Archie sent over this promo to remind everyone that Kevin Keller #1 arrives in stores today.
KEVIN KELLER #1
Kevin Keller returns to Riverdale in the pages of his own mini-series, from superstar writer/artist Dan Parent. Learn more about Kevin’s background and story before he arrived in Riverdale and met the Archie gang, and pick up the comic that people are already buzzing about. Featuring one of the most popular new characters in Archie history, this series will be a must-have for fans of Archie Comics, Kevin and great comics.
SCRIPT/ART/COVER: Dan Parent
Shipping Date: 5/25/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 6/8/2011
Newsstands: Week of 6/14/2011
Comic, 32 pgs, 40 lb. glossy stock, Full-Color
$2.99 US
4 Comments
i think that in an effort of making everything politic correct we get this kind of stuff where homosexuality is enhanced, has anyone thought why there was n`t a solo ttle for the afro american, latins o senior citizens of archie comics? this is bull crap death to politic correction long live to free comic books
i think that in an effort of making everything politic correct we get this kind of stuff where homosexuality is enhanced, has anyone thought why there was n`t a solo ttle for the afro american, latins o senior citizens of archie comics? this is bull crap death to politic correction long live to free comic books
Free comic books only come out in May. When it comes to diversity, I’d advise not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Mileage may vary…
@emmanual armas, the cynical part of me thinks this was pushed not just for a social agenda, but moreso because the sad polariztion of American society means this title will raise publicity (pro and con) and sales.
As I child I used to read those thick Archie, Richie Rich and Casper digests on long road trips over the summer. I wonder if any actual “kids” will read this? Aside from collectors or adults with personal or political identification with the Kevin Keller character?
I’m not questioning whether kids reading about a gay guy in Riverdale is “wrong” or “right”. I just wonder if any actual kids will be reading this Archie comic for only the enjoyment of reading (like I did).
@emmanuel, Archie Comics is going to do what they think is financially in their best interests. The response to this character has been huge. His debut issue caused the first-ever second printing of an Archie title. At a time when sales for many of their titles (and the comics industry as a whole) are sluggish, of course they are going to take actions that they believe will drive up profits and give the character his own title. That’s the beauty of a free-market economy. Regarding your question about other minority characters, the Archie books actually do have a very diverse roster of characters, starting way back in the 60s with Valerie from Josie and the Pussycats and Chuck Clayton. None of them have ever gotten this kind of overwhelmingly positive reaction, but I have no doubt that if they ever do, we’ll see them similarly highlighted.
@brent, that is a fair point, but as someone who has followed this story pretty much since the beginning, I can say that the Archie creators say they’ve seen a great response from all types of fans, old and new, young and old. These are based on the interactions they’ve relayed from cons, mail, etc. It’s probably also wort pointing out that Archie considers their books “all-ages books,” which is a bit different than the usual assumption (“kids-only books”). I believe they say their Target market is ages 7 to 70 (but I may be off slightly on that). If they are getting readership from fans across that wide spectrum, more power to them. You do have a good point about this move getting them lots of media attention and publicity, but in the overhyped comics market (hello, DC relaunch!), who can blame them for wanting to stand out. When you read the Kevin Keller stories themselves, they are actually very low-key and non-controversial; the stories read much the way real-life teenagers today behave around their gay friends (exactly the same as they do their straight friends). And regardless of how sensational and shocking their press releases and resulting media coverage may come across, the Archie team has gone on record multiple times saying that the vast majority (97% or somesuch) has been positive.