The story started out with a trio of invading creatures flying to Earth looking for specimens. Looks at the top image to see how little they think of humanity. To them, we are nothing but "pests."
The flying saucer lands dangerously close to Little Archie's home. He and his dog Spotty are quickly accosted by one of the small alien invaders:
Little Archie and Spotty escape and seek refuge at Little Veronica's home, which is filled with dozens of young Riverdale refugees! Unfortunately, the alien follows them and breaks into Lodge Mansion. Check him out as he performs some crazy dance ritual. I'm assuming that his kind does this before striking out at their prey!
Just before the alien strikes, a new boy seeks refuge at Lodge Mansion. Apparently, this is one child too many and the alien decides to cut-and-run! He flees from the building and the Riverdale Kids are safe!
But for how long...?
But then I did more than skim and realized that this story was actually less dire than originally assumed.
"The New Kid" introduces Little Archie to a traveling alien child. The alien child needs to collect a flower from another planet and they chose an abandoned house in Riverdale to search for their plant in order to avoid contact with people. Of course, that was a major fail because the alien child ran into Little Archie, who assumed that the alien child was Sparky Smith wearing a costume. Both boys go to Little Veronica's costume party and enjoy each other's company until the real Sparky Smith shows up. The alien child then races away and returns to his parents' flying saucer.
"The New Kid" is a new Little Archie short story written and penciled by Bob Bolling, inked by Bob Smith, lettered by Jack Morelli, and colored by Digikore Studios.