Archie and the gang will meet Kevin Keller, the venerable teen comic's first openly gay character, this fall. (Archie Comic Publications Inc.)Riverdale's first openly gay character is set to join Archie and the gang at Pop's Chocklit Shoppe this fall, the publisher of the venerable comic book has announced.
On Sept. 1, the comic Veronica #202 will introduce Kevin Keller, a newcomer who catches the eye of the titular raven-haired beauty and sometimes Archie love interest in the full-issue story Isn't it Bromantic?
According to Archie Comic Publications, "Kevin Keller is the new hunk in town and Veronica just has to have him... Mayhem and hilarity ensue as Kevin desperately attempts to let Veronica down easy and her flirtations only become increasingly persistent."
"The introduction of Kevin is just about keeping the world of Archie Comics current and inclusive," Archie Comics co-CEO Jon Goldwater said in an online posting Thursday.
"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."
The Keller character is part of an overall commitment to stay relevant with today's teens, the publisher said.
Last year, Archie Comic Publications caused a stir with a six-issue storyline that purportedly saw the perennial fence-sitter Archie Andrews finally choose between girl-next-door Betty Cooper and wealthy heiress Veronica Lodge.
In the meantime, Archie is in an interracial relationship: the current issues have him dating Valerie, the bassist from the girl group Josie and the Pussycats.
Share Tools
- Assessing Oscar's actress and supporting actress racesby Susan Noakes Feb. 21, 2012 8:05 AM This year's Oscar best actress race features seasoned performers like Meryl Streep and Viola Davies, who rise above the quality of the films they star in, up against younger counterparts making a splash. Meanwhile, the contest for best supporting actress is showcasing talent such as Melissa McCarthy, who came out of the blue, stole the spotlight and impressed Hollywood. Susan Noakes outlines their chances at the Academy Awards.
Top News Headlines
- Target set to alter Canadian retail landscape
- The buzz surrounding Target Corporation's move into Canada could quickly turn into a backlash if the U.S. retailing giant can't deliver quality goods at prices similar to what it charges south of the border, experts say. more »
- Graham James apologizes to sex-abuse victims
- Graham James, the former junior hockey coach and convicted sexual abuser whose victims included ex-NHLers Theoren Fleury and Sheldon Kennedy, has told a courtroom: "For my behaviour, I am deeply sorry.… Parents expected sons to be safe; not all were." more »
- Santorum, Romney spar in Republican debate
- Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum swapped accusations about spending and taxes Wednesday night in the 20th and possibly final debate of the roller-coaster race for the Republican presidential nomination. more »
- U.S. base in Afghanistan attacked over Qur'an burning
- Afghan police are firing shots into the air to disperse hundreds of protesters who are trying to break into an American military base to vent their anger over the Qur'an burning incident. more »
Latest Arts & Entertainment News Headlines
- Quebec's Anne Émond wins debut director award
- Montreal filmmaker Anne Émond has won the Claude Jutra Award for best debut director for her rave-set romance Nuit #1. more »
- Calgary musician Chris Reimer dies in sleep
- Chris Reimer, the Calgary-based guitarist and vocalist of the noise-rock-pop band Women, died in his sleep on Tuesday, his family has confirmed. more »
- Writing prize taps Trudeau, Macdonald biographies
- Biographies of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, and one of the most controversial, Pierre Trudeau, are vying for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. more »
- Oscar campaigning how-to
- The final ballots are in for the 84th Oscars, ending a round of Academy Awards campaigning by powerful producers like Harvey Weinstein and Canada's Robert Lantos. Deana Sumanac reports on how it's done. more »
Q Blog
Liev Schreiber on Q Feb. 22, 2012 4:29 PM Versatile stage and screen actor Liev Schreiber speaks to Jian about his role in the cheerfully violent new hockey comedy Goon, co-written by actor Jay Baruchel.
CBC Books
Donna Bailey Nurse: Caribbean connections Feb. 22, 2012 3:48 PM Throughout February and March, literary journalist, teacher and author Donna Bailey Nurse will be blogging for CBC Books about black Canadian writers and their important works. In her second post, she discusses her family history and some of her early literary discoveries.
- Fire at Vancouver restaurant goes to 3 alarms
- 'Faster than light' measurement blamed on loose cable
- Graham James apologizes to sex-abuse victims
- Mountie who had sex with superior fights to keep job
- Alleged B.C. rave rape victim seeks witnesses
- Thief grabs $500K in jewelry in Vancouver
- Target set to alter Canadian retail landscape
- Santorum, Romney spar in Republican debate
- Online surveillance bill setup costs estimated at $80M
