While I did grow up reading Archie Comics, that was pretty much limited to the main Archie characters, I never got into the spin-off titles like Sabrina The Teenage Witch of Josie And The Pussycats. But I’m reviewing this issue today because it features a brand new story written and drawn by Holly G! aka Holly Golightly, the wife of Jim Balent and also the letterer and production manager of his long-running series Tarot, Witch of The Black Rose, and the dichotomy between the all-ages Archie comics and the adult erotic nature of Tarot is fascinating to me.

This issue celebrates the 60th anniversary of Josie’s introduction in the comics (originally as a solo character, sort of a female version of Archie, with the Pussycats band not debuting until decades later), and features a brand-new 5-page story written and drawn by Holly G! called ROCK CATS

In this story, Josie and The Pussycats are in a private rocketship (which is shaped like a giant microphone with cat ears on it) headed to orbit, where they will be performing a special concert broadcast live from outer space. Characters from Josie’s title and the Archies are present, including Jola Kitt, the new character that Holly G! created and introduced back in  B&V Friends Forever: Rock ‘n’ Roll #1

But once in space, some little alien creatures, green egg-shaped beings called Blips, start trying to sabotage the rocket, causing it to lose contact with Earth. But then another alien, who is a big fan of Josie and The Pussycats, is flying by in his flying saucer, and comes to the aid of the band, chasing off the Blips and repairing the damage they did the rocket. While this was all happening, Betty, Veronica, and Jola’s band Rock Candi team up with Archie, Reggie, and Jughead’s band The Archies, to perform down on the Earth, to keep the crowd calm, so when contact with the rocketship is restored it’s now a special 3-band concert, and everyone is happy. THE END.

I don’t know if the Blips and the unnamed alien are regular characters from the title, or were created by Holly G! for this story, but that’s not really important, the story is fun and easy to follow along with.

The rest of the issue is comprised of some reprints of older stories. A GYM DANDY is an 8-page story written by Frank Doyle and drawn by Dan DeCarlo. Josie and her friend Pepper are preparing to take part in their school’s physical fitness program. Alex Cobot drives by in his car and offers to take them to his mansion where his family has a home gym that they can all use. But when they get there, they find out that Alex has some strange ideas about exercises. It’s a fine story with a humorous twist at the end.

ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE is a 5-page story starring Josie’s friend Pepper Smith, written by Tom DeFalco and drawn by The Fab K-Bros. Pepper is taking their other friend Melody out on a camping trip, saying Melody needs to become more self-reliant instead of always relying on her large string of male admirers to do everything for her. But during the trip, from packing the car, setting up the campsite, and going fishing, no matter how much Pepper tries to teach Melody to become an “independent and resourceful woman,” there are half a dozen boys following them along waiting on Melody hand and foot. Eventually, Pepper gives up and enjoys the advantages of having these boys willing to help them out.

THE GHOSTY GUARDIAN is a 12-page horror story, written by Frank Doyle and drawn by Dan DeCarlo. The Cabot family has inherited an old mansion hidden away in the cliffs of Main, and Alex and Alexandra have invited Josie, Valerie, Melody, and Alan M to travel with them to check it out. But when they get there mysterious things start happening, leading them to believe the place is haunted by the spirit of a pirate who may be protecting some hidden buried treasure.

This story surprised me because it’s a lot darker in tone than when I expect from these books. Some of the kids just barely escape being killed by ancient booby traps like falling rocks or drowning in a cave that rapidly floods. It’s perfect for Halloween, though.

It’s another great collection of stories for fans of all ages. Chacebook rating: FIVE STARS

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