The Big Fat, Freckled Wedding !..

They say, “If your father is poor, that’s your fate but if your father in law is poor that’s your stupidity!”…

But it seems Archie is being smart as he prepares himself to get married to the snobbish, irrestible, high maintenance and rich Veronica. The 600 edition of this comic that presented us the world of Riverdale is gaining much publicity. For many decades, Archie comics have ruled the hearts of several teenage generations. No wonder, the newspapers and the blogging community are full of comments on Archies wedding with Veronica.

Perhaps every child in urban area has fond memories of reading Archie. Archie Andrews is perpetually confused whether he should date the rich Veronica Lodge or the cute next door blonde Betty Cooper. His best friend, Jughead Jones is a simpleton and lives to eat. The other characters were equally alluring and hilarious. Reggie hates Archie and would do anything to woo Veronica, while big Moose whose intelligence is not more than a twenty watt bulb would break anyone who messes with his girl, Midget. The teachers from Riverdale High were equally confused, lost and hilarious. Sharing those comics with school friends, reading them fast , browsing those double digest in bus, train, and when you were glued to bed with slight temperature, or simply reading it whenever you were joyful or sad was distinctly part of our growing years. To a large extent, these comics were microcosm of American society.

The strength of this comics lied not just in reading their funny escapades but more so in their amazing caricature. The freckled face Archie and the other pimpled members were always upto something and looked innocent, charming and indeed amusing. You will cringe if you happen to see the modern day version of this comic. Look what they have done to Veronica, Betty, Big Moose and Midget. I wonder why Archie and the Riverdale gang have to age and graduate out of school. Perhaps they should have taken some cue from Benjamin Button.

Indian newspapers have roped in several Bollywood celebrities to comment on this great wedding and one Archie fan, Sara replied on the Archies.com, “Archie you better pick Betty! Betty is crazy for you and much more nice to you! Veronica is to snobby for you! If you don't pick Betty I might not read another Archie comic again! Veronica is a better match for Reggie. Oh Jug please! Please! Talk Archie into picking Betty!”

It’s nice to see such passionate comment but the marketing gimmick sucks. The comic is popular among a certain age group and avidly read by students who presumably are adolescent. Unless the producers of this comic wants to promote the glorious institution of marriage and subtly and rightfully discourage teenage pregnancy. Hope some good sense will prevail and Archie and his gang would be allowed to be what they are - Just students!.. Or perhaps it is better to remove the old comics from the loft and read ..