Archie’s First Openly Gay Character Kevin Keller to Star in His Own Miniseries

What was informally announced at New York Comic Con is now confirmed: Archie Comics' first openly gay character, Kevin Keller, will star in his own miniseries. Called "pitch-perfect" by gay advocacy site AfterElton.com, Keller debuted this year in issue #202 of Veronica, where the oblivious rich girl had a ferocious crush on the boy. Keller's popularity with readers has necessitated the spin-off. The Archie press release indicates that the success of the Kevin Keller miniseries will inform the decision to give the character his own ongoing title, which might be a first for mainstream American comics.

Kevin Keller's introduction into the world of Archie Comics has received world-wide praise. He even has his own debut app "Veronica #202" available individually or through the "Archie Comics" reader app. His fame has also made him and his debut comic the target for multiple charity auctions and fundraisers since its announcement early in 2010 at events run through San Diego International Comic-Con, New York Comic Con, NPR and more.

Besides the mention of AfterElton.com, the Archie Comics press release makes no direct reference to Keller's sexuality, which seems to fall in line with his casual introduction in Veronica. According to Archie Comics President Mike Pellerito, that's all part of the plan.

"Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and friends are a bunch of cool kids. Archie Comics is a cool place for people to hang out and Kevin Keller happens to be another cool kid who gets to hang out in Riverdale. Kevin is just the newest embodiment of Archie's everyone is welcome' mindset and now, thanks to his popularity," said Pellerito, "Kevin is also one of the few characters to break out into his own mini-series."

Launching in 2011, the four-issue "Kevin Keller" miniseries will be written and drawn by Keller creator Dan Parent.