This trade paperback is currently available from Archie, Amazon, and probably some other places.
 
If I could choose out of all the Archie characters a real-life version to hook up with it, it would have to be Katy Keene.  (Shhh, don't tell Melody.)  Actually when I think about it, I did know the real-life version.  She has the same hairstyle and pleasant personality, and I miss her dearly.  Well, now that my impartiality has been established, I'll go ahead and start the review.   


Why did I buy this?

I first saw Katy in Archie & Friends #101 with my beloved Veronicas.  (Along with Josie and the Pussycats even.  What a score for me!)  The character's personality and Andrew Pepoy's artwork made me want to see more. 


Contents.

She's an actress, model, and singer.  Little wonder she's famous.  She's also beautiful, smart, sweet, and kind.    Katy seems to have everything going for her, but there's a price to be paid.  Jealous boyfriends, conniving rivals, scheming producers, snitty co-stars, nosy paparazzi, annoying reporters, and even her own little sister gets her into trouble.  She's so popular, that everyone wants a piece of her or to knock her down.  You're getting plenty of conflict here.

Don't worry, it's still kid friendly in art, script, and story.  There are some nods to adult readers and some grown up situations, but this is all subtle.  Yeah, it could be more mature or realistic, but then Katy's good-
natured character would become completely improbable, as she's surrounded by people either out to get her or wanting something from her.

I won't go into depth with the stories here, but I will single out the opening chapters.  These stories are sort of Katy's diary of how she rose to stardom.  They show how she got started, her rivalry with Gloria Gold, the college boyfriend she left behind, and the aftermath of the death of her and her sister's parents.  That last item provides, I guess, an explanation as to why she's so nice.  Katy is trying to parent and be a good role model for her little sister.  These stories didn’t appear in of the comic books.  I’m curious as to the origin of them, since I doubt they were produced just for this volume.   

Andrew Pepoy’s art is generally excellent.  More than well-drawn, Katy looks likable.  Katy's shining personality comes right through in the stories.  She goes through a lot of wardrobe changes in any given story, but working in those reader submitted fashions is a great nod to the fans.  I hope this tradition continues with the new upcoming creative team.

Speaking of tradition, I’ve only seen one previous version, a story excellently done by John Lucas from the 80’s.  Pepoy’s version seems to be cut from the material and presumably also the 40’s original.  I could only wish for a trade volume featuring Katy through the years, starting with her “father,” Bill Woggon.


Clunkers?

I hope that by mentioning this up front, I'm not scaring anybody off.  The story in Archie and Friends #101 had a cringe-worthy moment in it that likely kept me from seeking out further individual issues. 

Katy meets the band "Without a Doubt" (ahem) backstage.  Their lead singer "Steph Gwefan" suddenly falls ill.  (Celebrity names are filled in all over this volume, which is fine.)  Katy is drafted on the spot to take her place on stage.  I know they wanted to establish Katy as a singer, but that should have been a separate story.  At least a throwaway line that Katy had sat in with the band during a rehearsal, and that they knew she could sing and knew their songs would have helped. 

The rest of the volume is no where near this improbable.  Even this story is totally forgivable, as Katy is just hot in that little red dress (reader submitted). 

Sidebar: A friend at work did actually see No Doubt before they hit it big.  They were an opening act for Bush.  The drummer, Adrian Young, came out and hung around the lobby after the concert and chatted with people.  He was apparently a really nice guy. 


Conclusion

I was surprised by how much I did like it.  (I probably shouldn't have been given who she reminds me of.)  Regardless of the appeal of the artwork from my first exposure, I was afraid it would be one absurd girlish fantasy after another.  Instead, there was plenty of drama, romance, comedy, and heart-warming tales.

In short, highly recommended. 

Thanks for the compliment and thanks for adding your review.

Wow, I am surprised that the diary section at the beginning was just done for this trade.  That was quite a bit of new material.

Katy and Mackenzie's (Sis) parents are addressed in this along with her secret origin.  I think you'll like it.  Certainly post your own review either way.

If you don't like Katy's fashions, submit your own. 

Quote from: jdh417 on January 20, 2011, 07:41:01 PM

Katy and Mackenzie's (Sis) parents are addressed in this along with her secret origin.  I think you'll like it.  Certainly post your own review either way.

If you don't like Katy's fashions, submit your own. 

It's funny but they haven't stated Sis' name yet.  It is a minor detail that I have been on the look out for since you mentioned it.

If I recall correctly, a recent 1980s reprint had her named Melissa.

Yeah, though the movie was based on another character, The Web.  I don't remember the issue offhand.

No problem.  I'm sorry if I sounded rude there.  It was unintentional.

I think they may have been trying to capitalize on the popularity of the Spider-Man movies using their own spider-ish hero.  It would be interesting to see an Archie comic adaptation of a Web movie starring Katy.  A bit meta, but might be interesting.