Kevin Keller
Encyclopedia
Kevin Keller is a fictional character in the Archie Comics
universe. He premiered in Veronica #202, published in September 2010. Kevin is the first openly gay character in Archie Comics history.
In Keller's initial story line, "Isn't It Bromantic?", Veronica
expresses interest in dating Kevin but he is uninterested. As he and Jughead
bond over their mutual love of food, Kevin explains that he doesn't want to date Veronica because he is gay. Kevin also bonds with Betty Cooper
and they become best friends.
Archie Comics co-CEO Jon Goldwater explained that including an openly gay character is a way to keep the world of Archie Comics inclusive and updated. "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." Veronica writer Dan Parent
concurred, saying "It shows that Riverdale is in the 21st century."
Keller returned in Veronica #205 and headlined his own 4-issue miniseries, Kevin Keller, beginning in June 2011. The new series focuses on Keller's life before he arrived in Riverdale, including his struggles in junior high school. It also establishes that he is an Army brat and introduces the characters Wendy and William, friends whom Keller has been previously seen texting.
In July 2011 Archie Comics announced that Keller would star in his own ongoing solo title, also titled Kevin Keller. The new series is scheduled to debut in February 2012. Reportedly Keller will become president of his high school class but will also face "adversity". Keller is also slated to appear as an adult in 2012 in the title Life with Archie
, which will feature Kevin's marriage. Kevin's story will begin in issue #16, scheduled to appear in January 2012, in which readers will learn Kevin will meet his future husband, Clay, in a military hospital after Keller is wounded while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
then-president Jarrett Barrios
praised Kevin's creation. "It’s thrilling to see Riverdale High welcome its first openly gay student, and give readers a window into the lives of gay youth today. As images of gay and transgender people become more frequent on TV and in film, people are embracing and expect to see images of our community across media platforms, including comic books." Parent was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 2011 for creating Kevin.
Parent has reported that fan reaction to Keller has been overwhelmingly favorable. "Not everybody's particularly happy about it, but from where I'm sitting it's been about 98% positive." He has noted the number of gay fans who have approached him at personal appearances to express their appreciation and explain what a difference a character like Keller would have made to them as they were growing up.
Archie Comics
Archie Comics is an American comic book publisher headquartered in the Village of Mamaroneck, Town of Mamaroneck, New York, known for its many series featuring the fictional teenagers Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Reggie Mantle and Jughead Jones. The characters were created by...
universe. He premiered in Veronica #202, published in September 2010. Kevin is the first openly gay character in Archie Comics history.
In Keller's initial story line, "Isn't It Bromantic?", Veronica
Veronica Lodge
Veronica Lodge is a fictional character in the Archie Comics books series.-Fictional history and character:She is called both by her name Veronica and her nickname Ronnie...
expresses interest in dating Kevin but he is uninterested. As he and Jughead
Jughead Jones
Jughead Jones is a fictional character in Archie Comics who first appeared in the comic in December 1941. He is the son of Forsythe II; although in one of the early Archie newspaper comic strips, he himself is identified as Forsythe Van Jones II...
bond over their mutual love of food, Kevin explains that he doesn't want to date Veronica because he is gay. Kevin also bonds with Betty Cooper
Betty Cooper
Betty Cooper is a fictional character of Archie Comics, the blonde-haired daughter of Hal and Alice Cooper. Betty likes sports, and is also a cheerleader. Betty was created in December 1941. Her older brother Chic Cooper and older sister Polly Cooper have both moved out of Riverdale, their hometown...
and they become best friends.
Archie Comics co-CEO Jon Goldwater explained that including an openly gay character is a way to keep the world of Archie Comics inclusive and updated. "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." Veronica writer Dan Parent
Dan Parent
Dan Parent is an American comic book artist and writer best known for his work for Archie Comics. A graduate of The Kubert School, Parent began working for Archie immediately after graduation. His writing of the Love Showdown series from 1994 received widespread attention...
concurred, saying "It shows that Riverdale is in the 21st century."
Keller returned in Veronica #205 and headlined his own 4-issue miniseries, Kevin Keller, beginning in June 2011. The new series focuses on Keller's life before he arrived in Riverdale, including his struggles in junior high school. It also establishes that he is an Army brat and introduces the characters Wendy and William, friends whom Keller has been previously seen texting.
In July 2011 Archie Comics announced that Keller would star in his own ongoing solo title, also titled Kevin Keller. The new series is scheduled to debut in February 2012. Reportedly Keller will become president of his high school class but will also face "adversity". Keller is also slated to appear as an adult in 2012 in the title Life with Archie
Life with Archie
Life with Archie was a comic book published by Archie comics from 1958 to 1991. It featured Archie Andrews in adventure stories that were more dramatic than the standard Archie tales...
, which will feature Kevin's marriage. Kevin's story will begin in issue #16, scheduled to appear in January 2012, in which readers will learn Kevin will meet his future husband, Clay, in a military hospital after Keller is wounded while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Response
Kevin Keller's first appearance in Veronica #202 proved so popular that the issue sold out, prompting Archie Comics for the first time in its history to issue a reprint.Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is a non-governmental media monitoring organization which promotes the image of LGBT people in the media...
then-president Jarrett Barrios
Jarrett Barrios
Jarrett Tomás Barrios is a politician, activist, and executive, currently serving as the chief executive of the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts. He was a member of both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate and became the first Latino and first openly...
praised Kevin's creation. "It’s thrilling to see Riverdale High welcome its first openly gay student, and give readers a window into the lives of gay youth today. As images of gay and transgender people become more frequent on TV and in film, people are embracing and expect to see images of our community across media platforms, including comic books." Parent was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 2011 for creating Kevin.
Parent has reported that fan reaction to Keller has been overwhelmingly favorable. "Not everybody's particularly happy about it, but from where I'm sitting it's been about 98% positive." He has noted the number of gay fans who have approached him at personal appearances to express their appreciation and explain what a difference a character like Keller would have made to them as they were growing up.