shop? You decide!

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Sept. 24.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #125

Written by Melanie J. Morgan and various, art by Tod Smith, Al Milgrom and various.

It's another new four-part story in the "realistic style" -- and this time, Moose & Midge's romance hangs in the balance! "Break-up Blues, Part I": First came Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble," followed by Jughead dealing with a bunch of "Matchmakers." Now, the latest story to portray the famous Riverdale teens in a realistic style is here... and it may spell the end of one of the longest-running romances in Archie Comics history! Feeling confined by Moose's possessive nature, Midge decides to try an experiment -- namely, dating Reggie! We all know this will make Moose fly off the handle, but this time it won't have an "all's well that ends well" resolution. Can Archie and his friends help pick up the pieces of this shattered relationship, or is it better to leave them where they lay? Plus: Other new and classic tales. Bonus: Puzzles, games and pin-ups.

Digest format, $3.69, in stores on Oct. 1.

SONIC X #37

Written by Ian Flynn, art by James Fry and Terry Austin, cover by Pat Sapziante.

"Switcheroo!": Dr. Eggman attacks the President and Sonic saves the day! Simple as that, right? Then why is Sonic thinking about world domination? Why is Dr. Eggman racing to save the world? And when S.O.N.I.C.X. gets into the mix, you know you're in for one wacky ride!

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Sept. 24.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #192

Written by Ian Flynn, art by Tracy Yardley and Jim Amash, cover by Yardley and Josh Ray.

"Metal and Mettle, Part Two": You're not just seeing double, you're seeing quadruple when Sonic and Scourge fight for their lives against the sleek killer robots Metal Sonic and Metal Scourge! Why isn't Scourge's Suppression Squad doing anything to help? And what is the sinister secret Dr. Eggman is using to keep the Dark Egg Legion under his control?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Sept. 10.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #9

Written by Mike Gallagher, Ken Penders and Mike Kanterovich, art by Art Mawhinney, Dave Manak and Ken Penders, cover by Pat Spaziante.

The thrilling new series that lets fans relive classic Sonic stories continues! Volume 9 presents issues #33 through #36 of Sonic's ongoing comic book series in a special 5 x 7 & _ inch edition. These stories continue the artistic change to a more "dramatic" tone, better aligning the series to the hit Saturday morning animated series then on the air. The emphasis is on the royal politics of the kingdom, with power plays, self-sacrifice and betrayals galore. Each story is meticulously restored and printed on high-grade paper-so you can feel like you're zipping right alongside the cobalt champion as he saves Knothole Village! This action-packed edition features events like the mystery of the Chaos Emeralds and the return of King Acorn (sort of)!

Stories include: "Let's Get Small" #33), "The Big Picture" (#33), "Sonic Shot" (#33), "To Bot or Not to Bot" (#34), "A Sense of History -- Part One" (#34), "Ring of Truth" (#35), "A Sense of History - Part Two" (#35), "Heart of Darkness" (#36), and "A Sense of History Party Three" (#36).

112 pages, in stores on Oct. 1.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #30

Written by George Gladir, Bill Golliher, George Gladir and various, art by Fernando Ruiz, Bob Bolling, Pat Kennedy and various.

"For Monsters Only": Can it be true? Have Archie and Jughead really stumbled into a Halloween party where the guests are not in costume but are actual, real-live monsters? Find out for yourself if this tale is a "trick" or a "treat!" "The Pies Have It": Move over, Gordon -- it's a real "kitchen nightmare" when cafeteria cook Miss Beazly loses a ring in a pot pie! "The Promise": Mr. Weatherbee promises to perform as a clown if the students improve their reading averages, leading some to ask, "What else is new?!" Plus: Other new and classic tales! Bonus: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Digest format, $2.49, in stores on Oct. 1.