BETTY AND VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST MAGAZINE #154 (October, 2007) Thoughts and Comments

written: Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 6:00 PM - 6:27 PM, 7:00 PM - 10:43 PM; Friday, May 29, 2009, 7:30 PM - 10:46 PM; Thursday, June 4, 2009, 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM; Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 8:00 PM - 11:01 PM; Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:00 PM - 11:15 PM; Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 3:00 PM - 4:26 PM, 5:00 PM - 6:29 PM, 8:15 PM - 11:19 PM, 11:23 PM - 11:24 PM


Note: I am reviewing only the new stories in this digest.


The front cover shows Nick hugging Betty while they stand in front of (presumably) Riverdale High. Betty is wearing what looks like a Harley-Davidson sleeveless shirt. Veronica is coming up to Betty from behind in surprise. Betty, not facing her, says "Veronica, eat your heart out!" The text at the top reads "See Betty and Veronica in a dynamic new look! Read: Bad Boy Trouble! Part 4". This scene doesn't occur anywhere in the actual story but does represent the general feeling of deception/betrayal/revelation. The cover is by Steven and Milgrom.


First, there's a 1-page recap of Part Three.


Bad Boy Trouble!, Part 4
by Melanie J. Morgan
Character(s): Betty and Veronica (my observation)
29 pages

I've already reviewed "Bad News Boyfriend", the novel that this comic story is based on. If you haven't already done so, please read that review first.

Okay, before we get into the story, let's talk about the artwork. It continues to be gorgeous. I especially love the close-up of Betty's lips when she says "Then prove it, big boy!"

Because this is an adaptation of an earlier story (which I already summarized in detail), I won't do that again here. Instead, I'm going to point out the differences (additions, removals, compressions, etc.) and comment on each as I go along.

Part 4 of "Bad Boy Trouble!" adapts chapters 10-13 of "Bad News Boyfriend". It's adapting pages 86-124 of the novel (36 prose pages) in 29 comic pages.

The stargazing scene is condensed. The place where Betty and Archie are is not named (it's Hamilton Hill in the novel) or given a backstory. There's some additional material (Betty speaks of Saturn). Archie laments Nick not shaking hands or making friends with him. Betty says Nick wouldn't make much of a friend. Archie doesn't hold Betty close. Betty doesn't rest her head against Archie's shoulder. Betty's reason for not going anywhere special is changed from being glad to be out on a Saturday night for a change to enjoying just being with Archie. Betty doesn't wink at Archie. Instead of asking Archie what he'll say, Betty suggests he "make up a little white lie, just this once". Archie, not Betty, says everyone will believe his story. Betty says she's starved right away instead of Archie asking her. Betty doesn't say what she wants to eat (in the novel, it's a cheeseburger, which she is cheated out of). The "Jughead Jones Disease" joke is moved to before they leave and told by Archie instead of Betty. Archie doesn't brag about Old Betsy or nearly bump into a huge oak tree (they're in a parking space here). Archie suggests going to Pop's (after Betty already suggested it; clumsy) instead of announcing it.

The scene at Pop's is condensed. It is simply called Pop's here, although Betty's lengthy description in the novel might not have been the actual name of the business. Betty and Archie don't spot their friends' cars. Archie parking his car is cut. Archie's joke is replaced by a desire for pizza, which is what triggers Betty's joke. Only Archie laughs. Archie doesn't ask Betty anything before they enter Pop's. Chuck and Moose join Reggie in the joking. Archie doesn't look at Betty, and Betty doesn't silently deny saying anything. Archie doesn't ask Reggie. Luiz Martinez doesn't appear. Betty and Archie have no problem moving through the crowd. Archie doesn't unbutton his coat (he's wearing an unbuttoned letterman jacket here). Betty doesn't tell Archie to relax or talk to him at all. Jughead is sitting at the counter instead of at a table. Archie immediately accuses Dilton (after they arrive at the table). Betty doesn't ask Reggie to "put a clamp on it". Midge doesn't say Nick had it coming to him. Jughead doesn't agree. Dilton is drinking something instead of eating an ice cream sundae. He doesn't nod. Midge and Nancy, not Reggie as in the novel, confirm and explain things. Betty is angry at Nick's lies (she's merely surprised in the novel) and yells. An unnecessary flashback is added in which Dilton is shown exposing Nick's lies (I guess to make Dilton look brave), but the writer accidentally has Dilton state the novel's origin for Archie's black eye (Nick's cheap shot after the bell), whereas the comic had changed it in the previous chapter (to a legitimate punch during the course of the match). Big oops there. Anyway, Moose and Chuck stick up for Dilton, so Nick leaves to pick up Veronica. Moose and Jughead don't confirm the story. Dilton doesn't apologize to Archie. Archie thanks Dilton. Dilton tells him to forget it. The rest of the conversation between Archie and Dilton is cut. Betty doesn't call Dilton a doll or kiss him. Moose doesn't invite Betty, Archie, and Reggie to join them. The finding of chairs and sitting down are removed. The conversation between Archie and Jughead is cut. Jughead ordering the pizzas is cut. Later on, they are not talking about the English lit homework. Betty, not Midge, announces Veronica and Nick's arrival. Nick and Veronica don't march through the front door (that we can see). Everyone's reactions upon seeing them are cut. Dilton, not Midge, says it's crowded. Veronica doesn't look hurt. Betty doesn't contradict Dilton (but does contradict Midge in the novel). Nick doesn't ask Archie how he's doing. Archie doesn't ask Nick and Veronica how they're doing. No one is shown laughing at Archie's joke. Nick doesn't take hold of Veronica's arm (he goes to the counter by himself before Archie jokes). There's extra material where Nick says he's going to the rinse his knuckles in cold water, because his knuckles are still sore. This is because Betty and Veronica have their conversation a short distance from the counter instead of in the ladies' room. Veronica's explanation of Nick's apology is shortened, and Betty's response about Nick and Veronica's father is cut. Veronica's feelings regarding fighting are cut. Betty tells Veronica the truth of the fight. Veronica seemingly hasn't heard Nick's lies regarding it (as in the novel) and instead accuses Betty of being jealous and wanting Nick for herself. Veronica doesn't put an arm around Betty's shoulder or wish Betty and Nick would get along. The entire dialogue about going steady is cut. Nick, not Veronica, is planning the anniversary date (which isn't specified to be the one-month anniversary as in the novel). Nick comes out of the restroom and convinces Veronica to go with him to a movie. Archie doesn't ask Betty what's wrong. Betty starts thinking of her plan after Veronica leaves (in the novel, she does so during her conversation with Veronica). Betty doesn't tell them everything that she's been holding back (or anything at all, actually). Midge, not Betty, wants to stop the relationship from going much further (no mention of Veronica and Nick going steady). Midge and Dilton's lines come before Archie's desire of violence against Nick here (in the novel, Betty and Dilton's equivalent lines come after Archie's line). Betty moralizes regarding Archie's desire of violence against Nick instead of simply saying it's too late for that now. The rest of the scene from the novel is changed to Betty starting to flesh out her plan (as opposed to suggesting the others help her think of it) and saying Veronica may end up hating her.

The hallway scene at school is condensed. Nancy is added to the scene. Archie, not Midge, asks how Nick heard about their party. Nick specifies that Reggie told Moose (whereas, in the novel, he specifies that he heard Reggie at lunch). Nancy, not Betty, asks Archie what's the problem, but she doesn't smile. Midge says it's an open party rather than appearing to reluctantly agree to have Nick at the party. She doesn't wink at Betty. Archie says he won't be there (whereas he doesn't in the novel). Veronica doesn't noticably shuffle through papers. Nick doesn't apparently automatically assume the party is at Midge's house. Nick doesn't try to hide the fact that he forgot about their anniversary. Veronica says maybe they'll come for a little while (whereas she doesn't in the novel). Veronica typed Nick's essay in computer class instead of writing it in health class (so the mention of handwriting is gone). It's one paper instead of multiple papers. Nick doesn't snatch it from Veronica or scribble his name on it. The rest of their discussion is cut. Veronica says they'd better get to class after the bell rings instead of before. Betty grins instead of rolling her eyes. They're right outside of class, but Betty oddly walks in a different direction from Veronica and Nick, despite having the class with them. Truancy?

The English lit class scene is condensed. The students aren't shown stepping into the room or taking their seats. Attendance is cut. Ms. Grundy telling the class to pass in the essays is cut. Ms. Grundy doesn't check to make certain that everyone had done the assignment. Nick doesn't praise English lit. He says he's sure that Ms. Grundy will enjoy it instead of hoping she'll give him a good grade. Nick doesn't wink at Veronica. Veronica doesn't lower her eyes. There's a (vague) reaction shot from Veronica at Ms. Grundy's suspicion. The rest of the scene is cut. Also, Betty isn't shown being in the classroom. Is this a subtle way of portraying Betty as a rebel for Nick's benefit, or did the writer and/or artist screw up?

The next hallway scene is condensed. Ms. Grundy calls Veronica back into the classroom instead of telling her to stay after class. Nick doesn't talk to Veronica. Note that Betty is casually leaning against a locker - as if she skipped class. Archie is absent from this scene, so his and Betty's conversation is cut. Betty and Nick's conversation is condensed but has the same essence. Unlike in the novel, Betty claims to not mind "stabbing Ron in the back", only what her other friends might think of her. Unlike in the novel, Nick expresses concern over losing Veronica, which is what prompts Betty to think up an excuse for him. Betty tells Nick to send Veronica to the party with Archie (she doesn't mention Archie in the novel; you'll see the reason for the addition below). Nick comes up with his own excuse (helping his uncle on Saturday) for no apparent reason. Nick saying he'll get together with Veronica on Sunday is moved up to this scene (you'll see why below). Nick is far more easily convinced here than in the novel (probably for space reasons). Nick walks away instead of leaning against the wall.

The scenes in Betty's house, on the road, and in the parking lot are all cut. That means Betty's parents don't make their New Look debut. It's a shame. It would have been interesting to see them. The mentions of Sunday and Veronica going out with Archie are in the scene in Betty's driveway in the novel. The scene's absence here is why they were moved into the hallway scene earlier.

The cinema scene is condensed. Betty and Nick are already in the lobby. Betty is wearing what looks like a Harley-Davidson sleeveless shirt. I guess she's trying to appeal to Nick. Then again, we know from previous stories that Betty likes motorcycles, so maybe she genuinely likes wearing it. There's some additional material where Nick complains they wouldn't be late, if Betty didn't insist on Nick taking her for a ride after he picked her up (something that doesn't happen in the novel). It's done to get the timing of the surprise right, but it's an unnecessary addition. Betty has popcorn, and Nick has a soda (Betty doesn't have time to get snacks in the novel). Betty is nowhere near in a hurry here. As they enter the dark theater, Betty says "Ron fell for my story hook, line, and sinker. She and all of your friends are at Midge's party." These lines were obviously meant for Nick. Sloppy. I never understand how dialogue can be attributed to the wrong character in the final comic. The movie that they're seeing, unnamed in the novel, is "The Shield", a super-hero movie. Betty doesn't delay the kiss. It's kind of strange in the novel when Betty hurries Nick into the theater and then has to delay the kiss for ten minutes. I guess, here, the motorcycle ride took care of it. The actual kiss isn't shown. There's merely a small "Smooch!" panel. That's stupid. Veronica calls Nick a name instead of asking how he could do this. Betty reacts in disgust to the kiss. Veronica and Archie are in their seats behind Nick and Betty, not standing in the aisle behind them. There's a comment by some kid to another kid while watching this. Veronica says Archie brought her (which she doesn't say in the novel, because, in the cut driveway scene, Nick says Veronica said she'd call Archie). Veronica doesn't refer to Betty by her first and last name (yet), just her first name. Veronica doesn't ask why Nick's kissing Betty. Unlike in the novel, Nick immediately concludes it was a set up. Betty continues to be disgusted at the kiss. Betty interaction with Archie is cut. Veronica keeps exclaiming ""Boo hoo hoo!" I'm not sure if she's supposed to literally be exclaiming that, or if it's meant to be an indication that she's crying (we can see her tears, anyway), but it comes off as stupid and ruins the moment, especially "Boo hoo 'hoo! And the same goes for you, Betty Cooper!". Nick had made a comment earlier about being attracted to Veronica's money (just before the kiss), and Veronica says she heard that. Betty doesn't tell Archie to go after Veronica. Nick wants to go after Veronica and explain, but Archie tells him to let her go. Nick doesn't ask Betty why she did this. No ushers approach them. Nick wants Archie and Betty to take this outside with him. Midge, Moose, Reggie, Dilton, and Nancy are in the theater, so the confrontation occurs there instead of in the alley. Jughead isn't noticably present. Betty doesn't talk about Veronica. Archie, not Betty, gives the speech about friendship. Nick doesn't decide to even the score. Nick asks who needs friends and Riverdale. He's the one to leave, not the others.

The final scene in the hallway is condensed. Midge and Jughead aren't visible until the second page of it. They're at Archie's locker, not Betty's. Reggie isn't apparently breathless. Archie, Betty, Midge, and Jughead don't say anything. Jughead isn't munching on a granola bar. Dilton asks what news. Reggie says Nick is leaving Riverdale High today (he doesn't specify when in the novel). Archie isn't in disbelief. Reggie doesn't mention delivering a note or detention or explain how he came across the information. The reason for Nick leaving is changed from his grades to getting busted for turning in the phony English lit essay (Ms. Grundy flunked him). Nick's "folks" are sending him to a private military school (in the novel, it's vague who's sending him - kinda like here, actually). Archie isn't suspicious of Reggie and wishes Nick luck. The others don't seem astonished at Nick's epiphany. Betty seems happy. Reggie doesn't say Nick singled out Veronica and Betty in his good-byes. There isn't a moment of silence. Dilton, not Betty, guesses Nick had some good in him after all. Archie asks doesn't everyone. Jughead and Midge don't comment about Nick. Betty doesn't talk about friendship. Midge, not Betty, spots Veronica and warns Betty. Veronica exclaims "Betty Cooper!" instead of walking up in silence. Betty acknowledges her but doesn't say anything else, so Veronica doesn't cut her off. Veronica adds that Nancy told her everything. Everything until Veronica says Betty was right, and she was wrong, is cut. Midge isn't visible on the last page, so she doesn't look misty-eyed. The guys aren't apparently sniffling. The bell doesn't ring. Jughead says "Once again, all is well at Riverdale High." Veronica says never again will they let a guy come between them and asks Betty for comfirmation. Betty sees Archie waving and says maybe not. No one walks away. Veronica doesn't flirt with Archie. Betty asks what's the note in Veronica's hand (unseen until now). Veronica mentions her one week of detention from Ms. Grundy (previously mentioned by Nick in Betty's driveway in the novel). Betty makes a joke about not serving detention with Veronica, and Archie jokes that Veronica will have plenty of company, because detention is "our" second home. It's not clear who he's referring to, but Jughead is surprised, and Reggie slaps himself in the face.

Well, that's the fourth and final part of "Bad Boy Trouble!". The story has the least room to breathe in this part. A lot of stuff is cut. Prior to this part, no whole scenes were cut. Betty's personal observations and opinions from the novel are completely gone...again. Also, Betty is turned into more of a goody-goody in spots.

There are probably two types of readers of this story: those that read it after the novel and those that read it before / instead of the novel. I read it before the novel, but I was originally unaware that the novel existed. I was originally very excited. I thought "Here comes a more serious story with more realistic artwork that's gonna turn the Archieverse upside-down." However, when I found out that it's based on an earlier novel, my excitement lessened, because I realized this story wasn't going to break any new ground.

The artwork is gorgeous to look at, of course, but that's pretty much all that this adaptation has going for it. Storywise, the novel is much better.

Thanks for another detailed review, Mark!  I tallied up your writing time in my head...19+ hours, I think!  That's true dedication!