‘ARCHIE’ GAY MARRIAGE ISSUE SELLS OUT

Despite threats of a boycott by a conservative group, an Archie comic that featured the same-sex wedding of gay character Kevin Keller has sold out.

The American Family Association’s One Million Moms project had threatened that its members would stop shopping at Toys R Us unless the store removed Life with Archie issue number 16 from its shelves.

The issue depicts Keller’s wedding to Dr. Clay Walker, whom he met at a military hospital after he was wounded while serving in the U.S. army.

In a statement, Archie Comics said that it was “proud to announce” that it had sold out of Life with Archie number 16.

“Kevin will always be a major part of Riverdale, and we’re overjoyed, honoured and humbled by the response to this issue,” said Jon Goldwater, Co-CEO of Archie Comics. “Our fans have come out full force to support Kevin. He is, without a doubt, the most important new character in Archie history. He’s here to stay.”

Earlier, Goldwater reacted to the threat of the boycott by saying that he and his company stood by the issue.

“As I’ve said before, Riverdale is a safe, welcoming place that does not judge anyone. It’s an idealised 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.”

Goldwater added: “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.”