Archie & Friends #96

The Archie gang is all set to rock in this 2006 issue of Archie & Friends, with Archie and his bandmates gearing up for what looks like a big performance — guitars in hand, a blonde singer gripping the mic, a drummer ready to crash the cymbals, and a keyboardist at the ready. The cover banter ("How can we be sure of getting a standing ovation?" / "Just play the national anthem!") captures that irresistible Riverdale humor perfectly. Stan Goldberg's pencils and Bob Smith's inks bring the whole energetic scene to life, and there's even a bonus Josie & the Pussycats manga story promised inside.