Blossoms 666

November 8, 2019

The gentle social ecosphere of Riverdale is severely impacted when Cheryl and Jason Blossom arrive in town. Their nonstop flirtations and status-hungry style conflict with the breezy romantic dynamics that regularly spark Betty, Veronica, and Archie. What the gang doesn't realize is that Cheryl and Jason are soon to be inheritors of unlimited infernal power from beyond. Only one will be entrusted with the mantle of the Anti-Christ, but the two rival relations will have to compete for the dubious honor. At first, they work separately on destroying the lives of nerdy Dilton and shy Ethel but soon conclude the ultimate contest will be to see who can corrupt the wholesome goodness of Betty first. Unexpectedly, a new player appears in the form of a long-lost third Blossom sibling, Julian, who wants in on the chance to inherit a power beyond imagining. With the game on, will the ever-resourceful Betty realize what's at stake before she falls prey to their evil machinations? VERDICT The horrors of teen cliques as well as the machinations of demonic forces blossom throughout this latest from Bunn (Harrow County), Braga (Bombshells), and colorist Herms (Sonic Boom), unleashing a tense high school terror tale with vibrant visuals reminiscent of Patrick Nagel. [Previewed in Ingrid Bohnenkamp's Graphic Novels spotlight, "Mass Appeal," LJ 6/19.]--Douglas Rednour, Georgia State Univ. Libs., Atlanta

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