Popular Archie Comics creator Dan Parent discusses Kevin Keller Celebration!, a Kickstarter campaign-funded omnibus compiling the character’s history.
For the past 35 years, fan-favorite comic book creator Dan Parent has made his career working across several titles for Archie Comics. One of Parent’s most enduring additions to the Archie mythos is Kevin Keller, debuting in 2010’s Veronica #202 as the first queer character in Archie Comics history. To commemorate Kevin’s creation ten years ago, Parent launched a Kickstarter campaign title Kevin Keller Celebration!, an omnibus compiling over 700 pages of Kevin’s comic history, from his supporting appearances to his starring titles.
In an exclusive interview with CBR, Parent teased what fans can expect in the Kickstarter-funded omnibus, reflected on how Kevin Keller has evolved over the past decade, and shared what actor Casey Cott brings to the character throughout six seasons of Riverdale on The CW. Those interested in backing the Kevin Keller campaign can visit its Kickstarter page here.
Dan, how did the idea to create this compilation celebrating ten years of Kevin Keller come about?
Dan Parent: I was looking through some of the past Kevin material, and I couldn’t believe how much we produced! Since some material hasn’t been reprinted and some younger fans haven’t read it at all, a complete collection seemed like a good idea.
With this being an enormous undertaking, what made crowdfunding the project through Kickstarter the most viable option?
Seeing that this is a big project, it seemed right for crowdfunding. Since I’ve done several Kickstarters before, I felt like it would be a good platform.
Looking back at a decade of Kevin Keller while compiling this material, what has struck/surprised you about the character’s evolution?
What has struck me is how much he’s done in this decade! We’ve seen his introduction, seen him grow up and get married, seen him living on his own in the city as a young adult. And we even saw parts of his early years growing up as an army brat.
Tell us a bit about the Kickstarter pledge rewards for this campaign.
Well, there are many options for everybody! You can go for all digital rewards. You can order just the book. You can order the book with additions like sketches, t-shirts, and prints. You can even pledge at the higher level where you can get yourself drawn into an Archie story! There’s something for everyone!
What do you think Casey Cott brings to the character on Riverdale?
Casey really captures the essence of Kevin and even looks like him (despite the difference in hair color). Like Kevin in the comics, he’s become a character who can stand on his own.
As someone that has been working with Archie Comics for decades now, what keeps you creatively invested and coming back to these classic characters?
Archie has always given me the artistic freedom to try new things. They’re always open to new ideas and challenges.
Is there anything you can tease about Kevin and your own Archie Comics work looking to the future?
I’m hoping to add new characters into the mix while writing and drawing stories that are true to the classic part of the company. I’ve always felt it’s important to stay true to classic Archie while moving forward too!
Compiling a full decade of comic book history, Kevin Keller Celebration! is by Dan Parent, with the Kickstarter campaign running until Oct. 13.
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