I don’t know anyone that didn’t read some version of the Archie Comics growing up. The great thing about them is that they have a Digest to cater to almost anyone…whether it be the Archie, Jughead, Veronica, Betty or Reggie ones. There is also the similar Josie and the Pussy Cats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, etc. My personal favorite is Jughead.
Well to add to their expanding cast of characters over in Riverdale, and to appeal to wider audiences, they have just announced the introduction of the first openly gay character (that’s not to say one couldn’t speculate about kids already in the strip, I’m looking at you Dilton Doiley).
The new addition is a blond by the name of Kevin Keller. His first appearance will be in September’s Veronica #202 in a story titled “Isn’t it Bromantic?” in which he challenges Jughead to an eating contest and Veronica becomes smitten….lest she find out the feeling is not mutual.
“The introduction of Kevin is just about keeping the world of Archie Comics current and inclusive. Archie’s hometown of Riverdale has always been a safe world for everyone. It just makes sense to have an openly gay character in Archie comic books,” – Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater
I always assumed Archie was the first gay character in Archie Comics.