Archie comics' 1st gay marriage draws mixed reactions from critics

Archie Comics' announcement of having its first gay character married has drawn mixed reactions from critics.

The Archie Comic Publications confirmed that Kevin Keller would be the focus of an upcoming gay marriage storyline in ‘Life With Archie’.

“Kevin followed in his father's footsteps and is returning to Riverdale as a war hero, but that's not all—It’s Kevin’s wedding day!” Fox News quoted a news release from Archie Comic Publications as saying.

However, the plot has so far elicited a mixed bag of reactions from critics over whether or not the topic has a place in the series read by those of all ages.

“We all want to be part of family and community -- that’s what marriage is about. Gay people share the same dreams,” said Evan Wolfson, the founder and president of Freedom to Marry, a national movement for marriage equality.

His remarks were however counter-attacked by many other critics, who believe that the series is being used to ‘advance the sexual revolution’ in America.

“It's unfortunate that a comic book series usually seen as depicting innocent, all-American life is now being used to advance the sexual revolution,” said Peter Spriggs, a senior fellow at the Family Research Council, a Washington, DC-based lobbying organisation promoting Christian views.

“I think whatever boost in sales might come from the novelty or curiosity factors will be more than offset by the number of both kids and parents who will be turned off by this storyline and its obvious social and political agenda,” he added.