Betty Vs. Veronica – a review of sorts
This adorable post by David Welsh got me thinking about my first love, Archie. I became acquainted with Archie when I was about 10. At that time I liked Archie because he was the hero and I was supposed to like Archie. I rooted for Betty because she was nice and people are supposed to be nice. I despised Veronica because she was mean and so was Reggie. I thought Jughead was an idiot.
Then, I remember the episode that changed everything for me. I was a few years older but Archie was the same age he had always been, except when he wasn’t and he was in those annoying Archie-as-a-kid comics. Anyway, it was Christmastime. Anyone who reads Archie knows that any holiday, especially gift giving ones, are major sources of stress for Betty and, to a lesser extent, Veronica. That’s because they measure their worth in the gifts they receive. So here it was, Christmas time and Betty has on some really ugly boots and Veronica looks smashing in a cashmere sweater. I begin to have my doubts about Betty. Then Archie delivers a pinecone or some such nonsense to Betty and a piece of jewelry to Veronica. Of course, Betty cries alone while Veronica squeals in delight, gives Archie some mild play then sends him on his way. He goes straight to Betty and turns out the pinecone was actually for decorating the tree together and she revels in the best gift possible – Archie’s time. He probably gets some major play for that but we don’t get to see it because Archie is a family comic. Lame.
So there it was, the point where I began sort of hating Betty and sort of loving Veronica. Then later, I would begin to hate Veronica because she whined too much and there really wasn’t anything to whine about. Even later, in college, I realized that this whole thing was Archie’s point of view and so none of it could be trusted because, clearly, Archie was a teenage boy.
What bothered me about the two women was that they were some highschool version of the madonna/whore. But the truth is, most highschool girls try to shove themselves into a mold. They try on identities, join groups and cater to the pimple-faced, red head because he’s “charming”. Usually, the girls grow up to be women and settle quiet nicely into a person. Incidentally, this happens to the highschool boy as well.
If Archie is growing up, I want to see that. I don’t particularly want more of the Betty v. Veronica crap. It’s not a competition and at this point these two women should realize that. It would be a lot more interesting if they figured out how to love themselves or, you know, each other.
Also, this is hilarious. Archie promotes good dental hygiene. Who knew.
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Hey, did you see this?!
http://www.comicrelated.com/news/2818/archie-has-twins
I guess if you weren’t following the storyline, you’d be going, woah! I just heard they got married. Veronica must have been preggers! Now we know why Archie could never say goodbye to Veronica despite her temper tantrums. When a girl puts out…. (Just sayin’)