Archie Comics' Gay Wedding: Creators Say They Were Interested In Being Current, Not Political

The creative team behind the much-anticipated gay wedding issue of Archie Comics is speaking out about its publication.

Although the January issue depicts Kevin Keller -- Riverdale's first openly gay character who is also an active U.S. military officer -- tying the knot with his African-American partner Clay Walker, Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater insisted that creators weren't interested in making a statement about marriage equality or the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so much as simply being current.

"Kevin and Clay getting married really is just a reflection of what's going on in the world today," Goldwater said. "If you get married in Riverdale, Riverdale accepts everybody, so this was more of an acceptance."

Reuters also spoke to a number of New Yorkers, none of whom seemed to find fault with the historic issue. One woman even joked: "Now if Betty and Veronica were getting married -- that would be even better, right?"

Comments

[Chip Common]

03:30 PM on 02/01/2012

Are critics more upset by the gay aspect or the interracial aspect? While you're at it, make them French climate change scientists too.

[Heatshield]

09:17 PM on 02/05/2012

If there's anything to be critical about it's the indoctrination of a young readership that shouldn't be subjected to this brainwshing.

[Chip Common]

10:21 AM on 02/06/2012

Letting them know gay people exist is brainwashing? They do exist, I see gay couples from time to time. Are you anti science too?

[obtusegoose]

01:05 PM on 02/01/2012

I bought the issue on my iPad, and I was disappointed that 2/3 of the issue didn't focus on Kevin and Clay. Still, it was great to see positive gay role models portrayed in a mainstream comic book.

[Noah Cross]

11:32 AM on 02/01/2012

Betty and Veronica really should forget about Archie and get married.

[Atwill]

09:56 AM on 02/01/2012

It as wrong to get him married so fast. He should have dated. He'll have a "Rhoda" syndrom now .

[MichaelRCooke]

01:25 AM on 02/01/2012

Well, this is a big deal whether it is intended as such or not. Gay kids that see this will have in a kids comic something that promises them that they could have a future, get married and be accepted by an entire community. And that's more powerful than the 'it gets better' Dan savage video program because comics capture ideals in a way real people never can.

Still I always thought it was Jughead that would come out.

[Bob Kellerman]

04:07 AM on 02/01/2012

NOT better than the Dan Savage project, but very good

[MichaelRCooke]

04:32 AM on 02/01/2012

well, it's and apples vs oranges comparison, but comic book characters have a profound influence on their young audience. The wholesome culture of Archie comics color Gay marriage in a way almost nothing else could.

[SeanMartin]

12:15 AM on 02/01/2012

>> "Riverdale accepts everybody"

I always thought Riverdale was some kind of commie cel. Now I know for certain.

[youhavetobekiddingme]

11:24 PM on 01/31/2012

I wonder how the right will respond to this> ok I don't wonder I already saw what they did to the Muppets

[VirginiaJeff]

11:10 PM on 01/31/2012

This is cool.

[Zippy1169]

09:31 PM on 01/31/2012

Sweet, I have never bought a comic this could be a first.

[Sam Damon]

07:06 PM on 01/31/2012

While Veronica and Betty were very hot in the 70's, even then Archie was pretty lame. Now he's gay? Does anyone even read this anymore?

[VioletDatura]

07:29 PM on 01/31/2012

Did you even read the article? Archie isn't gay.

[DerekWilliams]

07:41 PM on 01/31/2012

It's Kevin and Clay, not Archie that's gay. Feel better now?

[Warren Yuill]

05:04 PM on 01/31/2012

My kids are 11 and 9.
I'm not buying them this issue.
Sorry and too bad.

[SouthernQ2]

05:58 PM on 01/31/2012

Stop the presses - Warren isn't going to buy this issue - no need to print it.

[Lou on Vancouver Island]

06:19 PM on 01/31/2012

Any idea what it will be worth in fifty years? My mother threw out the first Mad magazine and several WW2 Captain Marvels. ;-(((

[Warren Yuill]

06:50 PM on 01/31/2012

After hearing from lou .....from Vancouver Island, I have pause to reconsider my earlier statement.
I will...
I repeat.... I will purchase this edition of Archie comics.
Now you can tell the world my friend... Tell the world!!

[Yadira 1436]

06:48 PM on 01/31/2012

Dont buy it for them.. but it for yourself :D

[Warren Yuill]

05:32 AM on 02/01/2012

Archie started getting lame when i was 12.
Writing a coupla gay fella's into the story line aint gonna change that

[campcranston]

04:23 PM on 01/31/2012

Hahahha awesome.

[p c r]

11:09 PM on 01/31/2012

Fanned for the attitude and the avatar!