Credit: Archie Comics
Synopsis (from Archie Comics): In the conclusion of “Love Me Baby, Mumbai,” Archie and the gang call it a wrap on Raj’s movie and learn that there are always two choices to make when it comes to love and compromise. Will Raj and Betty find romance or will their Bollywood flirtations end before they even begin?
SCRIPT: Tania del Rio
ARTIST: Bill Galvan
COVER: Bill Galvan, Al Milgrom
Shipping Date: 8/24/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 9/7/2011
Newsstands: Week of 9/13/2011
Digest, 160 pgs, 30 lb newsprint, Full-Color
$3.99 US
My review: I will miss seeing Raj at the forefront of the Archie stories, since Tania Del Rio really seems to have a knack for writing him as well as the other characters. She should write tons more Archie Comic stories since she brings a vitality to the stories that is refreshing.
I like that we still have relevance concerning India in the story, but I will say that while I know there are many different types of saris, I wish there were more sari-looking saris in both this issue and the last one. I believe the sari being drawn here is this kind:
Credit: sareeworld.com
But as you can see, it’s not just a piece of fabric tucked into the underskirts like Betty’s is in on the cover. Saris are way more intense than that. In any case, it’s nice to see the end of the Bollywood movie and how it parallel’s Raj’s loveless life. We also get to see that he shares his father’s sense of single-mindedness when it comes to getting stuff done. Speaking of Raj’s dad, it’s nice to see him stop acting like a put-down parent and actually say he supports his kid and his dream. Good, job. Dr. Patel, for giving your son some encouragement for once.
And should RajxBetty be officially included in the canon after this story? I think so–if Archie can get Valerie, Betty can start going out with Raj.
Overall, the story was nicely told, and I hope Raj and his family will be used more in future Archie stories. Also, a twist on the whole Veronica-Archie-Betty makes the ending more enjoyable than I anticipated. The one thing I’ll say is that the end comes a little abruptly, but other than that, this was a fun, solid tale.
Other comics of note in this digest are vintage classics Young Dr. Masters and Josie. Overall, this was a fun book to read. Very recommendable.
