I wonder what it would take to get the company to bring back the full-size comics with 3-4 new stories. Those were so much more fun than a digest full of reprints with one or two stories in there. As much as I like seeing the older stuff, it would be nice to have a book of all new material as well.

Site has been upgraded again...

Forum upgraded to 2.1.1 (I waited so long after 2.1 RC4 was released that 2.1 final was released a few days later, then 2.1.1 to fix a bug with older PHP versions)
Portal upgraded to 2.2.0

Should be the last major upgrade for a while.

Welcome back

Yes it will. This is the default theme for the forum software.

Site has been upgraded to 2.1 RC4. The orange theme currently doesn't work with the new version of the forum so I've switched everyone to the default theme for now. I'll put the other one back once it's been updated.

I still subscribe to one of the digests but that's about it. I don't buy much beyond that mainly because I don't have a lot of space to put them all at the moment (need to invest in some longboxes and get things more organized than large piles of comic books on my bookshelf and other areas).

I'm not sure where everyone disappeared to unfortunately. I know a lot of people are active in the Archie Comics group on Facebook, so it could be that.

Unfortunately I don't have any Apple devices so I can't test it myself, but I'll take a look at it when I get a chance and see if I can figure it out.

Site has been upgraded to SMF 2.1 RC3. This version mostly fixes a bunch of bugs, but also includes a few new things to comply with GDPR - support for a privacy policy (if/when I enable that you'll get a screen saying you have to agree to it before you can continue using the forum) and the ability to download a copy of your profile data (go to your profile and you'll see the option under the "Actions" menu).

Quick heads up for everyone. I'll be moving the site to a new server tomorrow night to one that has a newer version of the operating system I'm using. The move should be fairly quick and uneventful just like last time, but the site will be temporarily unavailable for a short time as a result.

It works better if you use landscape mode. I'll have to look into the issues to see why the login form is larger than the popup window it appears in when you're in portrait mode.

Per Archie's FB page, Archie icon Victor Gorelick has died.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial/photos/a.135460744524/10158009613954525/?type=3&theater

QuoteWe are extremely heartbroken and devastated to inform the Archie family of the passing of Archie Comics icon and Editor in Chief, Victor Gorelick, who made Riverdale his home for over sixty years. No person embodied the Archie spirit more than Victor, who was a leader, friend, and mentor to everyone that walked through the doors of Archie. A ilfelong friend and mentor to Archie Comics Co-CEO, Jon Goldwater - and an inspiration to the entire Archie Comics family - Victor will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Kathie, his family, his friends, and his many fans.

Social media probably plays a large part of it - there are Archie Comics groups on Facebook (I'm in at least two of them though I don't post much in either), subreddits, etc.

On top of that, Archie isn't putting out as much content as they were 10 years ago - the only new stories we get are either specials/mini-series, stuff related to the TV series or one or two new stories in a Digest. This compares to a dozen or more new stories each month back before they stopped publishing the "floppies" (full-size comics like Archie, Jughead, etc.)

At this point it looks like they're trying just about everything to see what sticks. I wish they'd just go back to their roots and publish good Archie comics instead of tying up so many resources in generating publicity for comics that many of us don't want (I have no interest in the horror comics and have hardly watched any of Riverdale because it's so much different than the classic Archie I grew up reading)

Lots more coming in July including a couple of new TRs, a nice book showcasing Francesco Francavelli's artwork and more! What does everyone plan on picking up?


Blossoms 666 #5 (of 5)
This is it! Who will reign as the true Anti-Christ—Cheryl, Jason or their mysterious brother Julian? And what will become of Riverdale once darkness takes over? Find out in this shocking and jaw-dropping finale of Blossoms 666!

Script: Cullen Bunn
Art: Laura Braga, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
BLOSSOMS 666 #5 CVR A Reg: Laura Braga
BLOSSOMS 666 #5 CVR B Var: Adam Gorham
BLOSSOMS 666 #5 CVR C Var: Pat Zircher, Matt Herms
On Sale Date: 7/10
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.



Jughead The Hunger Vol. 3
Archie's Madhouse brings the third collection of the terrifying horror series that tears through Riverdale's cast of characters. Marmaduke "Moose" Mason is dead, having been executed by the Cooper clan after turning into a werewolf. Then who... or what... is FrankenMoose? Find out as Jughead the Hunger goes classic movie monster with "FrankenMoose Meets the Wolf Jug!" Collects issues #9 – #13 of the ongoing series.

Script: Frank Tieri
Art: Joe Eisma, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
Cover: Adam Gorham
ISBN-13: 978-1-68255-827-0
$17.99 US/$19.99 CAN
6 5/8 x 10 3/16" TR
144 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 7/17



Archie #706: Archie and Sabrina #2 (of 5)
Archie and Sabrina are the hottest couple in Riverdale—but how did their whirlwind romance come to be? This issue introduces readers to the history of their magical love story, as we welcome special co-writer Mariko Tamaki to the Archie universe!

Script: Nick Spencer, Mariko Tamaki
Art: Jenn St. Onge, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
ARCHIE #706 CVR A Reg: Veronica Fish
ARCHIE #706 CVR B Var: Rebekah Isaacs, Kelly Fitzpatrick
ARCHIE #706 CVR C Var: Stephen Mooney
On Sale Date: 7/24
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.



Archie Vs Predator II #1 (of 5)
Betty, Veronica, and Predator-Archie have been left in the wreckage of their town, all their friends dead. Normally, they'd just go down Memory Lane and get home again where everything's okay, but that's no longer an option. It isn't until they find an undamaged car and drive it down a different road where they can finally return to Riverdale—but their hometown feels different. And it's made even more bizarre when they come face-to-face with a few people they'd never expect: themselves. Only different, newer versions. Little do they know, Predators on Mars are watching them—planning their next attack.

Script: Alex DeCampi
Art: Robert Hack, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
AVP 2 #1 CVR A Reg: Robert Hack, Kelly Fitzpatrick
AVP 2 #1 CVR B Var: Rick Burchett, Rosario "Tito" Peña
AVP 2 #1 CVR C Var: Derek Charm
AVP 2 #1 CVR D Var: Francesco Francavilla
AVP 2 #1 CVR E Var: Dan Parent
AVP 2 #1 CVR F Var: Billy Tucci, Wes Hartman
On Sale Date: 7/24
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.


The Archie Art of Francesco Francavilla Vol. 1 (HC)
Archie's new hardcover art book is a beautifully-designed celebration of Francesco Francavilla's time at Archie. This art book is a gorgeously designed oversize hardcover edition featuring the complete collection of his comic book covers and more. This title goes behind-the-scenes on Francavilla's work and its place in Archie's history, with an insider's look at the creation and ongoing legacy with the company.

Script/Art/Cover: Francesco Francavilla
ISBN-13: 978-1-68255-936-9
$24.99 US/$27.99 CAN
9 x 12" HC
104 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 7/31


Jughead's Time Police #2 (of 5)
Journey with Jughead to the 29th Century! January McAndrews, head of the Time Police, explains the rules of time travel, and how Jughead's already created alternate timelines they now have to police. But all the praise in the world isn't fixing Jughead's pie problem, and he's realizing that everyone seems to be intentionally keeping him from time traveling. He's getting angry, and things haven't even gotten weird yet!

Script: Sina Grace
Art: Derek Charm, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
JUGHEAD'S TIME POLICE #2 CVR A Reg: Derek Charm
JUGHEAD'S TIME POLICE #2 CVR B Reg: Erica Henderson
JUGHEAD'S TIME POLICE #2 CVR C Reg: Rosario "Tito" Peña
On Sale Date: 7/17
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.


Riverdale Season 3 #5
The comic based on the hit CW series is back! These two stories set between episodes of season 3 of Riverdale are filled with adventure, including a musical road trip and a gals' weekend!

Script: Micol Ostow
Art: Thomas Pitilli, Joe Eisma, Janice Chiang, John Workman, Andre Szymanowicz
RIVERDALE S3 #5 CVR A Reg: Thomas Pitilli
RIVERDALE S3 #5 CVR B Var: Joe Eisma
On Sale Date: 7/31
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.


Sabrina the Teenage Witch #4 (of 5)
Sabrina's worlds collide as the town of Greendale becomes engulfed in a literal witch hunt—putting Sabrina's family and her secrets right in the crosshairs. But the monsters plaguing the town are not exactly what they seem and it's up to Sabrina to save the town from itself, while clearing the name of witches everywhere. But what will be the price? Sabrina's got everything riding on her "fresh start" in Greendale but doing the right thing might mean losing all she's come to hold most dear.

Script: Kelly Thompson
Art: Veronica Fish, Andy Fish, Jack Morelli
SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #4 CVR A Reg: Veronica Fish
SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #4 CVR B Var: Victor Ibanez
SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #4 CVR C Var: Audrey Mok
On Sale Date: 7/31
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.


Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #301
BRAND NEW STORY: "Hook, Line and Stinker!" Mr. Lodge, horrified that his daughter Veronica is going fishing with Archie, insists that they join him on his new state-of-the-art sport fishing mega-yacht. Hiram hooks the world-record sized Marlin that he's been dreaming of for years, but thanks to Archie, all manner of disastrous mayhem ensues! Just wait until they return to Lodge Mansion, where Hiram exacts his revenge!

Script: Jack Morelli
Art: Jeff Shultz, Jim Amash, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli
Cover: Bill Galvan, Ben Galvan, Rosario "Tito" Peña
On Sale Date: 7/31
192-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.


Archie and Me Jumbo Comics Digest #19
BRAND NEW STORY: "One Mow Time!" Archie and Jughead have a stacked summer planned with various odd jobs to make money to enjoy some fun in the sun—but they're in for some unexpected competition when Dilton creates new technology to get those jobs done faster and more efficiently!

Script: Bill Golliher
Art: Bill Golliher, Bob Smith, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli
Cover: Bill Golliher, Jim Amash, Rosario "Tito" Peña
On Sale Date: 7/10
192-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.


B&V Friends Forever: Back to Storybook Land #1
Betty and Veronica make their triumphant return to storybook land in this collection of tales that feature the two BFFs encountering a witch and a headless horsewoman!

Script: Dan Parent,
Art: Dan Parent, Bob Smith, Jim Amash, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli
B&V FRIENDS FOREVER: STORYBOOK #1 CVR A Reg: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 7/3
24-page, full color comic
$2.99 U.S.


Archie and Me Vol. 2 (TR)
For 161 issues, Archie's craziest interactions with Riverdale High principal Mr. Weatherbee were showcased in this classic series. This second collection continues the adventures (and misadventures) of the red-headed teen and his long-suffering principal!

Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan DeCarlo, Rudy Lapick, Vincent DeCarlo
ISBN-13: 978-1-68255-829-4
$10.99 US/$11.99 CAN
5¼ x 8" TR
224 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 7/24


Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #275
BRAND NEW STORY: "What If?" This story explores an unusual scenario... What if Jughead was the guy both girls were after?!

Script: Bill Golliher
Art: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Jack Morelli, Glenn Whitmore
Cover: Jeff Shultz, Rosario "Tito" Peña
On Sale Date: 7/24
192-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.


Betty and Veronica Spectacular #2 (TR)
This is the second in a chronological collection featuring the magazine-format series spotlighting Riverdale's iconic duo. Betty & Veronica take on the world in this series of once-quarterly stories! See how B&V tackle the world of fashion, prep for the red carpets of Hollywood and still have time to finish their homework!

Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan DeCarlo
ISBN-13: 978-1-68255-825-6
$10.99 US/$11.99 CAN
5 ¼ x 8" TR
224 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 7/3


B&V Friends Jumbo Comics Digest #272
BRAND NEW STORY: "Gimme Some Space!" Betty and Veronica are in for an out-of-this-world surprise when Betty's GPS leads the two of them to a desolate area—where Veronica's car is lifted to a new planet! Could this really be happening?!

Script: Bill Golliher
Art: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Jack Morelli, Glenn Whitmore
Cover: Pat and Tim Kennedy, Bob Smith, Rosario "Tito" Peña
On Sale Date: 7/17
192-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.


World of Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #90
BRAND NEW STORY: "Unamusement Park" Archie's skills are put to the test when Reggie challenges him at the amusement park—which one will win Veronica more prizes?

Script: Francis Bonnet
Art: Jeff Shultz, Jim Amash, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli
Cover: Jeff Shultz, Rosario "Tito" Peña
On Sale Date: 7/3
192-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.

Site has been upgraded to SMF 2.1 RC2. No new features this time around, just a lot of bug fixes. Let me know if you run into any issues.