Here’s a tradition often overlooked, the Archie Christmas Spectacular.

Wreath Wrath is a vehicle for Mr. Weatherbee who has an attack of conscience as a colossal Santa haunts his decision to ban Christmas from school. Of course, it’s Archie who sends up the warning to the aging administrator.

Holi-Dazed has Archie remembering – too late – a promise made a year earlier. The pubescent Romeo finds himself with two dates for the holiday dance. His first is sweet on him, but sours when the spirit of Christmas comes between them.

Betty and Veronica team for the Best Holiday Cookie contest in Kookie Contest. As guessed, the team-up fails and Jughead steals the show with his simple recipe.

Santa Sleighed has the big guy stranded at the Lodge’s. Veronica’s social media faux paus leads to a Christmas Eve of karaoke.

This continues the updated spectaculars restarted in 2016.

Neal Adams penciled the sixth and final issue of Hot Wheels as the short-lived, licensed-title celebrated the holidays with an assassination plot against the prince of Kalvania.

Hot Wheels (1970) 6

Prince Timothy, first heir to the throne of the postage-stamp country, was on a good-will tour of the United States. The conniving Duke of Ebenezar took the opportunity to rid himself of competition while the king lay on his death bed.

Fortunately, for the prince, he stumbles in the path of the Hot Wheels gang. A life-and-death slalom saves Timothy and the villains are deposed.

All’s well that ends well in the Humbug Run as the king recovers and the prince is sent on his way. The Hot Wheels gang celebrate Christmas and readers are reminded the reason for the season is Peace on Earth.

Adams does not handle penciling chores on the second story, Super Chick.

Also, included is a one-page bio on the Mighty Midget: K3 Magnette.

The book closes with an in-house advertisement previewing the coming changes to the Superman titles.

Mattel began manufacturing the modified hot rods – aka Hot Wheels – in 1968. The brand proved to be a huge success. The initial line up has become known as the Sweet 16.

Today is a day of decision. Whether we, the people, make it, the Electoral College or sinister societies hinted at in the best episodes of the X-Files.

Today is Election Day. The day many will file to the booths, tap their choice on a touch screen and go away feeling they may have made a difference.

Whatever the case, Four Color Holidays presents our candidate for President: Captain America.

What If…? (1976) 26

True, Cap chose not to run in Captain America 250. But, this is What if…?, the series that explores other avenues not traveled in the Marvel U.

In this issue, Cap makes the fateful decision to toss his cowl into the political ring. Mike W. Barr, Herb Trimpe and Mike Esposito tell a tale in which Captain America is a symbol, but Steve Rogers is the figure.

Under the leadership of a man of honor, America prospers. As it does, the concentric circles of prosperity spread. Most notably to a small, South American country. With material aid, a dictatorship is overthrown and democracy established.

President Rogers makes a goodwill tour only to find an old evil waiting to destroy his dreams.

As with any of the What if…? stories, What if Captain America Were Elected President? is summed up in verse: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. – 2 Timothy, 4:7.

Trivia: Jack Kirby is featured as Chief Justice of the United States swearing in Cap on the cover.

Though not touted on the cover, What if…The Man-Thing had Regained Ted Sallis’ Brian? is a back story.