Archie has responded to the ridiculous and shameful protest being organized by the American Family Association organization against Toys R Us for selling Archie comics featuring the character Kevin Keller (The problem being that the AFA is upset that “children are now being exposed to same-sex marriage in a toy store”). In a statement released to Robot 6, Archie CEO Jon Goldwater said,
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.
That’s much classier than the AFA deserves, in my opinion, and also crystalizes the appeal of Archie in general; an idealized version of America free of prejudice, hate and narrow-minded people. Now I can’t wait to see what the reaction to Occupy Riverdale is going to be.
February 29th, 2012 at 9:51 am
I’m packing my bags and moving to Riverdale.
February 29th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Does Riverdale get good internet access?
February 29th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Frankly, if Archie should be charged with anything it is being cliche. Comics with openly gay characters are about as “edgy” as grim and gritty comics nowadays.
If you really want to cause controversy among comic book fandom, have a straight Black superhero marry a Black woman. Some people STILL can’t accept Black Panther being Storm’s husband.
So, the new rules in comic fandom are:
Black gay guy marries – Cool
Black straight guy marries – It’s the END OF THE WORLD
February 29th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
They obviously judged Homer Simpson in Riverdale, but were at least nice enough to drive him all the way back to Springfield.
March 1st, 2012 at 7:01 am
I heard Westboro Baptist Church is planning a protest in Riverdale.
March 1st, 2012 at 7:44 am
@Robert
I also heard Louis Farrakhan also was protesting. After all Muslims think homosexuality is evil.
Well, this might explain why X-Men Northstar (homosexual) and Dust (Muslim) are rarely seen together on the same squad. They’d probably kill each other.
March 1st, 2012 at 1:33 pm
@Fred
Good. Comics with gay characters shouldn’t be “edgy”. That edge is gradually being worn down by the sandpaper of love and acceptance.
March 21st, 2012 at 5:46 pm
@Fred
dude black panther sucks thats why its a big deal. they used storm’s high status to bring up a boring character. just like they added him to the fantastic four once and just like they added marvel zombies. his a boring dead character so please dont make it a race thing.
May 8th, 2012 at 12:46 am
Now I can’t wait to see what the reaction to Occupy Riverdale is going to be.
leilao