Edit: better link:
Betty and Veronica get a new look!

Okay...so I'll ask the question being pondered by the Jeff Albertsons of the world: "how long until the Betty and Veronica Swimsuit issue"?

The Archie "style" wasn't really perfected until the late 50's, but this looks ridiculous. The Archie style is similar to the successful DC Animated style, so the change seems misguided. Plus, some of the characters just won't work with a semi-serious Marvel, DC or Image style-- Archie has giant mutant freckles and Jughead has a frickin' crown-hat (plus he had Vanilla Ice-ish shaved eyebrows in the early 90's).

I think they're completely insane with this idea. They're the biggest selling comic company in the U.S. Why are they going to screw with the formula that's been so successful for them. I had always thought they worked because the art was non-threatening and parents bought them for kids because it was something familiar from when they were a kid.

Oh well, doesn't effect Jughead yet which is the only Archie book that I'll still pick up from time to time.

Arhcis Comics had clarified that the "new look" is only an "experiment". So it's not a full-fledged "makeover" for the entire Archie Universe.

They changed "Sabrina" into a manga-style awhile back and it wasn't until the 60's that Archie received his current overhaul. So if this proves succesful, they'll expand on it. Really doesn't seem so bad for them. If anything, it'd expand their audience by about two years (to 12 year old girls, up from 10 year old girls). But it still cracks me up that some perverts are probably sprouting wood over the "new" Betty n' Veronica.

The art definitely has a "brand name" feel to it. I was at K-Mart over the holidays and there were alot of dog-eared "Archie's Pals n' Gals Double Digest" books at every checkout. Always amazes me that they're still popular. I'd say their sales about 90% retail, and 10% (or less) at direct-only shops.

I think they probably do something like 50% subscriptions, 45% retail/newsstand and then 5% direct market.

Ahh.. forgot about subscriptions. I'd say your estimates sound about right. Those digest books have been consistent sellers forever.

The superhero comics could really learn a lot from Archie. They don't redefine Archie and his place in the Archie universe every other year.

Except for the fact he's still a teenager after about 67 years, no doubt inspiring Joan Rivers for her latest plastic surgery. :P

I say don't mess with a good thing. Archie is Archie... Sabrina can go fuck herself, though. No one reads her comics anyway. At least no one with testicles.