TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

Archie Andrews to tie the knot

ADVERTISEMENT

By MICHAEL D. BATES

The Comic Guy

Published: June 5, 2009

Well, now I know the end of the world is near.

What I thought would never happen is about to happen.

Archie Andrews, that freckle-faced teen who never grew up, is about to pick a wife. And it turns out to be (drum roll, please) Veronica Lodge.

For almost 70 years, Archie has been torn down the middle about both of his loves. Betty, the carefree, all-American blonde, has always had a crush on him.

So has Veronica Lodge, the raven-tressed rich girl.

According to the Archie Comics Web site, the big event will happen in August. The company is calling it the "Archie story of the century" and it may be right.

The story will introduce readers to what Archie and his pals do after they graduate college.

As the company says in a press release: "What careers will they seek? Will the friends stay in Riverdale or disperse? What would lead Archie to have marriage on his mind? And who would he choose Veronica or Betty? How will Betty react? How will Veronica react? Can Archie shake off his klutzy past and hold down a steady job... for more than a month? One thing is certain: this will be the biggest Archie Comics story ever!

This latest storyline comes at a time when the company has introduced a more realistic new look to some of its books.

So stay tuned for more details as I get them about on-sale dates and all the rest.

And e-mail me as to whether you think Archie made the wise marriage choice.

And tell me why.

I can print some of the best answers in next month's "Comic Guy" column.

Warp speed ahead, Sulu

The recent "Star Trek" movie is on its way to becoming the biggest box-office money maker of 2009.

This latest version, which features younger versions of Spock, Captain Kirk and the rest, apparently struck a nerve with fans.

There haven't been any Star Trek comics on the stands for awhile, due to a diminished interest in the franchise.

Perhaps the movie will jumpstart not only the film series but also lead to new books!

Spidey cartoon returns

Older, (ahem, more 'mature') readers of this column may remember a cartoon from 1967 featuring The Amazing Spider-Man. (back then, they called them cartoons instead of the more sophisticated "animated feature.")

Many may not remember the cartoon, but certainly remember the song: "Spider-man, Spider-man, does whatever a spider can…"

Marvel Comics is presenting once again those great old cartoons, which featured Spidey and a host of his favorite bad guys, including the Vulture, Lizard and Kingpin.

Each week, Marvel's Web site shows a new episode.

So if you want to save money and not buy the DVD of the entire season at the store, log on to www.marvel.com and enjoy the memories.

Cartoon Network kicks off new Batman episodes

The Cartoon Network's "Brave and the Bold" animated series (not a cartoon) has become something of a hit.

The show, which pairs Batman with other DC heroes, is about to air new episodes this summer.

The comic book (the adult version, not the all-ages one) has been on hiatus for awhile, giving the new creative team a chance to gear up.

I'm looking forward to J. Michael Straczynski taking over the reins of that show, especially since DC announced it will co-star Batman with some of the old Archie Comics' stable of super-heroes. (Yes, Archie Comics had a line of super-heroes back in the 1960s).

Anyway, go to www.cartoonnetwork.com for more information about the B&B series.

Question of the month

Next month I will tell you about a super-special announcement. So come on back, hear?

Meanwhile, I leave you with the question of the month: The 1960s Spider-man cartoon was considered cutting edge at the time for its use of graphics. Which network aired this show?

E-mail me the answer at mbates@hernandotoday.com

I will print the names of those who get it right.

Michael D. Bates is the government reporter for Hernando Today. Contact him at 352-544-5290.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT