Miskatonic University Press

Betty in the library

archie libraries

In “Longs Smarts Cooper” Betty spends some time in the school library doing some research. She’s there because Veronica has given her the idea that to get a boy to spend time with her, she should show they share common interests. Naturally she gets out some books about things Archie’s interested in.

Betty looking at books
Betty looking at books

But it’s all part of Veronica’s plan to keep Betty busy studying, while she’s off with Archie.

Veronica looking at Betty
Veronica looking at Betty

Note the nice change of point of view. In the first panel we’re inside the library, behind Betty and to her left, and the librarian is between us and the door. In the second we’re outside in the hall, looking in with Veronica, and we see the grumpy old grey-haired librarian sitting at her desk.

Betty’s plan doesn’t work out well: she applies several aspects of her new knowledge, but “Boys hate to be shown up as a dunce in front of girls!”

This story first appeared in Betty and Me #5 (December 1966), but I read it in Betty and Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest 269 (January 2019). The author is unknown; it was pencilled by Bob Bolling, inked by Rudy Lapick, and lettered by Bill Yoshida. No colourist is given. It is copyright Archie Comic Publications.