Katy Keene Returns For FCBD

Press Release:

KATY KEENE RETURNS ON FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
Just in time for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, Archie Comic Publications is proud to announce the return of one of its classic characters: Katy Keene!

Katy begins her 60th anniversary celebration in style, as she returns to Riverdale in the BETTY AND VERONICA FCBD EDITION by writer/artist Dan
Parent. The story, "Model Citizen," sees Katy return as Riverdale regular Ginger's assistant at Dazzle Magazine. An aspiring model, Katy is hoping to learn the rules of the fashion world, and when Archie's gal pals get in the mix, you know hilarity will ensue! Along the way, reader fashions will be worked into the story as a tip of the hat to past Katy Keene tales.

The chance to bring Katy back was a no-brainer, according to Parent.

"When the idea to bring Katy back was first floated, I jumped at the chance," Parent explained. "Simply put, she's a classic character. And what better time to bring her back than Free Comic Book Day?"

Katy debuted in Wilbur Comics #5 and quickly became the queen of glamorous comic book women. Unlike other pinup ladies from the past, Keene brought a new level of interactivity to her fans. Every page of every Katy story featured designs created by fans and also credited them! A tradition Archie Comic Publications continues to this day in the fashion pages of the newly-revamped BETTY AND VERONICA SPECTACULAR.

"This was the ideal moment to put the spotlight on Katy again," said Michael I. Silberkleit, Chairman and Co-Publisher for ACP. "We've made a commitment to create content geared toward all-ages, and Betty and Veronica have lead the way in connecting with a younger, female fanbase. It was time for Katy to be a part of that as well."

As for future plans involving the rejuvenated supermodel, plans are still in the formative stages.

"We hope to have more Katy news to announce in the coming months," hinted Richard H. Goldwater, Editor in Chief and Co-Publisher for ACP. "It's an
exciting time for Archie Comics and their readers!"

The BETTY AND VERONICA FCBD EDITION will be available on May 7 to coincide with FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2005 at all participating comic book stores. To learn more about FREE COMIC BOOK DAY and to find the comic book store nearest you, please visit their website:

http://www.freecomicbookday.com.