Archie Comics Introduces Gay Character

Riverdale High, the stomping grounds of perennial teens Archie, Veronica, Reggie and Jughead, is about to get its newest student . . . and yep, he's gay.

Archie Comics has announced that it will be introducing its first openly-gay character when Kevin Keller joins the cast of the comic books in an issue to be published this fall.

"The introduction of Kevin is just about keeping the world of Archie Comics current and inclusive," said Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater.

Issue #202 of "Veronica," to appear September 1, will feature the story "Isn't it Bromantic?" in which Veronica sets her sights on the new guy in town, not getting that he's just not that into her.

Not one to accept rejection, Veronica's flirtatious pursuit of Kevin becomes increasingly persistent, while he tries to let her down easy.

As the press release states, "mayhem and hilarity ensue."

More than 1.5 billion Archie comics - including spinoffs such as "Josie and the Pussycats" - have been sold since the character debuted in 1941.