They might not have been as profound or prolific as the mop-topped lads from Liverpool, but Archie and his Riverside High cohorts enjoyed their own surge in popularity in the 60s. Having already achieved comic book icon status, ever since their introduction in the 40s, it was only a matter of time before they crossed over into television and, yes, even the music world. Propelled by the success of “Sugar Sugar,” a radio hit by The Archies, and a successful Saturday morning cartoon called The Archie Show, it was of little surprise that a merchandising surge would follow close behind. And in 1975, Marx Toys decided to immortalize Archie and his friends in doll form.

The whole gang was there – Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica – each of them eight inches of pose-able plastic glory complete with “action flex” legs. Archie and Juggie had molded plastic hairdos but Betty and Veronica scored with actual, albeit synthetic, hair. And, of course, Jughead was adorned with his beloved crown hat. Of course, any high-schooler can attest to the need for fashionable duds, and a number of wardrobe choices were available for the fab four of the comic world. And what would a group of teens be without a car to carry them around on their many adventures? Never fear – a replica of Archie’s famed jalopy was just a purchase away, ready to transport the gang to the malt shop and satiate Jughead’s bottomless stomach.

 

The Archie dolls proved to be short-lived, but perhaps their immortality was anticipated, as a handy carrying case was available to keep them well protected. Having only been on store shelves for a mere year, they are now coveted collector’s items and, in mint condition can fetch respectable prices among Archie fans and toy collectors alike.

And even though their foray into music might not share the longevity of that other fab four across the Atlantic, Archie and his friends are firmly rooted in the annals of pop-culture. Those teens from Riverdale High live on, even if their dolls didn’t share quite the same longevity.