But what happens when a story becomes a little bit too dated for it to be reprinted as is? In some cases, the artist can take creative liberties and update the story - changing 1987 to 2017, or making records into compact discs. But sometimes, these stories simply fade away, never to be heard from again until they are compiled in a "Best of the 1970s" compilation.
For now, let's have a look at the original source of this story. It appears in "PEP Comics #358", which has a cover date of February 1980. So, technically, this was released during the Christmas season of 1979. Now, as you may know if you lived through 1979, it was the year of "My Sharona", the year of "Alien", and the year that disco began to die.
It was also the year that this story came out. A story featuring Betty and Veronica entitled "True to Type".
In this story, Betty is having a bit of a problem. She knows that she still has to get Archie a Christmas present. And while Christmas is still a few days away, Betty is frustrated because she knows that whatever she gets Archie for Christmas, it will be completely overshadowed by Veronica's expensive gifts.
For instance, if Betty gives Archie a sweater, Veronica will give him a leather jacket.
If Betty bakes Archie cookies, Veronica will get Gaston to make Archie a giant cake.
If Betty gives Archie a cassette tape, Veronica will give Archie a stereo system.
You see, if Archie wasn't in the picture, Betty and Veronica would be best friends forever. Once you insert Archie into the mix, that relationship becomes less rosy and more thorny.
Betty tries to get some insight as to what to get Archie for Christmas, and she tries to talk to Jughead about it, but doesn't really get anywhere. It becomes an even more frustrating day for Betty when she runs into Veronica who can't help herself when it comes to bragging.
Yeah, I'm sure that Betty can think of a few places where to put Veronica's gift suggestion...right around her neck for starters. And the funny thing is that I don't even know if Veronica is trying to push Betty's buttons or if she is legitimately that self unaware of how obnoxious she comes across.
And for poor Betty, she's left even more confused than ever as to what to get Archie for Christmas. She needs a Christmas miracle, and she needs it more than ever.
Who knew that miracle would come in the form of a conversation between Reggie and a panic-stricken Archie?
Yeah, that was one thing I hated about the holidays when I was in high school. Teachers would give out last minute "holiday" assignments where many were due on the same day. It certainly made it hard to try and get everything done. In Archie's case, he has to do a science report for Professor Flutesnoot, and a book report for Miss Grundy's English class. The problem is that procrastinator Archie has left both projects until the last minute, and completely forgot about Miss Grundy's book report. He has time to get the science project done, but will not have time to do the book report. He's in danger of failing the class as it is, and that book report could help him get into Miss Grundy's good books. If only there were a way for Archie to get that book report done. Of course, Reggie just laughs at Archie's misery because Reggie is Reggie.
But for Betty...it provides just the inspiration she needs to give Archie the best Christmas gift ever. And it is here where we see why this story hasn't been reprinted in thirty years. Well, at least my theory anyway.
Yeah, Betty decides to write Archie's book report for him. On a typewriter. Now, never mind the fact that this story basically romanticizes cheating and plagiarism. How many teens would even know what a typewriter is, let alone have one in their room? Seriously, how does Betty type up a book report on a typewriter without waking everyone up in the house? I owned a typewriter before. Those things are loud! I suppose they could change that one panel and redraw a computer or word processor in its place, but that would kind of screw up the wonderful art that Dan DeCarlo provided in this tale. Sometimes there are some things that just shouldn't be messed with. And I think that's why you won't see this story make any future appearances. It's a product of its time.
Barring all that though, it was one of the sweetest gifts that Betty could have provided Archie. And certainly Archie is thankful. For one, Betty was always a good student, and her selfless gift will help Archie pass Grundy's class for sure. And for another, I doubt Veronica would even know how to write a book report!
Anyway, if you want to read this story, it's very hard to find. The only other book I can find it in is "Archie's Story & Game Digest #6". Which came out thirty-one years ago. Happy hunting!
Anyway, tomorrow's entry isn't so hard to find. It was only released in 2000. And that story will star the youngest member of the Jones family.
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