Kevin Keller by Dan Parent

Read all about Kevin's introduction to the world of Riverdale! Journey into the mind and heart of Riverdale's newest resident. You'll see how Kevin first met Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica; how he came to love journalism, and what drives him to want to follow in the footsteps of his father, a retired Army Colonel, and serve in the military! Experience what it was like for Kevin growing up and how he learned to deal with all kinds of issues ranging from schoolyard bullying to discovering who he is and who he wants to be. Writer and artist Dan Parent brings to life a brand new character for a bright new world!

I never really read Archie comics much when I was the target demographic, but I had to read this one, just because. Sappy and predictable and typically Archie, but I really enjoyed it.

I'd forgotten what a happy happy world Riverdale was. This was a definitely mood lifter. And I love Kevin and his supportive family and all of his supportive Riverdale friends.

I finally met Kevin Keller, and I like him. As much as any resident of Riverdale USA can be, Kevin is a pretty realistic teenager - he's got a family who loves him, but who he doesn't always get along with, friends who respect him, even when they're being snarky or gossipy, and a diversity of interests, from surfing to eating to shopping to acting to sci-fi to boys.

Kevin's gay, and while that facet of his personality does manage to find its way into every storyline - this is still Archie's world, where dating and romance figure large in the lives of these teens - his sexual orientation doesn't usually take top billing or become overwrought or preachy. He's just a kid trying to make it in these crazy comic times. He's a klutz, kind of forgetful, and juggling responsibilities and interests can be tough, and get a bit hectic at times, regardless of who you think is cute. After all, Kevin is the Class President, a lifeguard, and a world traveler. He's also dedicated to his friends and family, and stands up for the people he likes and respects. He's a good fit for Archie and friends, and his adventures and personality stand up to the time-tested favorites like Betty and Veronica, Moose, Dilton, Reggie and the rest of the gang. Was Jughead always such a jerk, though? I don't know that I would have loved him so as a kid if he was so mean back then...