Comic books have always aimed at pushing the boundaries of social norms, so when Archie comics – a staple of younger readers comic book reading – launched a gay character last year, many were angry with the series. Now, with a gay wedding taking place, the debate over “alternative” culture appears to be heading toward the mainstream, with the majority of fans and observers agreeing: it's a good thing. Kevin Keller, the new gay character, is to get married in the January issue, the publisher announced recently. “The mainstream hetero-sexual community may feel the need to debate because they don't know much about the gay community. Yes, debating is good, but one must be willing to digest the other point of view,” said Shobhna S Kumar, founder-director of Queer Ink, an online retail site for books on gay themes. Jatin Verma, founder of Comic Con India, told The Hindustan Times that “I don't see any harm in introducing a gay wedding in Archie, considering it's legal in many parts of the US. I don't see any reason why people should get offended.” Fans across the globe also seem to feel it is a push in the right direction. Gay rights are essential to modern societies, they argue, and by introducing real-life scenarios that are believable and not “in your face” most fans admit they are pleased to see Riverdale continuing to push toward modernity. “I definitely have no problem with it,” said Travis Stephens of Baltimore, an avid comic book fan, in an email asking Bikyamasr.com to write about the new wedding. “I am straight and I believe that my gay friends and gay people across the world should have the opportunity to educate their children and others through the medium of comic books on the culture. It is educational and important.” Certainly, there are detractors, but for the most part, avid comic book fans and social activists are praising the move. BM
