"I think as time marches on, gay characters in comics will become more commonplace and it won't be a big media event every time a gay character is introduced." Cartoonist Dan Parent speaking to The Associated Press, in a wirestory - 'Archie Comics Plans Series For 1st Gay Character' - that's being written up around the world as a big media event.
Including here on Fagburn, natch.
Archie Comics are seen as so staid, safe and symbolic of wholesome middle American values the news has been greeted like Grandpa Walton has come out or something.
Kevin Keller, a newly-arrived student at Riverdale High, made his debut in an issue of the sister comic, Veronica, last year.
Daily Finance commented drily; "To combat plummeting sales, Archie Comics have tried to increase their cultural relevance and topicality. The new plot lines - including an inter-racial crossover romance for the red-headed teen and the introduction of a gay character - have moved the series closer to present-day realities, but the danger is they may alienate a key [conservative] Archie audience."
Parent told AP; "The world of Riverdale has to reflect contemporary culture and to show it is an accepting, diverse place. And that's why Kevin is important, to show that everybody is welcome in this all-American town we've embraced for over 70 years."
The new four-issue series of Kevin Keller comics will be published this summer, after his Veronica debut led to a re-reprint for the first time in Archie history.
Which may support a hunch of Fagburn's that the only people who still buy comics are (grown-up) gay men.
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