Archie Comics goes Gay

Wow, first an interracial kiss in Archie comics and now, a gay character!

Check it out!

Kevin Keller, who first appears in Veronica #202 released on September 1st, 2010, is a teenager at Riverdale High School, the fictional universe that has been entertaining kids of all ages since 1939.

"In the last year or two, we've been introducing a lot of new characters: Diverse characters, characters with different ethnicities. With trying to be diverse, we wanted to have everybody at the table," said cartoonist Dan Parent, who's writing and drawing the issue. "We knew at some point we wanted to introduce a gay character, and when I came up with the story idea, we felt it worked in context with this story."

So cute.

source

...And Archie's never coming Back

Well, Archie has a new girl and it looks like it's Valerie (from Josie and the Pussycats).

From Archie's Blog, here's the lowdown:

Two of the greatest bands in comic book history hook up like never before when Josie and the Pussycats come to town to tour with The Archies. However, more than music is made on one starry night outside Archie's home, when there's a kiss that could change Riverdale forever. Is it possible that the pure-hearted, red-haired lead of The Archies is really falling in love with Valerie, the beautiful bassist/songwriter of Josie and the Pussycats? What will happen to Betty and Veronica? "It Starts with a Kiss" is the beginning of a tale to be continued. Don't miss out while the world watches to see if Archie and Valerie have what it takes to make their love survive. Look for part one in Archie #608, hitting stores this April!

Well, this could be fun.