Archie at Riverdale High #35
Published and © by Archie, May 1976
Title: “The Spirit of ’76”
Synopsis: When a Revolutionary battle site is discovered on Mr. Lodge’s land, a ghost ties to keep the history silent.
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Uncredited
Review: While not as strong as the surprisingly excellent Life With Archie #172 (see review), this lead story still offers a poignant Bicentennial tale. It’s interesting that both comics turned to fantasy elements, but America’s preeminent comic-book teenager serves as a heartfelt advocate of the American story in both.
•••
Title: “Give Till It Hurts”
Synopsis: A rich parent tries to force Riverdale High to be renamed in honor of his spoiled son.
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Uncredited
Review: This one didn’t scream “relevant” back in 1976, but, wow, it sure does feel apropos during the Semiquincentennial.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: Archie is a believable patriot.
Not-so-cool factor: The Archie gang’s use of the word “man” and “baby.” We’re a “groovy” away from an old-people-writing-young-characters’-dialogue trifecta!
Notable: Also includes a half-page Li’l Jinx strip and an “Archie’s Gag Bag” reprint of an “Archie” newspaper strip. … According to the annual statement of ownership, Archie at Riverdale High had an average total paid circulation of 147,604 for the 12 months preceding Oct. 1, 1975.
Character quotable: “Two hundred candles on our cake this year, Jeb! Without you, we never have lit the first one!” – Archie Andrews, Revolutionary counselor
Editor’s note: This review was written Sept. 6, 2026.
