Archie Comics to intro first openly gay character

Those who follow Archie Comics will know that Betty and Veronica have competed for Archie Andrews for decades. Starting this fall, they'll have competition of a different sort, as Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character in Archie Comics, will debut.

Realistically, there's no evidence that the new character will chase Archie, but Archie Comics announced in a press release Thursday that Kevin Keller, a blond hunk, will debut on Sept. 1st, in VERONICA #202, which will feature the full-issue story, "Isn't it Bromantic?" Interestingly, Kevin seems to have more in common with Jughead: Kevin defeats Jughead in a burger eating contest at Pop's Chocklit Shoppe.

While Veronica seems bent on getting Kevin Keller, he and Jughead commiserate. Kevin is open with Jughead, just coming right out and saying "It's nothing against her. I'm gay." No reaction from Jughead, except to perhaps wonder if he can use this to get back at Veronica.

In the press release, Archie Comics Co- CEO, Jon Goldwater said "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."

Archie Comics is the publisher a series of comic books about the teens of Riverdale. Archie's first appearance was in Pep Comics #22 on December 22, 1941. Archie Comics was also the title of the company's longest running publication. Starting with issue #114 the title of the comic book was shortened to just Archie.