In an attempt to join modern times about a decade later than everyone else (or 18 years late in Northstar time), Archie Comics revealed that Riverdale High will have a new student enroll soon…and he’s gay! *gasp* *shock* *awe*
This character’s name is Kevin Keller, and he’ll be revealed as the first openly (and I mean openly) gay character in this long living universe in Veronica #202. I find it very entertaining in the preview page that Jughead’s response to his sexuality isn’t a realistically negative response (if it didn’t exist previously in the Archie world, there would be pandemonium in the halls), but a response fueled purely by hijinks. Oh Jughead, you’re such a prankster.
Archie Comics Co-CEO John Goldwater stated:
“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.”
At this point, it’s not really a big deal to have an openly gay character in comics. It’s a big deal because it’s Archie, the last gasp of pure 1950’s sentimentality left in the world. I’m more concerned with the concept of Jughead losing to this Kevin Keller in a burger eating contest. Completely unrealistic in my book.
Nobody puts Jughead in a corner.
