Undercover Archie

ARCHIE COMICS #40
Sept-Oct 1949

(from Archie Comics #40, Sept-Oct 1949 Bill Vigoda cover art)

     The first story in Archie Comics #40 ‘The Renting Agent’ is centered around Veterans of the war and their need to find temporary housing until they got back on their feet. It’s an early example of Archie Comics presenting a message in one of their stories about a hot topic of the day....

   (Housing construction had slowed to practically nothing during the Great Depression and had virtually stopped during World War 2, as everyone in the country rallied around the war effort. As more and more veterans returned home, the need for adequate housing quickly became a serious issue, leaving many homeless...)

(from Archie Comics #40, Sept-Oct 1949 Bill Vigoda art)

Archie prepares for his first shave!
(from Archie Comics #40, Sept-Oct 1949 Bill Vigoda art)

The sign of true success.... hawking products for your radio program!
(from Archie Comics #40, Sept-Oct 1949 Unknown artist - but it looks like Vigoda)

Within the context of the story, of course, it makes sense, but outside of it...!
(from Archie Comics #40, Sept-Oct 1949 Bill Vigoda art)

An ad for the first Archie Annual appearing on stands in October of 1949!
(from Archie Comics #40, Sept-Oct 1949 Unknown artist)

Jughead’s first official solo strip!
(from Archie Comics #40, Sept-Oct 1949 art by... Hmm...)

Yes, the first Jughead solo strip was a sign that Archie Comics was getting ready to expand in a big way....

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