Turns out - that clue was left in one of the images I posted. In black text under one of the images, there was a small ad that talked about "Riverdale High #4" being on sale December 4, 1990. Obviously, the source of the image came from an old Archie Digest that I found yesterday's story in. But that page prompted me to remember the lead story of that comic book, so I thought that I would make that story the focus for Day #9!
Now, Riverdale High was one of those titles that was new, but wasn't new. Fans of classic Archie might recall that there was another title that began in the 1970s called "Archie at Riverdale High". That title ran for fifteen years, ending its official run in 1987 and releasing a couple of one-off specials in the Giant Series title. But in 1990, the decision was made to reboot the title under the name "Riverdale High". The difference was that it was modernized for a 1990s audience. The covers looked like composition books, the stories featured what was then common slang in the 1990s, and the title even featured a high school in the country to spotlight.
It was a labour of love for Barry Grossman and Stan Goldberg, who edited, illustrated, and coloured most of the first few issues of the series, and it was supposed to be an ongoing title that was meant to last for years. Unfortunately, it made it to issue #8 before classes were cancelled. And you know something, it was really a shame because I was one of those people who appreciated the new Riverdale High. It was bold, it was modern, and it also had heart. Much like this story which appeared in Riverdale High #4.
It's just a few days before Christmas, and everyone should be celebrating with joy and happiness. But not Miss Grundy. Archie and Betty happen to be walking down the street when they see Miss Grundy standing outside a building that is clearly on fire. It's not until Archie and Betty start talking to her that they realize that the building on fire is the one that Miss Grundy lives in! Tough blow, especially so close to the holidays, and especially when teachers in the United States don't make a whole lot of cash.
When Miss Grundy is allowed back inside her apartment, a group of her students come in to survey the damage. Luckily for Miss Grundy, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of damage to her apartment except for cosmetic damage. Lots of smoke and water damage that can be repaired. But will it be repaired before Christmas? Hard to say. Besides, Miss Grundy has bigger problems, as one of her most prized possessions seems to have taken a lot of damage.
And while it's heartbreaking to see Miss Grundy so miserable about the damaged family photo, it's even more heartbreaking to see that reprinted versions of this tale have completely butchered this panel! Seriously, have a look at the reprinted version from "Laugh Digest #132".
Damn...that fire sure looked more powerful in the 1996 version of this story compared to the one from 1990! I guess the red ink that was used in the original photograph didn't print well in the reprint, making the photo completely disappear. Or maybe they just decided not to draw a photo because as time progressed, they'd have to redraw the photo to make it fit the various eras. Either way, it's really lazy and it makes one want to get the original version.
Okay. Rant over.
Obviously, Miss Grundy can't stay in her charred apartment, but she isn't sure where she can go. Fortunately, Betty opens up her heart this holiday season and decides that she will ask her parents if Miss Grundy can stay in one of the spare rooms in her house. It's a very generous offer that Miss Grundy accepts, but she is still sad about what just happened. And as everyone leaves the apartment, Archie holds up the charred photograph and tells his friends that they have to do something about this. But what?
And having Miss Grundy stay at Betty's house is causing some problems for Betty as well. Although Betty is happy that she has given Miss Grundy a place to stay for the holidays, she is nervous about the Christmas party she is holding at her house in a couple of days. She's slightly concerned about Miss Grundy being there and cramping the style of the party. And it doesn't help Betty much when Reggie keeps making fun of the situation and suggesting that maybe they could play teacher friendly games like "Pin the Tail on the Donkey". You know, it's a wonder that Reggie even gets invited to Christmas parties in the first place!
Looks like a lively party, doesn't it? It actually kind of has the same vibe as one of the school dances I attended in 7th grade. All the students standing around the walls, not sure of whether they should dance or not with the chaperones standing around drinking watered down punch. Do you want to know who ISN'T having fun? Miss Grundy. And would you believe that it's the teacher that ignites the spark that turns Betty's Christmas party from dull to delightful?
...and she plays Twister too?!? Right hand on yellow...colour me impressed!
So after all that, everyone is exhausted, and Betty suggests an activity that slows things down so that they can all catch their breath. Miss Grundy suggests they play
Miss Grundy isn't upset at Reggie though. She's still devastated about the fire, and she is really starting to feel homesick at a time like this. She tells the gang that she is grateful that they stepped up to help her out and she loves that they included her in their Christmas celebrations...but she needs to go home and sort things out her own way. Archie and the gang understand, but they insist on walking home with her so they can help her get settled. And yes, there is a reason behind it.
But an even bigger surprise awaits Miss Grundy when she sees that they even paid to get her photo of her parents cleaned and restored. No wonder in that last panel she shows tears of joy and comes to understand just what an impact she made on her students.
It's just too bad that in the Laugh Digest reprint that they were lazy and DIDN'T RESTORE THE PHOTO AT ALL! Seriously, this is just laziness! It's almost kind of embarrassing, and it takes away from what should have been a wonderful story.
(Seriously...the lesson here is...GET THE ORIGINAL COPY!)
But lest you think I'm hating on "Laugh Digest #132", I'm not. Truth be told, I found another story reprinted in that very book (unaltered) that I will make as my focus for Day #10's tale. Hope you enjoyed this story and I'll see you tomorrow!
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