The local comic book store hung up a banner announcing a sale.  So, picked up a couple of things.  This and Betty’s Diary #1 were among them.  There were probably more Archie comics buried in boxes somewhere, but these two issues were lying out on a table.  This one was going for $5.  Nice appreciation for a .60 comic.  Economically, this was a questionable purchase.  The issue is in very good shape, but I wouldn’t say mint or in-demand or that it’s an investment.  Then again, compared to any new comic on the racks, it’s only slightly more expensive.   

This is the first time I’ve ever seen Bill Woggon’s original Katy.  Previously, I’ve only ever seen the two revivals.  To sum this work up in one word, “cheesecake.”  I guess this is theoretically a girl’s comic, but it certainly panders to guys in the art.  The first story looks like it’s from the 40’s.  I did not expect to see Katy bathing and then toweling off, with her bare back facing the mirror on page two.  Then she’s dressed in reader submitted lingerie on page three.  Most of the plot of the first two stories is an excuse for Katy to change clothes.  Still, cute stories.

The third story features another girl, Suzie, also by Woggon.  Unlike Katy, Suzie is only an aspiring model, just looking for an easy job.  She’s also more into slapstick comedy, still served with a side of cheesecake.  One caption reads, “Let’s take a peek in the dressing room.  Peek heck!  Let’s take a good look!”  Suzie is stripped down to pink panties and stockings with her back turned to the reader.  An excited little mouse below is getting the frontal view.

Next up is the classic paper doll with like seven outfits.  The song is right.  “I’d rather have a paper doll.”

This is followed by another short Katy story.  I’m not sure if it’s by Woggon or not, since it doesn’t have his name on it, it looks a little different, and doesn’t involve any clothing changes.  Regardless, she looks extraordinarily glamorous here. 

And then we have the letters column.  And what 80’s letters column would be complete without a mention of TM Maple?  (There’s got to be somebody else out there who remembers this guy.  Whatever happened to him?)  The first letter is from a fan who was at the San Diego Comic Con and congratulating Archie on finally having a presence there.  He also gave them a piece of art inspired by the first story in this issue.  The editor responds that he liked it so much, he used it as the cover for the issue.  Thank you, John Lucas.  Somewhat amusingly, the next letter states, “I doubt that the ingenuousness of Woggin’s originals could be duplicated.  More reprints would be just fine.”  The reader forgets that any good literary creation, will overshadow and dominate whoever the writer is.  Lucas and Pepoy did well by her.

The next story starts with an impressive pinup of Katy in gorgeous wedding gown (reader submitted).  Her boyfriend, KO, paints a vivid picture of a honeymoon, whilst wooing her on the couch.  Sis tells her to hurry up and say “Yes,” so they can get going on the trip.  Katy teases KO by playing the coquet.  If you’re a number like Katy, you can string guys along indefinitely. 

Finally, Katy and Gloria trade barbs on a gag page.

Like I said, I may have overpaid for this.  But, I was not cheated.  Sigh… Katy…  Before I’ve suggested that Archie Comics do some trade paperback reprints of Woggon’s and Lucas’ Katy.  Now, I’m demanding it!