Archie shocker: Comic book hero picks Veronica

In what's being billed the "Archie Story of the Century," perennially indecisive loverboy Archie Andrews has finally chosen the raven-haired Veronica Lodge over sunny girl-next-door Betty Cooper, according to the official Archie Comics website.

"Could it be true? Has Archie finally decided to take the plunge and propose to comics' favourite rich girl? It sure looks that way!" read a note posted online Wednesday.

The posting is accompanied by a comic book cover featuring Archie, on one knee, offering a ring up to Veronica, depicted saying "Yes!" A teary Betty and shocked Jughead Archie's best friend look on.

The storyline will span a six-part series, beginning with the comic's issue number 600, Archie Marries Veronica Part 1: The Proposal, set to hit comic shops Aug. 19 and newsstands on Sept. 1, according to the post.

End of the love triangle

The series will purportedly explore theRiverdale gang's graduation from college and their shift into adult life.

"What careers will they seek?Will the friends stay in Riverdale or disperse?What would lead Archie to have marriage on his mind?And why would he choose Veronica over Betty?How will Betty react?With the Lodges as hosts, this will be the biggest wedding Riverdale has ever seen."

The news of the marriage storyline teased for several weeks has sparked passionate reaction online from comics fans both young and old.

The love triangle between the three colourful characters has been a key plot point of the Archie comics for nearly seven decades.

In the 1994-1995 "Love Showdown" storyline, the carrot-topped herowas also set tochoose betweenthe two comelygals, but shockingly picked his old flame Cheryl Blossom. That relationshipultimately dissolved and Archie was once again left to dither between Betty and Veronica.