A&J

Jughead and I are blogging. I wasn't sure I was going to. Betty and Veronica have been blogging a while, and for a very good reason – that dumb Makeover. (I'll have something to say about that in a minute.) At first, I didn't want to blog because my spelling is terrible. That's why Jughead and I are blogging together. Jughead is a GREAT speller but he gets a little lost around the internet.

Jughead says I'm not the only bad speller on the planet. He says lots of people have trouble spelling, doing math, etc. If he's right, let me know.

Now, back to the Makeover: I haven't weighed in on it much – mostly because Betty and Veronica were doing a great job on their own. I THOUGHT Betty and Veronica were the only Riverdale residents getting re-drawn. THEN I saw Betty & Veronica Digest #152. It's not just Betty & Veronica. We're ALL in it!!!

I guess what upsets me most is that nobody at AC Headquarters said a word about a makeover to me. Or Jughead. Or ANYBODY in Riverdale. They just did it! That's pretty cold.

AC Website has a preview of issue #152, if you want to see it. I'd like your opinion, if you don't mind, on "the new me.”

LINK

Your friend,

Archie.

P.S. Thanks for stopping by.

Hi Gang,

First, I want to say thanx for all the great comments in support of the REAL ME!!!

Hey, Betty’s birthday is coming up June 29^th. I was hoping you all could help me find her the perfect gift. I got the feeling Veronica was not totally happy with her last birthday gift from me (but I did get a cool balloon ride.) You know, I really thought those license plate frames would look great on her car.

And this morning I noticed that the workout DVD I got my Dad – One Hundred and One of the Best Dance Workouts – was still on the TV unopened. I think sometimes I’m a bit too practical when it comes to choosing gifts. So any help would be apreceated appreciated (saved by Jug)

Your Friend,

Archie

Archie here. Hey, thanks for the great birthday ideas. Keep ‘em coming.

By the way, I read the Story Starter called Driving With Ethel over on Ron’s blog. You know, I love all three of the girls. But there is NO WAY I would let them borrow my car to teach Ethel to drive.

Besides, I’m not so sure Ronnie’s any better than Ethel. (Please don’t tell Ron I said that.) Now Betty, she may be the best driver in Riverdale High and could probably teach Drivers ED. (You can tell Betty I said that.) But, there is still no way I’d let them use my car.

Your friend,

Archie

I don’t want to be mean here, but I’ve read B&V Digest #152 and there is NO WAY Ronnie would fall for a jerk like the Nickster. I should know. I think in all of comic history, not one guy has chased one girl so much as I’ve chased Veronica. Your Friend, Archie

Hi Gang,

I would like to thank you all very much for the great ideas and suggestions you sent me for Betty’s B-Day. After reading every comment carefully, I now know what I’m doing for her.

I wish I could share it with you but she’ll find out if I do, because people read this blog, you know. So, you will have to wait for her birthday… just like Betty.

Thanks Again

Archie

Hi Gang

I just heard Jughead is having a COOKOUT on the Fourth of July. WOW --that’s great! He told me he didn’t need any help so I’m going to organize an in-town bike ride that morning. We’ll do a tour of Riverdale and end up at the Park for Jug’s cookout.

I ride a mountain bike that I’ve “urbanized out”- a little cycling lingo for you ;-) It has oversized street tires and disk brakes for those fast traffic stops. Riverdale has a few potholes and bumpy streets so my bike is way better than say, a street bike, which is what Reggie rides.

Yeah, The Reg rides, too. Man, does he ever! I’m telling you, when he comes flying by in that red shirt and tight biking shorts you would think he’s gearing up for the Tour De France! Don’t tell anyone I said this, but he’s a really great rider. Betty has a full blown off-road carbon frame mountain bike that she’s won several races on. She’s a hot rider, too. I heard Ronnie is getting a bike, not sure what though, except you can bet it will be very expensive.

Jug rides a comfort bike. Imagine that - Ha Ha! The bike you have to see though is Dilton’s! It’s called a recumbent; it looks like my Dad’s recliner and a bicycle had a wreck… and it’s what’s left.

Hey, if YOU ride, I’d love to know what kind of bike you have, and what kind of riding you like to do. LET ME KNOW!!!

Your PaL

Archie

Hi Everybody

Well, I blew it again and I’m not even sure why! All I can to say is Betty was crying and Ronnie is mad at me.

I don’t think I’ll ever figure girls out… at least not those two.

Your Bummed Out Buddy

Arch

Hiya Gang

Sunday afternoon I was outside adjusting the breaks on my bike, getting it ready for Wednesday's Tour De Riverdale when I heard CHING - CHING. It was Betty on her mountain bike. Wow!!! She looked HOT!!! She was wearing a new biking outfit – I think she got it for her B-day. It was yellow and white with black stripes. Way cool.

Anyway Jug talked to me before church, so I knew Betty was not mad at me. Hey, thanks for all the comments, too. I didn't know girls cry when they're happy. Weird. (I also read Betty's blog. She said a ton of stuff about me; it was really embarrassing.) Needless to say we had a great visit. She is going to help me lay out the Tour De Riverdale course. And she wants to ride with me. It's going to be the best Fourth of July ever.

Your Pal

Arch

   Hi Gang

The Tour De Riverdale was a great success and everyone had a great time… except Ronnie. We started at Riverdale High and made a lap around town using the rural, low traffic roads. Then we made several passes through town hitting all the historical sights, and ended up at Riverdale Park and Jug’s cookout.

The ride was going really well. We had about 30 riders. Reggie lead the pack -except when he fell back to make fun of Ron. He was followed closely by Midge, Moose, Nancy and Chuck. Betty and I trailed the pack so we could help in case anyone broke down.

Ron was acting real funny. She tried to ride with Betty and me, but Reggie kept heckling her for riding that new expensive racing bike back with “the stragglers” – meaning Betty and me, of course. (Ron does have a very nice bike. It’s purple with red stripes. It has a carbon frame - like Betty’s - except it’s a Road bike, not a Mountain bike.)

Well, Ronnie finally got mad and took off like a bullet. When Bets and I rounded the next curve, there was Ronnie laying on the ground next to her bike. She was crying and holding her left knee.

We got her to the ER in short order. Betty, Midge, Reggie and I followed on or bikes. On the way Midge told us what happened. Ronnie was buzzing up the right side of the trail – which is the wrong side to pass on - when a little girl pulled in front of her on a small bike. Ronnie missed the little girl, lost control of her bike, hit the curb… and the rest is history. Midge said all Ronnie needed was a ching-ching bell and the little girl would have known she was coming.

Ronnie is gonna be fine. She missed Jug’s cookout and will have to wear a leg brace for the next few weeks, but nothing was broke. Reggie took her bike back to R&D Cycles to get it repaired. Between you and me, I think he felt bad for egging her on.

I’m hoping to make this ride a regular part of Riverdale’s July 4^th Celebration!

Your Pal,

Archie

Hi Gang

I want to thank you all; I just love this blogging. I now know why Ronnie was mad at me. The truth is I never got her a birthday gift. Those license plate frames? They were for Valentine’s Day. I remember now, she and Betty were out of town for Ronnie’s birthday - I think that was weekend they were trapped at an airport because of weather. And to be real honest, I was broke at that time anyway.

So I made up with her today. I went over to her house. Ronnie was out by the pool trying to work on her tan, which is a little hard with one leg in a brace.  Anyway I took her a little gift and I won't get into any of the detail, but she loved it and we made up. As soon as she and Betty get back from Hawaii, we are going out. CAN”T WAIT!!!

Your Pal

Archie

Hi Gang

On the fourth when we took Ron to the ER, I ran into Riverdale’s newest resident and my new friend, Raj. Raj is from India (Way cool, huh!) Anyway his Dad is a doctor at the hospital and Raj was waiting for him in the parking lot.

Raj is an aspiring film-maker and he videoed us bringing Ronnie to the ER. I have to get a copy for her. She loves to see herself on the screen, or in the paper, in a mirror, in a photo… well she just likes to see herself. Anyway I introduced Raj to the gang and we became quick friends.

So keep your eyes open. I’m sure you’ll be seeing Raj in the comics.

Your Pal

Archie

Boy is it boring around here. I really miss Betty & Ronnie!  I mean Jug and the rest of the gang are here and they’re all great. It’s just… well… I’m not saying my world revolves around the girls… but then again, maybe it does.

You know when you see someone all the time you kind of take them for granted. But when they’re gone - and even though you know they’ll be back in a short while - you still kind of get this hole in your heart where they should be.

Your Lonely Pal

Arch

Hi Gang

Ronnie broke our date. I called her Monday to find out what time she would like me to come by. Ron told me she was sorry, but I was just way too immature and had no direction in my life. She said she needed someone who could make her feel safe and secure.

I’m not real sure what she means. She is the richest girl in Riverdale… how much more secure can you get?

I’m going over and talk to Dilton. He’s the smartest person I know. Maybe he can help me find a direction (or at least tell what that means.)

Your Sad Pal

Archie

Hi Gang

Well, I spent the whole day talking with Dilton. That can be an adventure itself. While I was there, I saw:

• two explosions

• a cat disappear from one place and rematerialize in another (though it did have a spare tail)

• his father’s car float six inches off the ground before exploding (that was one of the two explosions)

• and a lot of other very unusual things.

But he did help me a lot.

I now know what Ronnie meant when she said I needed “direction.” Dilton told me I was in high school and a good student, so therefore I did not need much direction at this stage in my life.

He shared a bunch of other stuff too - most of which I did not understand - but I do feel better about myself. I’m heading over to Jughead’s to help him do ice-cream time trials for the fair next week.

Your Pal

Arch

The Riverdale fair is next week and there is going to be a talent contest. So, I thought I would get the band back together and enter. How mature is that? Oh well, got to go talk to the gang.

CY

Archie

Hi Gang

Ronnie thinks it’s too immature. Jug is way too busy - he’s already in three contests and judging another. Reg has already entered the talent contest and is doing a solo. So Betty and I are doing a duet. We’ll be practicing all week. The Talent contest is Saturday night.

Wish us luck.

Archie

Hi Gang

Betty and I doubled dated with Moose and Midge for Moose’s Birthday. We decided not stay in town and went over to Midvale to see Josie and the Pussycats. They were HOT as always. We brain stormed with Josie during intermission and got some great ideas for our duet. Can’t wait to try them.

Wish us luck.

Archie

 Hey Gang

Guess what?

Ronnie called me last night and wants to join the group. I said, “Of course! The more the better,”… or something like that. She said she would see Betty and I at tonight’s practice and that she had some great ideas. Can’t wait till tonight… being with both my favorite girls. This ought to be fun.

Your Pal

Archie

 Hey Gang

Just a short note to congratulate Josie & the Pussycats for coming in 4^th in “AOL's 10 Coolest Cartoon Rockers”. And Congrats to us (The Archies) for coming is 3^rd. Sorry, Josie. I’m just glad you’re not competing in the Riverdale talent contest because if you were, none of us would have a chance.

Patty posted some of our famous songs here!

Your Pal

Archie

  Hi Gang

Boy, I’m not sure what happened. Betty and I were practicing the song for the contest when Ronnie showed up. (I may have forgot to tell Betty that Ron was back in.)

Anyway Ronnie had this new song that she would sing lead in… and Betty and I were suppose to sing back-up. Well, Betty looked at me then at Ronnie. I’m not sure if I saw a tear or just anger but all she said was, “I’m done.” And left.

Needless to say, the rest of the night was a downer. Ronnie tried to act like all was okay, but it wasn’t.

Your Clueless Pal

Archie

 Hi All

Veronica just fired me.

It would appear there was not one thing I could do right. I know I was down because of Betty quitting but I was still pretty good, (I think?)

Ronnie’s on her own now.

My great plan to get the band back together has blown up in my face. Betty and Ron are both mad at me, Reg has a solo going, and I’m OUT of everything.

Jughead is still my pal. I’m heading over to his house. If I’m not competing in anything at least I can help Jug win his contests.

Bye All

Archie

 Hi Gang

I’m not sure if you heard the whole story on Jughead and his contests at the fair.

He won the ice cream contest hands down. No one even came close. As a matter of fact Juggy could have stopped eating a gallon and a half before he did and still won… what a guy.

Unfortunately this backfired on him in the hotdog eating contest. These contests were back to back and Jug went into the hotdog eating contest full of ice cream. Can you guess what happened? Yep, Jughead had a “reversal of fortune” and lost to Moose. (Congratulations Moose)

In the pie eating contest latter that day, Jug’s forth pie was his worst nightmare. YES it was rhubarb!. Stopped him dead in his tracks. So… congrats to Coach Clayton for his first ever 1^st place finish in pie eating.

I’m glad Betty’s scrapbook won, and her apple pie came in 2^nd. When she is talking to me again I’ll tell her.

Ethel was great and Diton’s dancing robot was a hoot. Fantastic 2^nd and 3^rd place winners. And yes, Reggie was very good. I’m glad he won 1^st. You could tell he put a lot of hard work into it. I’m still not sure what happened to Ronnie.

Your Pal

Archie

Hi Gang

I just wanted to know if you’ve dropped by the new Blog for Fan Art that Patty built with my friend Chuck Clayton. I know some of you have found it because you’ve already sent in some awesome artwork!

Well, I posed for some videos featured on that new blog, so check those out too. AC artists Fernando Ruiz, Bob Smith and Tito Pena show you – in detail – how to draw ME! I think they should have chosen Betty for this project – she’s much more photogenic – but she was busy.

Anyway, drop by Chuck’s new Art Blog and say, “hi!”

Your Pal

Archie

  Hi Gang

I’m not sure what’s going on…

Ronnie called me in kind of a panic and wants to take me shopping with her today. I told her I was not really up to a shopping trip with her (been there, done that). But she insisted. She said it was very important and that Chuck had to go with us.

I guess I’ll go find out what’s up.

Your Pal

Archie

 Hi Gang

Ronnie is just way too COOL!

The reason she wanted Chuck and me to go shopping with her was…

SHE IS TAKING THE WHOLE GANG ON THIS GREAT CAMPING-KAYAK TRIP!!!

She shared with me that she thought she has been a tad too self absorbed lately and wanted to make it up to everyone especially Betty.

Your Pal

Archie

  Hi campers!

This is blast… Ronnie got all the camping gear and rented us all new kayaks. She did buy matching ones for her and Betty. Oh yeah, and Chuck brought his own.

Our days start with an awesome breakfast prepared by Gaston; yesterday we had fancy pancakes. I don’t know what we’re having tomorrow. We then all hit the river. Well not all of us. Jug, Dilton and Gaston pack up camp and meet us at the next stop. They’re driving this huge SUV pulling a portable gourmet kitchen.

We run the river half the day and we then meet up with Jug, Dilton and Gaston for a fantastic lunch.

After lunch it’s back to the water til evening. Then we put in for a night of camping, eating, music, and fun. Jug, Dilton and Gaston have the camp site all set up. Thanks to Dilton and the state of the art camping gear, we have it all. Hot and cold running showers, satellite TV, satellite radio, satellite phone (cell phones can’t get reception out here), satellite computers, and just about anything else we could want.

Of course, at bed time it’s boys tents on one side of camp and girls on the other with Gaston in between.

Your Pal

Archie

  Hi Gang

I forgot to tell you – the second day out, Betty came up and gave me a big hug. She told she knew the talent contest was not a B & V thing. She said she knew I just wanted to get the band back together and she was sorry for being mad at me.

Wow!!! I finely got understood.

Your Pal

Archie

 Hi Gang

Stopped by Reggie’s house yesterday and no one was home. I think his parents are still in Europe. I’m pretty sure they were going to be gone over a month.

Reggie’s car was gone so I guess he has a meeting with an agent or something. I guess I’ll catch him later.

Your Pal

Archie

We called Jughead last night to tell him we’ve not found Reggie yet. Jughead then informed us that Mr. Mantle was not lost.

Get this: he is safe and sound back in Riverdale after spending a weekend kayaking with a group of girls, instead of catching up with us like his blog had said!

We all should have listened to Jughead. I have to say the guy is usually right on.

I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to be in Reg’s shoes when B & V catch up with him (though I do I hope I’m around to see it J)

Your Pal

Archie

Hi Gang

Coach Clayton has me running ten miles a day. Cross Country starts the first week of school, so Coach has the team running already.

I’m not sure what it’s like in your town but here… IT’S HOT HOT HOT!!!

100 plus outside by noon!!!

And on top of all that, Coach wants me to get Jughead