US Townhall RealStories presents: DAN PARENT of Archie Comics
Written by Scott Katz
Thursday, 29 April 2010 13:29
This episode of USTownhall RealStories Internet radio show was recorded on FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2010 AT 3:00 PM eastern.
On the most recent episode of the US Townhall RealStories radio show, our special guest was Dan Parent, writer/illustrator for Archie Comics. Recently, Archie Comics has taken numerous steps to refurbish its image and make itself more current for today's reading audience. In the last few years, they've begun a series of "new look" stories where Archie characters are drawn in a more realistic manner that is a noticeabe departure from the traditional house style that has been employed by the company for decades.
Over in the main line of Archie titles, the company has recently received positive attention and increased sales for its multi-part storyline where the potential marriages of Archie to Veronica or Betty were explored in turn. On sale May 4 is a story that shows Archie dating Valerie, the African-American character from Josie and the Pussycats, another venerable Archie Comics franchise.
Above: Archie #608, on sale now. Is romance in the air for Archie & Valerie?
Above: Veronica #202, on sale September. Archie Comics' first gay character is introduced, but nobody told Veronica. Hilarity ensues.
Coming up in September, Archie Comics introduces its first gay character, Kevin Keller. Collectors take note that Kevin will first appear in Veronica # 202. Not too much is known about this latest Riverdale resident, so we talked to Kevin's creator, Dan Parent, so that he could give us the lowdown on the genesis of this character, what fans can expect in his introductory appearance, and what is planned for the character down the line.
Listen to the interview using the player widget below by clicking on the triangular "play" button.