Great fiction usually comes from real life. In the latest issue of Veronica, Dan Parent has utilized his real life experience to create a story and cover idea inspired by his wife’s love for romance novels. But there’s a twist.

The latest romance novel has hooked Betty and Veronica in Veronica #186 “Isn’t It Romantic?” The girls are stuck to the “hot” story, not realizing that the author’s name is actually a pseudonym and is really in their midst. Is it a classmate, perhaps, one who can’t choose between two girls or one who loves hamburgers? Could it be a parent or a faculty member? You will be surprised by the answer.

The script, art, and cover were all done by Dan Parent. This is Archie Comics first cover inspired by a romance novel. This 32 page, full color comic will cost $2.25 and be shipped on December 26, 2007. It will be on sale at comic specialty shops on January 2, 2008 and at newsstands on January 15, 2008. Late Christmas gift, maybe?