Archie Comics Introduces Openly Gay Character Kevin Keller

Archie Comics announced today that the timeless city of Riverdale is poised to welcome its first openly gay resident this September in "Veronica" #202 with the introduction of Kevin Keller, the latest addition to Archie's increasingly diverse gang of friends.

"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 Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater in an official press release.

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In a story titled "Isn't it Bromantic?" Keller makes waves as the new kid in town by besting Jughead in an eating contest. From there he gains the attention of boy-crazy Veronica, who is crushing so hard that she's ready to leave Archie to Betty. When Jughead points out her interest, Kevin's up front about the fact that he's gay and spends the rest of the issue introducing himself to the rest of the gang while trying to let a clueless Veronica down easy, much to Jughead's amusement.

An advance preview also reveals that Kevin is a burgeoning journalist with a penchant for comic books, meaning Chuck Clayton's Riverdale High press coverage could be set for a serious spike.