Undercover Archie

ARCHIE COMICS #51

(On Newsstands in May 1951)

Bill Vigoda had his own version of the Archie 'house style' down by this point, with Archie looking a little less goofy, and the girls looking much prettier. Vigoda's style had come a long way from his early days!

(from Archie Comics #51 - May 1951, artwork by Bill Vigoda)

Consistency within the Archie universe is everything and Mr. Lodge's annoyance with our hero is well established. Still, it's funny to see him physically booted from the residence! And called a 'shady character'!
(from Archie Comics #51 - May 1951, artwork by George Frese?)

It's rare that Jughead has an interest in girls, unless of course there's a gimmick attached to it (like last issue), but here he actually seems to have fallen for a very Ginger-esque young lady, and is so head over heels he doesn't notice his best friend!

(from Archie Comics #51 - May 1951, artwork by George Frese?)

Veronica lounging as she breaks off her date with Archie, and her use of Syzygy for reading material in this story is clever, but I have no idea who Ersatz Klaubenhooper is! Anyone? Little help?
(from Archie Comics #51 - May 1951, artwork by George Frese?)

It's interesting the differences in the way Betty influences Archie and the way Veronica does, and these two panels sum it up perfectly...

(from Archie Comics #51 - May 1951, artwork by Bill Vigoda?)

Another long time subtlety in Archie Comics is Juggie's well known soft spot for Betty...
(from Archie Comics #51 - May 1951, artwork by George Frese?)

Reggie gets in a lot of good one-liners at Archie's expense, but here, in another PSA ad, Archie gets the last laugh!

(from Archie Comics #51 - May 1951, artwork by Bill Vigoda)