Little Archie: The House That Wouldn't Move

 From the random stack of unread comics.

Title: Little Archie: The House That Wouldn't Move
Date: 2007
Publisher: Archie Comics
Writer: Dexter Taylor, Bob Bolling
Artist: Dexter Taylor, Bob Bolling
Editor: Victor Gorelick, Nelson Ribeiro, Richard Goldwater

This is an ashcan-format freebie from Archie Comics containing two Little Archie stories (technically the second is labeled as a Little Betty & Veronica story, but both stories actually feature Little Archie and Little Betty).

First up is the title story, "The House That Wouldn't Move", which involves Little Archie helping the resident ghost of the local haunted house resist the efforts of a work crew sent to demolish the place to clear the way for a new highway.

The second story features some dog vs. cat antics when Little Archie's dog, Spotty, chases Little Betty's cat, Caramel, up a tree.

Both stories are kid-friendly, with pretty simple and straightforward plots. There are some funny moments, and the artwork looks good throughout.

Rating: 6/10

Sonic the Hedgehog: Free Comic Book Day 2008

Another of the stack of random unread comics proves to be a 2008 FCBD book

Title: Sonic the Hedgehog: Free Comic Book Day Edition
Date: 2008
Publisher: Archie Comics / Sega
Writer: Ian Flynn, Michael Gallagher
Penciler: Dave Manak
Inker: Bill White
Letterer: Bill Yoshida
Colorist: Lyrad Namlede
Editor: Daryl Edelman, Richard Goldwater

This Free Comic Book Day offering from 2008 reprints the complete first issue of Sonic the Hedgehog from 1993.

There are two main stories here. First up, Dr. Robotnik has a horde of robotic Aubrey-II-resembling plants all set to take over the forest above Knothole. But much like the invading aliens in the film, Signs, Dr. Robotnik fails to take one question into consideration: What if it rains?

Next, Sonic attends a casino sales pitch by Dr. Robotnik only to be captured and trapped inside the ball of a giant pinbasll machine.

The book finishes with a trio of joke strips (not all that funny, but kids might enjoy the slapstick moments). There is also a recipe for chilli. No, really! Actually it's technically  a recipe for chilli DOGS, but it still looks quite tasty.

The jokes were hit-and-miss throughout this book. The action had its moments, but overall this early issue seemed to still be finding its footing.

Rating: 5/10

Everything's Archie #106

Title: Everything's Archie
Issue: #106
Date: June 1983
Publisher: Archie Comics
Writer: Frank Doyle
Penciler: Dan DeCarlo
Inker: J. DeCarlo
Colorist: Barry G Man
Letterer: Billy Y
Editor: Richard Goldwater

The cover is interesting with its Donkey Kong, Asteroids, and Pac Man motif. Unfortunately, in spite of the cover text asking "Guess who's got video game fever?", there is actually no video game themed story in this issue. What you do get are some classic Riverdale tales, plus a couple of bonus gag strips, a Sabrina the Teenage Witch quickie, and a bit of the Archie gang in their "Archie 1" caveman incarnation. The first story is the most amusing with Archie's band considering replacing Reggie because he never shows up for rehearsal. Most of the other shorter stories are setups for a single punch line and they're a bit hit or miss, although it's always amusing to watch the ongoing machinations between Betty and Veronica.

Rating: 5/10