Another entry into the new new look series of graphic novels following everyone’s favorite teenagers. Here Jamie L. Rotante takes another dive into the friendship of Betty and Veronica as they head into their senior year.

I enjoyed the realism embedded in their stories, especially Betty’s as she struggles with choosing her dream college or aiming for a more affordable one since her dad lost his job. It’s a conflict because her parents want what’s best and assure her that they’ll scrape by, but it doesn’t cancel out that you feel like a burden for doing so.

Veronica, of course doesn’t have that problem which is a bit of a strain as her well-intentioned offer that her dad hire Hal is insensitive at best. No one likes charity. Furthermore, Ron is just not sure what she wants to do. There is Lodge Industries but that’s what she’s expected to do, it doesn’t mean she’s actually capabale of it. Additionally, her mother want her to continue their legacy at a prestigious, expensive all girls college which Veronica isn’t sure what she wants either. Really, college decisions make you feel that you’re deciding your entire future at that very moment and makes you take a hard look at your potential and what you want to do.

But it’s not all college stress, there’s friendship drama too. Not just from the whole “I’ll hire your dad” bit. Reggie and Betty (I KNOW!!!) had a fling but broke up and both are feeling the after effects of it. Whilst Veronica tries to be on Betty’s side through it all, it’s hard because Betty doesn’t want to go into the details, even hiding the relationship from her at first. Which makes it worse when Ron inadvertedly looks like she hooked up with him at a Halloween party.

The book puts a surprising amount of humanity into Reggie that I absolutely adored, but to do so would be a spoiler but just know, there’s a heart that attracted Betty to him under all that bravado.

There’s also your requisite Archie appearance but he’s not the main subject, rather he is a supportive friend going through his own college choices, supporting and griping with everyone else.

I enjoyed the slow steady build of character development the girls went through in the four seasons/chapters. It felt very earned to see Veronica find her niche and Betty to resolve her financial and romantic woes. All while affirming their friendship and how they fit so well with each other. The end of the school barbacue was a particularly great treat as it not only highlighted the girls but all the teens.

There is some parts where it feels a bit try-hard, pushing the STEM angle since I know there’s a big push for more women in STEM. Which is admirable, and I agree there should be equal amount of men and women in all fields, I just noted it because it’s very on-topic right now. A plus though that it kept the modern slang and # to a minimum which is nice because friendship stories are timeless, we don’t need to date it.

The art by Sandra Lanz was wonderful with a distinct palette and interiors that reminded me of Marguerite Sauvage’s work. Absolutely lovely to look at, though there were one or two odd expressions but that’s kind of unavoidable when you’re trying for a semi-realistic cartoon art.

This is a relatable, thoughtful, and I just enjoyed the friendship most of all. It reminded me and my best friend, that’s how much Rotante touched at the heart of what friendship is, the laughs, the support, the timelessness.