Archie Comics Digest #85

In "A Prince of a Guy," Veronica finds herself reluctantly cast as the princess in the school's production of "The Princess And The Frog," only to balk at the idea of kissing a real frog—no matter how much the director insists it's for the art. Written by an unknown author and illustrated by an unknown artist, the story captures her dramatic protest with the kind of witty, lighthearted flair that defines the Archie Comics Digest tone.

In "Protection Correction," Reggie boasts to Archie about teaming up with Midge in a tandem skateboard contest, proudly declaring his plan to wear a helmet and knee pads for safety. Archie, ever the pragmatist, raises an eyebrow and warns Reggie he’ll need more protection—just as Moose, unmistakably jealous, looms into view.

When Miss Grundy declares she’s had enough and wants to retire, the usually unruly class faces a rare moment of clarity—realizing how much they rely on her. In a heartfelt (and hilariously exaggerated) effort to win her back, they try everything from perfect attendance to writing her a song, all while keeping the chaos just barely under control.

In "Figures in the Sand," the girls show up at the beach armed with their new bikinis, hoping to turn heads—only to find the boys utterly absorbed in constructing elaborate sand castles, completely missing the point.