I had two older brothers growing up. We bonded in different ways. My oldest brother and myself shared a love for science, as can be exemplified by our mutual love for the Mr. Wizard show. My middle brother and myself shared love for things like fireworks, Flipper, and Archie comics.
I was very fortunate to have been taught to read by a progressive-minded kindergarten teacher who was a firm believer in phonics. That meant I could enjoy Archie comics storylines at the tender age of five! And enjoy them I did.
Bill would obtain the comics for twelve cents, and I would get to read them for free! Not a bad deal at all.
The comics that my middle brother and I held in such high esteem got their start back in 1939. MLJ Comics, named after the first initials of its three founders: Maurice Coyne, Louis Silberkleit, and John L. Goldwater, began in that year. Two years later, in an issue of Pep comics, a character named Archie Andrews appeared.
His character was based, among others, on Mickey Rooney's Andy Hardy character. But instead of Judy Garland, he got to run around with gorgeous girl-next-door type Betty and equally gorgeous rich girl Veronica.
Man, those gals gave me an appreciation for the female body at an early age.
But a recurring theme of Archie comics, which continues to this day, is an inherent innocence and wholesomeness, enforced by fierce brand name protection for any who might use trademarked characters without permission and approval.
The comics grew in popularity, and more and more characters were added, many of whom rated their own series of comic books. Thus, we got Reggie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Archie's Pals and Gals, Li'l Jinx, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Josie and the Pussycats, and even Little Archie, the youthful version.
Life with Archie was an example of thinking outside the box. This series would look at things more seriously. It featured Archie and pals as super heroes fighting crime, of as tortured teens suffering from angst or temptations. There were even some Christian stories. According to Don Markstein's Toonopedia, this particular series is one of the most sought after by collectors today.
But by and large, Archie comics were nice, lightweight entertainment. The fact that they continue to sell in the millions over sixty years after their inception proves the value of picking a simple premise and sticking with it.
After all, it's impossible to picture Archie and his friends protesting the Vietnam war, or introducing a gay character, or taking a stand on abortion. Feminists have vilified the comics for making Betty and Veronica stereotypical beautiful ineffective bimbos, but they are missing the point. Archie is all about the fantasy world of Riverdale. They don't suffer from mundane problems like AIDS, destruction of the ozone layer, abuse of the helpless, or things like that. No, the biggest hitches that are faced are what to wear to the dance, or who to ask without making the other angry, or facing a pop test in Mr. Flutesnoot's class.
In other words, it's ESCAPISM, and we need it badly from time to time. I salute Archie's creators for staying with the ship's course. Its continuing popularity makes it clear that it's a good way to go.
Comments (4)
I'm the older brother mentioned in the article. My brother, Ron, the author, is probably too young to remember the Archie and Jughead show on Saturday morning radio. It was a "never miss" for my friends and me, especially on those cold Oklahoma winter Saturdays.
Posted by yobro | June 29, 2007 3:16 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 15:16
i started reading Archies comics when i was 11 or so... i just can't stop laughing whenever i see jughead in the comic. and yes Riverdale is a fantasy world for sure.... and thanks for all those information... never knew!!!
Posted by woody | August 18, 2007 1:30 AM
Posted on August 18, 2007 01:30
I remember the Archie comics very well. Our various family friends and relatives had lots of teens as well as my mother's 2 sisters, both teens. They all read Archie Comics. Archie was accessible to kids. Yes, Ron, I thought Bettie was pretty hot, too. I never understood what Archie saw in Veronica. Puberty helped answer that mystery, I guess.
I also enjoyed the Cartoon that started in what, maybe 1969? Or was it even earlier? Wow, could it be 67 or 68? Recalling Sugar, Sugar, I believe it was back then. Then came Sabrina and the Groovie Goolies.
I loved Reggie Van Pelt's laugh on the cartoon. Archie comics are part of why there are so many good memories of an innocent lovable time. In fact, comic books in general were a lot of fun and delight. I am glad they were around for us to read. I also loved Golden Key comics as well. DC! Harvey! According to what I have read in doing some research in comics a year ago, the 60s was the silver Age of comics, while the 30s and 40s were the golden age.
I also recall, even as a kid of maybe 6, how silly I thought the Superman comics got with SuperBoy, Super woman, Supergirl, even Superdog. I think that is why Batman was seen as more respectable and cool. Superman had become too goofy. But don't get me wrong, I read Superman. I red a few Flash, Green Lantern and other DCs.
And there was the Marvel Comics group. Lots of fun. Hulk, Spiderman, Fantastic four were my favorites. Anyone remember those horribly animated Marvel comics Cartoons and the Merry Marvel Marching society, a fan club for the cartoons, about 66/67 maybe?
Spiderman came along later and was animated right by another company, Hanna Barbera.
Long Live the 60s!
Posted by Scott Irv | May 21, 2009 12:50 AM
Posted on May 21, 2009 00:50
As a child, I missed out on Archie Comics. Probably bcause I was readingt Brave and Bold, DC Comics and horror comics. Archie comics definately have a history that is all American. I remember when the cartoon shows were on. Watched some of those. I have also saw some naughty Archie comics also, but w won't go there. Archie must be getting pretty old these days!
Posted by Riversend | June 24, 2009 8:18 PM
Posted on June 24, 2009 20:18