Archie Comics has fired back at the American Family Association after its affiliate “One Million Moms” called out retailer Toys R Us for selling an Archie comic book that features a “just married” same-sex couple.
The comic book at issue is the latest edition of the “Life with Archie” series, and in a first for mainstream comic books, fictional Riverdale gathered for the wedding of character Kevin Keller and his partner Clay — the comic book was released this month.
Kevin Keller
John Goldwater, CEO of Archie Comics has responded, to the controversy, reports Bleeding Cool, implying that Archie Comics has long-term plans for the Kevin Keller character:
“We stand by Life with Archie #16.
“As I’ve said before, Riverdale is a safe, welcoming place that does not judge anyone. It’s an idealized version of America that will hopefully become reality someday.
“We’re sorry the American Family Association/OneMillionMoms.com feels so negatively about our product, but they have every right to their opinion, just like we have the right to stand by ours. Kevin Keller will forever be a part of Riverdale, and he will live a happy, long life free of prejudice, hate and narrow-minded people.“
One Million Moms has demanded that Toys R Us “remove all the same-sex ‘Just Married – Archie’ comic books immediately from your shelves” before children are “exposed to same-sex marriage.”
So far, Toys R Us has not made a statement regarding One Million Moms‘ demands.
Kevin Keller was introduced to Archie fans in 2010, becoming the first gay character in the series’ 70 year history.
His instant popularity with fans led to that sold-out comic becoming the first in the publisher’s history to go into a second printing, triggering a four-issue spin-off last summer — the series, told in flashbacks, revealed Kevin’s struggles and triumphs through middle and high school.
Last July, Archie Comics announced that Kevin’s character would have his own monthly comic book starting this year.
Archie Comics’ Dan Parent was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 2011 for creating Kevin.
Earlier this month, One Million Moms launched a similar, unsuccessful protest against retailer JC Penney, demanding that they fire Ellen DeGeneres as their spokesperson because she is openly gay.
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? I wish people would just grow up!
That is BIG TIME BULLYING…
So it’s better to expose our kids to hate and bigotry than love?
This is great. Let’s hope the Toys R Us follows JCP and Marvel comics example and stand up against hate.
keep up the good work, archie comics and toys r us!
it’s just like television, if you dont like it, change the channel, well if you dont like this cartoon, dont buy it! I wish they’d just get over it already.
Those Moms are idiots…
Kids need to know it’s ok to be who they are. Many children grow up thinking they are not “normal” because narrow-minded people put it in their heads that relationships are specifically “boy/girl”. Children need adults to guide them and help them, not limit them. My daughter is going to grow up knowing that it is ok to like who you like, and that it is completely normal for people to be who they are, whether a man is with a woman, a man is with a man, or a woman is with a woman. We are all here on this earth, we are all human beings, and we need to be able to get along.
Wow, I knew I like Archie comics when I was a kid. Maybe I need to check them out as an adult.
I really don’t see the problem with this. LGBT exists and sooner or later, their little ‘angels’ will find out, and maybe even be gay themselves.
these moms need to understand that they live in a world that is diverse and everyone not going to be all the same, they just need to deal with this fact, it always have been this way and always will. ha seriously keep their kids from same sex marriage exposure? come on, the kids gonna find out about it sooner or later if it be on a shelf or tv or internet or real live public, you cant hide the facts of life the same way the kids gonna find out about sex in general among other conditions of life. i bet nothing would be said if the comic featured cheating among a man and woman. moms you really need to get a damn life
Those Million Bigoted Moms need to get a life.
Million Moms with 40,000 members should learn to count LOL WE do !!!
just bought a copy of the marriage issue even though I haven’t read Archie for years
The current “Archie” comic strip, which I read everyday online, still doesn’t have any gay characters. I do know that for a while you could buy “Christian” versions of the Archie comic books. That was several days ago.
I meant several years ago.
As a father and NOT..I repeat NOT a member of OneMillionMoms.com, I am extremely overjoyed to learn that select Toys ‘R’ Us stores are now selling ‘Archie’ comic books with a same-sex wedding displayed on the front cover. I am referring to the ones where the front cover reads “Just Married” with two men marrying, one wearing a service uniform.
I am aware that Toys ‘R’ Us employees do not actually set up the displays; they leave this up to the vendor. Your company should be aware of the merchandise being sold in your stores nonetheless. These comic books are displayed at the front checkout counters so they are highly visible to employees, managers, customers and children.
Fortunately, children are now being exposed to same-sex marriage in your toy store. This is a great place a parent could be confronted with questions from their children on topics that are relevant in today’s world, a way to teach children to be open, loving and NON judgmental. Issues of this nature should be introduced early as to give kids the best possible chance to become open-minded and give them the tools to make their OWN decision on these topics.
A trip to the toy store turns into a premature discussion on sexual orientation and is completely called for. Toys ‘R’ Us should be commended for the products they carry.
Please DO NOT remove any of the same-sex “Just Married – Archie” comic books immediately from your shelves. My decision to shop in your stores depends on it :0)
I look forward to hearing from you regarding my concern.
This is my edtied version of the letter to Toys R Us that I copied form the Moms website.hahahah All’s fair in love & Archie!!
One Million Moms sounds like a bunch of stuck up biggotts who need get off there asses and worry about thier own lives instead of how other people live theirs.
A million panties in a bunch. Like JCP, I hope Toys R Us tells them to take a hike!
There logo ironically looks like two same sex people holding hands hahaha
Hey Steve – well done with the letter and taking the time. Remember this is 40,000 Mom’s only and many of them do not concur with these messages. Down down they go in a huge credibility gap…
I have been reading the archie comic since i was i little kid. man i still have those comic with me. to me the writer for Archie Comics is doing an incredible job on still making this comics. for the One million Mom group, i hope one day their hearts change for kindness and loving.
So, in case we haven’t realized, it’s when people start bullying that bad things happen. This group needs to stop the bullying.
It’s a fact of life. It’s everywhere in the world. Just keep your children away from that section you homophobs
It’s not like they’re taking their clothes off in the comic books!
Good. don’t let those moms intimidate you..
…oh they wouldnt have any objection to that…its portraying normal happy healthy homosexual people as normal healthy happy homosexual people who are productive members of society that bothers them…weird…
Love the response from Archie Comics. Buying a boxfull in support
i warned the ToysRUs operator she was about to get bombarded with phone calls! She seemed nervous but happy we like Geoffrey and his pals!
Those are the One Million CRAZY Moms (although their FB page only has about 44000 likes – where are the rest of them?)
to many republican moms with time on there hands
I read “Archie” comics when I was a kid (I’m as old as the 1st issue) because it displayed a close net peer group-rich and poor. I agree with the “same sex marriage” characters as well, but in an ideal society and post-segregation, they might be lack a of interest by minority groups because of non-representation.
Well said, Danni!
Here we go again, i guess ellen degeneras wudnt back down from “one million moms” so now their goin at a comic book. thanks Dan Parent for writing kevin into ur book, i have’nt read it but if its pissin’ off “one million moms” ur doin a good job … i also want to congratulate for the GLAAD award :)
What do you expect from close minded self righteous Republican hypocrites? These reality shows that feature straights who sleep around, drink, do drugs, party etc are more of a threat to children.
excellent comeback.. those moms are just bored self righteous folk who really need to take a hard look at the REAL evils on this planet and focus their energy where it’s truly needed.