In a recent telephone interview Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater explained how the idea was born. Writer/artist Dan Parent posed a question in a weekly editorial brainstorm session. What if just one time, spoiled Veronica didn't get what she wanted?
Everyone at the table stopped talking and looked at him as though he had proposed Jughead taking the helm of a Wall Street brokerage.
"How in the world would we do that?" asked Goldwater, who took over the firm about a year ago after a long career in the music business.
How Kevin Keller Meets Veronica in Riverdale
Parent's idea goes like this: A new guy, devastatingly handsome, blond and blue-eyed, cool as a teen can be, moves to Riverdale with his family and immediately attracts Veronica's roving eye. In her inimitable style, she cooks up a plan to add Kevin to her list of conquests. Nothing new there.
However, Kevin turns her seductive advances down flat. Veronica is knocked for a loop. The laughs come as she discovers that even she can't entice a gay man.
Kevin's character isn't based on anyone in particular, says Goldwater, but like all the divergent folk who people Riverdale, he has real and exaggerated traits. He's out, a likable guy, and at home in his own skin, outgoing. Kevin will be a recurring character. Archie series creators say he'll fit in nicely with the five main characters and other reader favorites like Big Moose, Chuck, and Dilton.
Goldwater notes Archie comics always keep up with contemporary life. Diversity and inclusion are important to balance, so introducing a gay or lesbian character isn't a stretch. The crew is always happy to mix current events and enjoyable entertainment as evidenced by Veronica #199 wherein Veronica meets President Barrack Obama in person.
Kevin Keller's introduction story was written and drawn by Dan Parent.
More News In the Pipe for Archie Comic Fans
Life with Archie magazine debuts August 2010. Not a comic book, this glossy takes a more mature and realistic look at life in Riverdale. The editorial team plans to continue popular marriage themes introduced in Archie comics last year by imagining what might happen if Archie married Betty, or maybe Dilton married Ethel.
"Life with Archie's aim is for a tad more mature storyline. We'll look at job themes, relationships, friendship issues, money issues. It's all in the Archie world, but a little more refined, maybe," Goldwater said.
Having made its debut in the first half of the 20th Century, Archie is an icon of comic book history. The series celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2011. Goldwater declined specific circulation figures, but said the Archie comic franchise has sold about a billion and a half comic books.
He feels everyone on staff lets a little piece of him- or herself live in Riverdale along with Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Reggie, and the others. That may explain the comic book series' longevity.
The company's Archie Comics website will feature an advance subscription opportunity for Life with Archie right after May 1.
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