Betty and Veronica Comics Digest Magazine #169

In "Exchange of Hearts," Betty and Archie agree to a wild twist on romance by swapping partners on a dating show, hoping to find new sparks with Lance and Holly. But when the two new couples discover they’re unexpectedly drawn to each other, the whole experiment starts to unravel in ways neither of them expected.

In "This Old Mansion," Veronica takes full control of redecorating the Lodge estate, her ever-changing visions driving designers and contractors to distraction. When Archie stops by to help, his usual clumsiness sets off a chain of mishaps that ends with both him and Veronica kicked out—just as the house itself seems to have a mind of its own.

In "Backward and Forward," Veronica’s sudden chase after a mysterious stranger takes a messy turn when she trips into a mud puddle, much to Betty’s dismay. The moment captures a classic clash of impulse and caution in a story that’s as funny as it is unexpectedly grounded.

In "Paradox in a Box," the long-standing mystery of Riverdale’s love triangle takes a playful, self-aware turn as Jo and the gang grapple with the odd truth that Archie’s heart keeps pulling him toward Veronica—despite Betty’s kindness and Veronica’s self-centered streak. Written with wit and charm, the story leans into the absurd logic of teenage romance, asking what happens when the most predictable pattern breaks down.

In "The Auctioneers," Mr. Weatherbee attempts to sell the school’s old printing press to a rival of Mr. Lodge, unaware that Betty is simultaneously trying to sell a vintage campaign button to the same man. When Mr. Weatherbee overhears Veronica quoting escalating prices, he mistakenly believes she’s bidding on the press—leading to a series of comically mistaken exchanges.

When Miss Grundy leaves town, Betty and Veronica volunteer to care for her goldfish, Mr. Bee—only to find themselves tangled in a late-night misunderstanding. Veronica’s attempt to secure the house by moving valuables backfires when her quiet visit is mistaken for a break-in.

In "Bad Girl Gone Good," Veronica’s prank takes an unexpected turn when her lie about a new boy having a crush on Betty accidentally uncovers a real feeling—leaving her to face the consequences of her mischief. Written by a team known for sharp wit and character-driven humor, the story unfolds with the kind of playful tension only Riverdale’s famously competitive trio can deliver.

Betty and Veronica head out for Halloween costumes, each hoping to stand out—until they both end up dressed as iconic historical figures with a strikingly similar flair. As Queen Elizabeth the First and Marie Antoinette, the rivalry between the two rivals takes a delightfully ironic turn.