Forsythe P. (Jughead) Jones

Forsythe P. (Jughead) Jones: The Best Character in the Archie Comics

I often forget that this column began as “Jot-Thought the Character Reviewer” – a column whose sole purpose was to share opinions about specific characters in the books and movies I read and watched. It’s high time we go back to the basics with the “Archie’s” comic book series.

It’s best to clarify right away that the golden era for these comics was most certainly in the 1960s. These vintage comics have it all. The charm of the 80s drawings, the humor of the great comedy writers.

My opinions fall thus: Jughead is without a doubt the best character in the comics. Betty can do better. Veronica is not that bad a character and definitely is more likeable than Betty. Reggie is hilarious, and Archie needs to get a grip.

Let’s elaborate with Jughead, through whom we can introduce all the remaining points.

Jughead is the most loyal friend. He’s Archie’s oldest “good buddy,” and is one who often goes to lengths to help him out, usually when Archie gets into scrapes with financing his outings with Veronica. He is respectful to his mother and has no obvious vices except his penchant for food. And that can be forgiven. He’s actually someone whose behavior can be modeled (to some extent… no one should eat like Jughead does. Surely there is no metabolism that can burn all those calories in real life). Unlike the other students of Riverdale High, he is relaxed, hardworking, unbothered by petty fights and ridiculous romances. Jughead’s eyes are half closed a lot of the time because he’s very chilled out and takes life calmly.

The other characters do too, to some extent. Unlike Betty, Jughead doesn’t worry when Archie is too busy with a girl to hang out. He wanders around, enjoying fresh air, walking Hot Dog, and relaxing at Pop Tate’s Chocklit Shoppe. Jughead is never spotted fretting like the girls or Archie at any of the school dances. He’s probably dining well, off doing something he would enjoy. It’s a good reminder that the best characters don’t abide by the standard, rather defining their own standards. Jughead makes fun of Veronica for her exacting behavior but remains friends with her as she’s actually a good person and a good daughter, being very caring to her family and friends. Archie is well-known to be goof and a girl-crazy, clumsy oaf. Jughead would never be spotted running into a rainstorm because Veronica called, whereas Archie would fly out to Timbuktoo if Veronica asked.

Finally, Jughead has often planned pranks with Reggie. Reggie’s astounding self-absorption and egotism is quite hilarious at times, and Jughead makes the most of his (Reggie’s) bent for harmless mischief. However, all said, it’s a charming comic with a great cast and a great way to pass a rainy day. 📙