Cover: Samm Schwartz

Pep Comics #97

May 1953 · Archie · 0.10 USD

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In "Low Date Rate," Betty’s election as Miss Popularity sparks a surprising twist when Jughead notes her openness to dating multiple boys—prompting Betty to try a clever fix: getting the boys to ask Veronica out, so she can’t spend time with Archie. The plan takes an unexpected turn when Archie, determined not to be left out, fills his own calendar with dates. George Frese’s art brings the high school shenanigans to life, while Samm Schwartz’s cover captures the lighthearted chaos of Riverdale’s social scene in this 1953 classic.

Contains 6 stories

Low Date Rate

7 pp

Archie AndrewsBetty CooperJughead JonesVeronica Lodge

In "Low Date Rate," Betty’s election as Miss Popularity sparks a surprising explanation from Jughead: her appeal lies in not sticking to just one boy. When Betty tries to keep Archie occupied by encouraging the other boys to ask Veronica out, her plan takes an unexpected turn—Archie responds by filling his own calendar with dates, turning the whole school into a whirlwind of romantic chaos.

Kiss and Don't Tell

2 pp

Archie AndrewsBetty CooperJughead Jones

Broom for Improvement

3 pp

SuzieFerdie

It Pays to Be Ignorant

4 pp

Wilbur WilkinLaurie LakeLinda MooreRed WilsonSlats Morgan

Untitled Teen story

3.67 pp · Teen

Katy KeeneSisDanny O'Connelthe Painter

In this 1953 tale from Pep Comics #97, Katy finds herself in a moment of playful tension when she poses in her swimsuit for what she believes is a studio artist sketching a prop—only to discover the man is actually the painter hired to renovate her apartment.

Puleaz Open the Door!

3.33 pp

Li'l JinxBill Bubblegum [Hap Holliday]Merry Bubblegum [Merry Holliday]

When Merry panics and calls the fire department after thinking Li'l Jinx is trapped in the bathroom with the shower running, she’s in for a surprise—Bill’s the one inside, blissfully unaware, earplugs in and all. A classic case of mistaken urgency, this short comic captures a moment of innocent chaos with a perfectly timed punchline.