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Old teens get a new look, fans cry foul

GalleyCat points out that Betty, Veronica, and the rest of the Archie comics gang (who they’ve dubbed “the world’s oldest teenagers”) are getting a makeover. Just in appearance, though — it’s not like they’re doing a “Reggie kicks smack” storyline or anything.

Of course, as happens whenever someone tinkers with an established classic, fans are grumbling. Aside from the expected if-it’s-not-what-I’ve-come-to-expect-from-it-then-it-must-be-terrible line of reproach, others are raising concerns about body image: “‘Archie seemingly has a normal everyday physique, while B&V look like twigs that could snap in two,’ says one commenter. ‘I realize that comic books aren’t known for their realistic anatomy, but comics like this specifically designed to court younger, and female, readers really should take care to not indoctrinate such a double standard.’”

Although the new Betty and Veronica appear to have extremely pronounced collarbones, were their old versions really ever any different? And what’s so realistic in a strip with a main character who wears a crown and never opens his eyes?

Related links:
Check out the new Betty and Veronica here

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