Let's start with the "Archie Marries Veronica" world. The last several issues have focused on aftermath of Fred Mirth's purposeful economic sabotage of Riverdale. Now the city is being shuttered and Veronica's being framed for Fred's criminal deeds. This issue finally wraps up that storyline and offers a rosy vision for Riverdale's recovery.
But the big news? Jughead and Big Ethel are getting married! It seems like it should be a spoiler, but it's plastered on the cover! The wedding is being held at Jughead's Chocklit Shop and everyone appears to be invited. Not only is Mayor Moose officiating at the wedding and Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Reggie standing up for the bride and groom, but lots of other familiar faces have either returned or are making their debut appearances in LIFE WITH ARCHIE:
Kevin, Clay, Nancy, and Chuck are all present, but so are the Pussycats, Sabrina the Twentysomething Witch, Trula Twyst, the Madhouse Glads, Raj Patel, and Ginger Snapp -- among others! There wasn't a dry eye in the Chocklit Shop by the time Juggy and Ethel exchanged rings!
Which brings up to the "Archie Marries Betty" world. Jughead isn't getting married, but his other-half Midge is finally giving birth to their baby! (By the way, are these two married? I can't remember...) This story is primarily about Jughead's parents, Jellybean, Archie, Betty, and the other hanging out in the hospital in anticipation of Baby Boy Jones!
Archie and Betty have been struggling recently. Betty lost herself in her crazy work schedule and, in the process, almost lost her husband and her friends through neglect. Archie found himself flirting on the edge of an affair with Bella Beasley! Archie wisely came clean about kissing the lovely lunch-lady and Betty admitted that she needs to stop taking her marriage for granted. It's looking pretty good for this marriage's recovery!
Meanwhile, Mr. Weatherbee is finally moving forward after Ms. Grundy's death in the early issues of LIFE WITH ARCHIE. He's been romancing a lovely widow named Louise Harkins -- and I think he's going to propose! But will agree to marry Riverdale High's favorite principal?
Lastly, Senator-elect Kevin Keller is organizing a fundraiser at the Chowhouse nightclub. There had been a shooting at a nearby mall in the recent past and Kevin wants to raise money for the victims of this mass shooting. Kevin's high-profile campaign focused a lot on gun control and he obviously won. But not everyone is happy with their new Senator-elect. Fortunately, the Chowhouse has an enthusiastic security guard named Mike Baker and he doesn't look too ominous.
I really loved this issue. A few of the latest issues had dragged a bit, but this issue did a great job of wrapping up so many lingering threads: Veronica's trial, Midge's pregnancy, Weatherbee's heart, Archie's affair... Sadly, this great comic book will be ending in two issues. But if it has to finish soon, then this is a great issue to guide us towards its end.
"Dearly Beloved" is written by Paul Kupperberg, penciled by Fernando Ruiz, and inked by Bob Smith. "And Baby Makes 3" is written by Paul Kupperberg, Penciled by Pat & Tim Kennedy, and inked by Jim Amash.