Archie's 80th anniversary: "Moose!"

[alicemacher]

Let's say you're writing a story about one of Archie Comics' most one-note and stereotypical characters: the stupid, foul-tempered jock Moose Mason. What do you do? If you're Mark Waid in 2018, you reinvent him as a shy, simple but very sweet jock who--

Oh, but we're still on the 1990s era in this series of posts, aren't we. Well then, if you're Mark Waid in 1991, you lean into the stereotype with all you've got, take the angry brutishness way over the top, and play it for screwball comedy.


From "Moose!" (yes that's the title), Archie's Pals 'n' Gals (May 1991). Art by Chris Allan.


Betty tears into the Chock'lit Shoppe in a panic, looking for Dilton (who, Archie says, is in Texas helping NASA). It seems Midge has dumped Moose. Now he's gone on a mad rampage through Riverdale and, Betty says, only his brainy best friend can talk him down. Archie tries to calm everyone, only to spot something flying their way. "It looks almost... human!"





Archie, thinking quickly, borrows Pop's jacket and bowtie, and a mop.








Meanwhile, Betty and Veronica locate Midge just as she's about to let Reggie steal a kiss. With impeccable timing, they stuff her into a sack and carry her away from the confused, close-eyed Reg. When they see Moose coming, they unbag Midge and implore her to make up with her boyfriend, but she says no.





"Oh, Moose, you big lug," says Midge at last. "You'd rend an innocent man limb from limb just for me?" She draws him into a passionate hug and kiss.

Comments

[reveen]

Wait what the hell? I thought Moose was always a big dumb but nice guy? That's some Berenstain bears shit.

[jlbarnett]

he's had a temper, but generally only with regards to other guys flirting with Midge. This is a terrible moose