Archie gets his first gay friend

Archie comics will now have an openly gay student featured in its Riverdale High School.

For the first time in the 69-year history of the comic book, gay character Kevin Keller will be joining Archie and his gang.

"We're trying to reflect society and we're just trying to show Riverdale is a diverse place," the New York Daily News quoted Dan Parent, the artist-writer behind the series, as saying.

Kevin Keller will make his debut in "Veronica" No. 202, on sale in September, as a hunky new kid who catches the raven-haired vixen's eye.u00a0

Though Veronica is used to getting her way, she's finally run up against a boy who's immune to her charms.

Parent says he hopes the positive message will offend as few people as possible, but adverse conservative reaction "was not a reason not to do the story".

Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater said in the few hours since the official announcement his voice mail has been overwhelmed with messages - mostly in support of the company's decision.

"Riverdale is a safe place for everybody. Everyone's welcome with Archie and the Gang, and that's the message we're trying to send," Goldwater stated.

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