Here is my biggest complaint about the book. There was a lot of time between issues 33 and 34. This has been a recurrent problem recently with Archie Comics -- which gets frustrating when I'm looking forward to the next issue of a serialized storyline. Additionally, there was one major bit of resolution over in the Betty side of the book, but otherwise it feels like we're circling the wagons a bit when it comes to the various story lines. Sam Hill is still gathering information to assist with Veronica's trial. Clay is still struggling to fit into Riverdale and is still being stalked by the mysterious Wendell. Betty and Reggie are still doing their reality TV show. Betty and Archie are still floundering with their marriage. Midge is still pregnant.
Don't get me wrong. It's great that Archie (in the Veronica world) seems to be on the verge of new employment. I'm also looking forward to more courtroom bombshells in issue #37 (hopefully). I'm glad that Betty (in the Betty world) has finally gotten a clue and realized that she's alienating her husband and her friends. And I'm really glad that Midge is finally ready to give birth!
But I really want to figure out who that Wendell guy is -- or at least get some firm ideas about where this is heading. Right now, we know that he's going by an assumed name and he's fixated on Clay. I'm assuming he's the guy who shot Clay several issues back, but I'm not completely sure about that. But even if he's the guy who shot Clay, why does he keep flitting in and out of Clay's life? And why doesn't he like having his picture taken? Hopefully we'll learn more in an issue or two.
I also find myself wishing to see more action by Sam Hill, Veronica's private detective. I've read several of Sam's old 1950s comic book stories. He was definitely an action detective. My understanding is that Kuppergerg needed a private investigator for this "Veronica on trial" storyline and that it occurred to him to pluck Sam Hill out of Archie Comics' archives. It's a great idea and one that I appreciate. I just yearn for the action investigator that I've enjoyed reading in his old stories. Heck, even Sam Hill himself misses his old action adventures. Maybe next issue?
Don't get me wrong. There is plenty to enjoy in this issue. The new manager at the Chowhouse II seems sufficiently skeevy. I'm really looking forward to how that story unfolds.
I'm also really excited to read more about Archie's recent fling with Bella Beazley. He turned to Bella after months of inattention by his wife. What will happen now that Betty is starting to pay attention again??
And while I'm thinking about it, can I spend some time singing the praises of Pat & Tim Kennedy? I have always been a huge fan of Fernando Ruiz's artwork, but it took me a while to warm up to the Kennedys' pencils. The characters just looks off to me. Now I can't get enough of them!!
Lastly, my online friend Kinsley lucked out and became the winner of an "Archie: Riverdale Rescue" contest. He designed a pretty cool version of Riverdale on his game and became the first "Riverdale Rescue" fan to find himself "Archified" in the comic books. There was an initial draft of his image in the advertisements, but the final version of Kingsley by Fernando Ruiz is really well done!
Congrats, Kingsley! I'm officially jealous!!