Betty & Veronica

August 1, 2020
Betty and Veronica imagine possible futures in this peppy graphic offering. Long-standing BFFs and polar opposites Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge are abuzz about what booths to visit at Riverdale High School's career fair. Overachiever Betty and affluent Veronica first settle upon seeing Sen. Elena Martinez, the daughter of an immigrant who fights for inclusivity. Her inspirational story dissolves into Betty's and Veronica's own musings about their political aspirations, including a daydream in which they share the Oval Office. Next, the pair visit brown-skinned, bespectacled astronaut Alison Harris and envision an intergalactic trip where they interact with intelligent alien life. Following a presentation by a White actress, their reveries culminate in thoughts about what their lives would be in the spotlight as well as a tale of becoming superheroes. Those familiar with the series should heartily enjoy this fantasy that calls upon the predictable tropes and touchstones within the decadeslong franchise. With a yesteryear, sitcom-esque vibe, readers new to this world should be fine starting with this volume, though they may be a bit put off by the hokey, canned-laughter feel to the pair's exploits. Williams' full-colored art keeps its point of view centrally on the characters, creating a cinematic approach. Betty and Veronica are both White, conventionally attractive, and slim; secondary characters present with more diversity but none truly make it into the spotlight. A fanciful "what if" for die-hard fans. (Graphic fiction. 9-14)

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August 14, 2020

Gr 6-9-It's career day at Riverdale High, and BFFs Betty and Veronica are about to meet all kinds of inspirational role models. From the White House to NASA to superheroes, their imaginations are driven by professional women who come from all walks of life and emphasize that career paths require determination, grit, and a willingness to recognize opportunity. Close friends Kevin Keller and Toni Topaz often factor into these fantasies and have their own reflections on what the future holds for them. Williams uses clear layouts and bold eye pupils with expressive eyebrows to create comfortable sight lines and emotional cues across the page. The speakers' flashbacks are rendered in a slight sepia tint, while hypothetical futures are bright and full of life. Betty, Veronica, and Kevin are white, while Toni is Black, and Riverdale's student body is inclusive in terms of race; Senator Elena Martinez speaks to a class, made up of students of various skin and hair colors, telling them, "Each of you has all the tools already at your disposal to make a change." Betty's earnestness and Veronica's glamour sometimes seem to set them on opposite paths, but they always end up bonding over core values of fairness, responsibility, and taking action. They and their friends celebrate one another's strengths and want to make a positive impact on the world. VERDICT A bright pick-me-up in the form of strong friendships and aspirational career daydreams.-Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC

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