openly kev

USA TODAY: Kevin, the first openly gay character in Archie's 70-year history, has made a splash in the non-comics world, too. His debut and his creator, writer/artist Dan Parent, were nominated for a GLAAD Media Award last month. "When you're at different shows and conventions, and people come right up to you and talk to you about it," Parent says, "that's when it really hits you how much the character has affected people. It's all fantastic. I'm surprised how positive it's been," he adds. "We knew going into it we were doing the right thing. You're always prepared in the back of your mind for some backlash. Not to say there hasn't been some. Not everybody's particularly happy about it, but from where I'm sitting it's been about 98% positive." - Brian Truitt, Feb 2011 (Kevin Keller proves a diverse and popular asset for Archie Comics).

CBC: According to Archie Comic Publications," Kevin Keller is the new hunk in town and Veronica just has to have him... Mayhem and hilarity ensue as Kevin desperately attempts to let Veronica down easy and her flirtations only become increasingly persistent." "The introduction of Kevin is just about keeping the world of Archie Comics current and inclusive," Archie Comics co-CEO Jon Goldwater said in an online posting Thursday. "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." The Keller character is part of an overall commitment to stay relevant with today's teens, the publisher said - Apr 2010 (Archie comic to introduce gay character).

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