The teenage culture that we know today has its roots in the novels of the 19th Century, specifically the works of Horatio Alger. Alger’s stories depicted young protagonists who, through hard work and ingenuity, managed to overcome obstacles and achieve success. These tales resonated with teenagers, inspiring them and embodying what would come to be known as “The American Dream.”
Before the Great War, teenage life was largely restricted and controlled by the adult establishment. The expectations for young men were to follow in their fathers’ footsteps, taking on the same jobs or running the family farm. Artistic and intellectual pursuits were seen as distractions or phases that teenagers would eventually grow out of.
But then, mass media came along and changed everything. Starting in the early 30s, young people across the country could tune in to radio shows like “The Aldrich Family.” This program revolved around the misadventures of teenage son Henry Aldrich, who always had a crazy scheme with his friends that often led to less-than-great results. Nevertheless, each episode taught a valuable lesson, and Henry always had the support of his loving parents, even if they didn’t always understand him.
With advancements in technology, young people now had access to consumer recordings and radio, allowing them to enjoy the music of popular crooners from the comfort of their homes. The film industry also introduced teenage-targeted entertainment, creating the concept of the “star” for the first time. These developments gave teenagers choices and autonomy in their entertainment.
The Big Band Era brought a new kind of music that emphasized swing, with a catchy beat made for dancing. Boys noticed girls swooning to the music, but to win their hearts, they needed money. This led to a rise in teenagers taking on after-school jobs, as they needed the extra funds to enjoy nights out dancing or going to the cinema.
Reflecting these changes, the successful series of Andy Hardy movies from MGM in the late 30s captured the essence of teenage life. Andy, portrayed by Mickey Rooney, was a headstrong teenager with a healthy attraction to girls and a knack for making money. He and his group of friends were continually coming up with new schemes to get both.
Then America entered World War II. A popular song during this time, “They’re Either Too Young Or Too Old,” lamented the shortage of available dating prospects due to men of their age group being away at war. After-school jobs were no longer optional for teenagers; they became mandatory to support the economy while adults were fighting on the frontlines.
Amidst this changing landscape, Archie Andrews burst onto the scene in comic books. Published by M.L.J., Archie was introduced in Pep Comics #22 in December 1941. This was a departure from the dominant superhero trend of the Golden Age. Archie’s popularity soared, and he quickly earned his own title, Archie Comics, which later became simply “Archie.”
Archie Andrews, with his friendly and relatable personality, resonated with generations of comic book readers. The success of Archie led to each supporting character gaining their own title, further shaping the formulaic prototypes that influenced teenage-focused media to follow. Betty and Veronica represented the sweet and considerate girl versus the aggressive and manipulative one. Jughead, the comic relief goofball, preferred food and napping over girls and money. And Reggie, the rival, was always envious of Archie’s luck.
These characters can be directly linked to later teen-oriented media, from Bud in “Father Knows Best” to Ricky and David in “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” to Wally and the Beav in “Leave It To Beaver,” and even Ritchie, Ralph, and Potsie in “Happy Days.”
Early appearances of Archie in Pep Comics and Golden Age Archie Comics, especially those featuring the first appearances of prominent supporting characters like Sabrina, Moose, and Dilton, have become highly sought after by collectors.
Archie Comics continues to be a cultural phenomenon, enchanting readers for over 90 years. Its impact on teenage culture is immeasurable, as it has influenced countless forms of media and entertainment.
So, if you happen to own an issue of Archie Comics, it may be more valuable than you think. Our team of expert comic book enthusiasts has been appraising rare issues for over 20 years. Get your FREE comic appraisal today! Alternatively, explore our issue-by-issue Archie Comic price guides below for an estimate.