Undercover Archie

ARCHIE ANNUAL #2

and

LAUGH COMICS #40

(On Newsstands in June 1950)

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The 2nd annual came out in June of 1950, and for the cover of it, Bob Montana presents the ultimate Archie dream, or, at least, the ultimate Archie dream he could actually publish...

(from Archie Annual #2 - June. 1950, artwork by Bob Montana)

Montana gave us the rare treat of not one, but two stories inside this year’s annual! For as much work as they’d done to create a ‘house style’ based on his art, it’s still always refreshing to see the real deal!

(from Archie Annual #2 - June. 1950, artwork by Bob Montana)

Betty’s always up for helping Archie out… even if it means taking off her costume from underneath her blanket to give to him!

(from Archie Annual #2 - June. 1950, artwork by what looks like a cleaner and smoother Bill Vigoda….)

Veronica probably hadn’t ever been asked THAT before...

(from Archie Annual #2 - June. 1950, artwork by George Frese?)

The second appearance of Moose (the first being in Jughead #1, Nov. 1949, Aug 2014 post) and still protective of ‘Lottie’.

(from Archie Annual #2 - June. 1950, artwork by Bob Montana)

These early Archie Laugh Comics are somewhat harder to find in decent condition, so I’m always proud of when I have one that looks this nice…not sure who the cover artist is - maybe Red Holmdale or a combined effort...

(from Laugh Comics #40 - June. 1950, artwork by ?)

Ah, yes. The innocence of the 50’s…in a comic strip with subtle sexual innuendos, it was just a matter of time before handcuffs showed up. Geoerge Frese was getting a lot of extra work!

(from Laugh Comics #40 - June. 1950, artwork by George Frese)

As if we still haven’t gotten the idea, Moose has yet another girlfriend (Carol), and Jughead has somehow got himself again in a compromising position. And Moose gets more action than anyone in Riverdale, what’s up with that?

(from Laugh Comics #40 - June. 1950, artwork by George Frese)

Did he say ‘shat’?

(from Laugh Comics #40 - June. 1950, artwork by George Frese)

Samm Schwartz was another artist getting plenty of work, including some of MLJ’s other fun features. He makes sure to let you know where his loyalties will always be though!

(from Laugh Comics #40 - June. 1950, artwork by Samm Scwartz)

Comics published by Archie and on the stands in June of 1950

ARCHIE ANNUAL #2

DARLING ROMANCE #6

LAUGH #40

SUPER DUCK #33

SUZIE COMICS #76

WILBUR COMICS #32