There’s a new kid in town this fall in the “Archie Comics” universe and his name is Kevin Keller. But this is no ordinary transfer student to Riverdale High: Kevin is openly gay. Not only is he “hot” (natch!) but he also lands a choice hag in perennial comic starlet Veronica Lodge (seen here channeling a younger and less bitter Joyce DeWitt). Kevin’s first appearance in the Archie spin-off “Veronica” hits comic shops this September.
Even before I saw the cover, I knew the character would have to be hot (or as “hot” as a comic-book character can be). Apparently there’s an etched-in-stone edict which states that all gay-male characters in mass media MUST be hot. And have six pack abs. And be shirtless. And flash their butt. When was the last time you Netflixed a gay-themed film that didn’t feature blindingly-beautiful boys with their shirts peeled and their butts bared? Or went to the theatre to see a gay-themed play that didn’t feature hunky actors and the obligatory full-frontal peen scene? Is it possible to feature gay men in film, television, theatre, or even comics no one reads, that aren’t drop dead gorgeous? Why must they all be beautiful, flawless and nearly naked (OK, maybe except for the bears on The Sarah Silverman Program)?
Believe me, I’m all for beautiful, flawless, nearly-naked gay men. But if the ubiquitous symbol for gay pride is a rainbow, then wouldn’t that infer gay men come in all different shapes, sizes and colors AND that those differences are something for us to celebrate and be proud of?
You know I’m getting way too worked up over a friggin' comic book. That you know I’ll totally buy.
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