Pep #396

This September 1984 issue of Pep delivers a sun-soaked beach scene courtesy of cover artist Dan DeCarlo, where Archie and a friend perch on a lifeguard stand as two stylish young women — one in a leopard-print swimsuit, one in a sleek purple one-piece — stride confidently into the foreground. The speech bubbles say it all: wondering if the day will brighten up earns an immediate "It just has!" from a very appreciative Archie. It's a breezy, good-humored snapshot of classic Riverdale summer charm at its most fun.