OH NO THEY DIDN'T! ARCHIE'S COMICS GETS AN OPENLY GAY STUDENT!

Gee whiz, Archie!

Riverdale High School, the stomping grounds of comic books' favorite teen and his friends, is opening its doors to an openly gay student - a first in the 69-year history of the character.

"We're trying to reflect society and we're just trying to show Riverdale is a diverse place," says Dan Parent, the artist-writer behind the series.

Kevin Keller makes his debut in September in "Veronica" No. 202, on sale in September, as a hunky new kid who catches the raven-haired vixen's eye. Though Veronica is used to getting her way, she's finally run up against a boy who's immune to her charms. Cue the hijinks.

Parent says he hopes the positive message will offend as few people as possible, but adverse conservative reaction "was not a reason not to do the story."

Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater said in the few hours since the official announcement his voice mail has been overwhelmed with messages - mostly in support of the company's decision.

"Riverdale is a safe place for everybody. Everyone's welcome with Archie and the Gang," says Goldwater, "and that's the message we're trying to send."