Archie Giant Series Magazine #572

Published as part of Archie's 45th Anniversary celebration, this September 1987 Giant Series entry puts Betty and Veronica front and center on a sunny beach, where the two friends are drawing plenty of attention from a crowd of admiring guys — including what appears to be a lifeguard. Dan DeCarlo's cover captures the girls' contrasting personalities perfectly: Veronica lounging in a leopard-print bikini with a knowing smile, while Betty in her red swimsuit delivers the issue's best punchline with cheerful confidence. It's a warm, breezy snapshot of Riverdale summertime charm at its most fun.