Archie's Rivals in Teen Comics, 1940s-1970s: An Illustrated History #[nn]

A thoughtful deep-dive into the crowded, colorful world of mid-century teen comics, Michelle Nolan's illustrated history shines a light on the publishers and characters who dared to compete with Riverdale's most famous redhead across four decades. The cover perfectly captures that spirit of youthful drama — a smiling teenage couple relaxing together on one side, while another teen sneaks a peek over a backyard fence on the other, all rendered in a warm, retro-flavored style that feels right at home alongside the comics being celebrated. For anyone who has ever wondered what else lined the spinner racks between the 1940s and 1970s, this 2020 volume looks like a genuinely rewarding place to start.