Sneak Peek the cover of the April issue of "Archie" #608, featuring the comic book story "It Starts With A Kiss", written by Dan Parent, illustrated by Bill Galvan, showcasing 'Archie Andrews' locking lips with 'Valerie Brown' of the band "Josie And The Pussycats"."...Two of the greatest bands in comic book history hook up like never before when 'Josie and the Pussycats' come to town to tour with 'The Archies'. However, more than music is made on one starry night outside Archie's home, when there's a kiss that could change 'Riverdale' forever. Is it possible that the pure-hearted, red-haired lead of The Archies is really falling in love with beautiful black bassist 'Valerie' of Josie and the Pussycats? What will happen to 'Betty' and 'Veronica'? Don't miss out while the world watches to see if Archie and Valerie have what it takes to make their love survive..."
On the TV front, Archie Entertainment's Nick Cannon continues to organize a worldwide search for the new 'Josie', 'Melody' and 'Valerie', to be chronicled in a reality competition series, supporting another "Josie And The Pussycats" feature. Archie Comics will launch fresh "Josie" titles to coincide with the project.
"Josie" was created in 1958 by writer/illustrator Dan DeCarlo, selling the property to Archie Comics and developing the characters into a bi-monthly series. After being introduced in "Archie's Pals 'n' Gals" #23, "She's Josie" debuted February 1963, featuring sweet 'Josie', blonde 'Melody' and studious 'Pepper'.
In 1968, "The Archie Show" animated series debuted on CBS, produced by Filmation Studios, with the show's song "Sugar, Sugar" hitting the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, September 1969.
Hanna-Barbera Productions then acquired rights to produce "Josie" as a music-based, animated Saturday morning TV series.
In 1969, 'Josie" comic books became "Josie And The Pussycats", with Josie and Melody being introduced to 'Valerie', designing leopard print costumes with cat ear headbands/long tails and performing their first gig at a high school dance.
In 2001, a "Josie And The Pussycats" feature was released.Click the images to enlarge...
