Christopher St., Riverdale?:Archie Comics to Introduce Gay Character

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Associated Press reports that Archie Comics, Inc. will enroll its first openly gay student at Riverdale High School when Kevin Keller debuts in the September 1, 2010, issue.

 Hunky blond Kevin Keller will have to rebuff the advances of frisky Veronica Lodge, according to a spokesperson for Archie Comics, and will best Jughead in a hamburger-eating contest. Readers wouldn't stand for a wiener-eating contest, because "Hot Dog" is the name of Jughead's beloved canine friend. What?

According to its Web site, more than 1.5 billion Archie comics have been sold. Over the years, popular spin-offs, such as Josie & the Pussycats and Sabrina, the teenage witch, have pumped up the financial ledgers.

No word on whether the debut of Keller will lead to other characters, such as "Big Moose" Mason and Benjamin Flutesnoot, questioning their sexual identity. "Over & Over," "Don't Touch My Guitar," and "Carousel Man," part of The Archies discography, may merit a second look.

Other comic book franchises may follow suit, depending on the readers' response to Kevin Keller. Don't expect to see Harvey (Milk) Comics on newsstands anytime soon.