My biggest regret is that Reggie barely had any lines! But here were some of the highlights:
This was a great ensemble effort. I mean, look at that list of characters above. Not only did we get to revisit old Archie Comics favorites like Katy Keene, the Bingos, the Pussycats, and the Glads, but we got appearances by Sabrina and Midge and Two-Fisted Toni Topaz and Trev. Brigitte surprised us with news of her musical success last issue. Even Kevin Keller made an appearance at the tail end of this book!
As hinted above, there were several main characters who didn't get much page-time, but those who did really got a chance to shine. And frankly, when was the last time that the Bingos and the Glads got any shine-time?
I wrote about this before, but there were two developments that I really dug that sprung from this storyline. I absolutely *LOVE* the Bettys!!! When do we get to see this band again in action -- possibly with Trev as their tour manager -- because I will definitely buy that comic book!
The other exciting new development for me? It's the creation of the Archie-->Valerie-->Amisha love triangle! I feared that this was a dropped concept last issue when Amisha disappeared from the storyline, seemingly to head back to India. But there was a great epilogue in ARCHIE #653, which brings Amisha Mehta permanently to Riverdale High! Archie had a hard time resisting his new Indian friend when Valerie was glowering at him from behind his shoulder. How's he gonna handle things when Valerie leaves Riverdale for her ongoing musical tours with the Pussycats?
"Archie's Rockin' World Tour" wrapped up on a high note, with promises for new excitement in the future. Which is all you can ask for in a comic book storyline!
"Close to the Borderline" is written and pencilled by Dan Parent and inked by Rich Koslowski.