- Title: Josie and the Pussycats #5
- Comic Vine: link
- Writers: Marguerite Bennett, Cameron Deordio
- Artist: Audrey Mok
Returned from their concert in Rome, Josie and the Pussycats are back in the United States on the state fair circuit where Josie is still trying to get over the Alan M. debacle and the band struggles with losing their chance at a record deal when a child prodigy steals their spotlight. An already emotional Josie goes a bit crazy while Val considers leaving the group once again.
Before teasing us with the next arc, and new troubles for the band from their arch-nemeses, Josie and the Pussycats #5 reminds the lead character and the audience what Josie and the Pussycats are all about. Josie may overreact and nearly go ballistic on a cute kid, but in the end she sees the error of her ways and makes a personal sacrifice to do what is right. The issue also has a nice scene between Val and Mel (including several in-jokes about their surroundings) reminding us that Melody is the heart and the glue which holds the group together. Seeing Josie willing to take such a step also brings Val back into the fold making the rockin’ trio even stronger. There may be trouble ahead for the Pussycats, but it appears Josie, Mel, and Val are ready to meet it together. Worth a look.
[Archie, $3.99]