Archie comics to introduce first gay character

NEW YORK - Now it won’t be only about Archie, Veronica and Betty. The world’s oldest teenager comic book is to introduce its first openly gay character Kevin Keller, announced the publisher Friday.

“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,” said Jon Goldwater of Archie Comics on its official blogsite https://www.archiecomics.com/blog/news/

The “Veronica #202” edition will introduce Kevin as the new hunk in town and Veronica just has to have him in the full-issue story “Isn’t it Bromantic?”

In the new story, when Kevin defeats Jughead in a burger eating contest at Pop’s Chocklit Shoppe, the rich and spoilt Veronica latches onto him. Mayhem and hilarity ensue as Kevin desperately attempts to let Veronica down easy and her flirtations become increasingly persistent.

The blogsite states that the introduction of Kevin’s character is part of the commitment to keep Archie properties reflective of the current world of teens and teen media.

The edition will hit comic shops Sep 1 and news stands Sep 14.