Comics – Party Hardly

Writer: Dan Parent*
Pencils: Dan Parent*
Inking: Jon D’Agostino*
Coloring: Barry Grossman*
Lettering: Bill Yoshida*
Original Publication: Cheryl Blossom, No. 15
Cover Date: September, 1998
Length: 5 pages

*Only the lead story in the issue is credited. I assume the credits apply to all of the stories.

Although I have the original issue, I’m reviewing this story from the digital edition.

Continuing from the previous story, one of the producers of the show suggests Cheryl have an “introduction to summer” party. Cheryl agrees.

Soon, at home, Cheryl’s got all of the preparations finished except the musical act. Surprisingly, she decides to go with Brigitte from Riverdale High instead of a famous act. She even admits Brigitte’s a great singer. As it turns out, Cheryl wants to pretend to be Brigitte’s mentor and discoverer.

At…a beach (not sure which one), Cheryl asks Brigitte, who accepts on the condition that Cheryl doesn’t attempt to sing or try to sing backup. Cheryl agrees, having learned her lesson before. She knows she’s no singer and is instead “blessed with personality and beauty”.

Cheryl points out that she’s giving Brigitte her break on national TV and has Brigitte sing in front of a large backdrop with Cheryl’s head and name on it (with Brigitte’s head and name much smaller). Cheryl says Brigitte will ride her coattails to super stardom.

At the party, Cheryl introduces Brigitte. Veronica accuses Cheryl of hogging the credit, but Betty points out that at least Cheryl is giving Brigitte exposure.

Brigitte starts singing. It suddenly gets windy, so Cheryl goes to secure her sign. Somehow, the entire thing comes loose and carries Cheryl off “like a giant kite”. Ronnie calls Cheryl an attention seeker. Jason tells Cheryl to stop showing off. Cheryl says she’s not doing this on purpose.

The rope breaks. Cheryl falls to the stage and gets tangled up in the sign. Brigitte keeps singing. Ronnie cheers Cheryl’s misfortune Brigitte’s performance. Cheryl insists it was an accident. Jason says this is the first time that Cheryl got attention that she didn’t want. Cheryl tells him to shut the fuck up.

This story was okay, if a bit contrived.

Extras

After the story is a 2-page “Dear Cheryl” letters column by Sara Algase (not included in the digital edition).