ARCHIE #571 REVIEW

[Blake Petit]

Review by: Blake M. Petit Blake@comixtreme.com
Quick Rating: Good
Title: Christmas Toy Story and other stories

When a kid makes a request to Archie Claus, could a Christmas miracle be in the works?

Writers: Mike Pellowski, George Gladir, Kathleen Webb
Pencils: Stan Goldberg
Inks: Bob Smith
Colors: Barry Grossman
Letters: Jack Morelli
Editor: Victor Gorelick
Cover Art: Stan Goldberg
Publisher: Archie Comics

It’s another Christmas for Archie and the gang. While working as a department store Santa Claus, a kid makes a request for a super-rare toy that’s no longer in production, one Archie always wanted himself. When a Christmas miracle happens for Riverdale’s favorite redhead, will he pass the miracle along?

Well c’mon, it’s Archie. The answer to that should be obvious. Still, “Christmas Toy Story” – for all its reliance on coincidence – is still a sweet little story, just the sort of thing you want when you’re reading an Archie comic.

This is just the beginning of the issue, though. “The Spoiler” comes up next. Archie and Jughead are nervous when, on a night out bowling, Riverdale’s biggest bad luck charm Jinx Malloy sets up in a lane right down the alley from them. But instead of bringing bad luck, Archie and Jughead start having the night of their lives. The real question is, is it too good to be true?

“Drink Drama” is a one-pager follow up, with the really strong “Freezer Burn” coming up next. Archie’s dad is getting burnt up by the costs of living with cold weather – a new coat, heating oil, firewood… it’s all about to send Fred Andrews to the poorhouse. Leave it to good-natured Archie and Jughead to find the solution.

Finally we’ve got the best story in the issue, “A Really Special Gift.” Archie (proving his good nature sometimes isn’t enough to conquer his tendency to blunder) spends all of his money on an expensive Christmas present for Veronica before he’s gotten a gift for Betty. What’s more, he learns through Jughead that Betty’s been depressed this Christmas because Archie has been neglecting her to spend more time with Ronnie. A remorseful Archie has to find the perfect gift for Betty without spending a dime to do it. The solution is sweet and heartwarming, and perfect for an Archie Christmas.

This issue is nice, sweet, and puts a smile on your face. Comics like this make Christmas a little more merry.

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