Actor George Takei, best known for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu on “Star Trek,” beams to Riverdale — home of Archie, Veronica, Betty, Reggie and Jughead — in Kevin Keller #6 this week.
The Associated Press spoke with Takei, who said of his guest-starring role in the comic, “I was so flattered.”
When asked by his teacher to write a paper about a famous person who has inspired him, Kevin chooses Takei, who is not only an actor but also an advocate for equal rights on behalf of both the Asian American and LGBT communities. Takei happens to be in town for a “Star Trek” convention and drops by Riverdale High to surprise Kevin.
Riverdale has welcomed other real-life celebrities in the pages of “Archie,” including President Obama, the rock band KISS, and the cast of “Glee,” but this marks the first time a celeb has shown up in “Kevin Keller,” which is about a new kid in town who happens to be gay.
Takei explained that the issue dovetails nicely with his real-life advocacy for equal rights because it helps bring home his message that anyone can aspire to be what they want to be, no matter who they are.
This marks a turning point for the ongoing title, which launched one year ago after a successful mini-series and will soon begin a new arc featuring two new love interests for Kevin, putting him smack in the middle of an Archie-style love triangle.
“We’re thrilled and honored that George is appearing in ‘Kevin Keller,’” said Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater. “As a lifelong ‘Star Trek’ fan, having him appear in an Archie comic is a dream come true. We can’t wait for Kevin to come face-to-face with his hero.”
Takei and “Kevin Keller” creator Dan Parent appeared Dec. 5 at Midtown Comics in New York to sign copies of the comic book.
For more information, visit www.archiecomics.com.