BETTY AND VERONICA #222 REVIEW

[Blake Petit]

Review by: Blake M. Petit Blake@comixtreme.com
Quick Rating: Very Good
Title: Gift Exchange and other stories

Another fight over Archie threatens to ruin Betty and Veronica’s Christmas.

Writers: Kathleen Webb, Mike Pellowski & George Gladir
Pencils: Jeff Schultz
Inks: Al Milgrom
Colors: Barry Grossman
Letters: Jack Morelli
Editor: Victor Gorelick
Cover Art: Jeff Shultz
Publisher: Archie Comics

Betty has been saving her money to get a special Christmas present for Archie, but when Veronica swoops in and gets it for him instead, the argument tears the two girls apart. Enter Sugar Plum, the Christmas fairy who seems to show up every year to help these two girls remember what Christmas is really about.

At first blush, this story seems kind of schmaltzy, but as you look over it again, you see more merit to it. For everyone who’s ever wondered by Betty remains Veronica’s best friend, even after all the underhanded tricks she’s pulled in pursuit of Archie, this issue takes the time to explain it, and while the explanation is definitely sugary, that fits pretty well.

“Trip Slip-Up” is next. Betty, Veronica and Nancy are planning a weekend trip to a ski resort when Betty takes a nasty spill that sprains her ankle and keeps her off the slopes. The other girls insist on bringing her anyway, with satisfying (if predictable) results.

“Party Dogs” wraps up this issue’s Christmas theme. Veronica decides to throw a Yule Party for all the dogs in the neighborhood, including Jughead’s pal Hot Dog. Hot Dog and his friends, however, aren’t too fond of the hats and clothes Veronica starts adorning them with. I rather enjoyed this, if for no other reason than because people who insist on dressing up their animals like people is a pet peeve of mine. (No pun intended.)

It’s an okay collection, with a particularly solid opening story that elevates it just enough.

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