Archie Comics Hires Gay Writer as First Chief Creative Officer

Comic book publisher Archie Comics has announced that it has hired out playwright and writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa as its first chief creative officer, according to Comics Alliance. Aguirre-Sacasa will help the 75-year-old company shepherd its properties into other media, such as television and film. His first project is already on its way: Archie also revealed that Girls creator Lena Dunham will be authoring an upcoming four-issue miniseries.

Prior to his new job with Archie Comics, Aguirre-Sacasa worked in a variety of creative outlets, including theater, television, film, and comics. His playwriting credits include the Broadway production Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark as well as off-Broadway shows like Golden Age and Say You Love Satan, which earned him GLAAD Media Award nominations. Additionally, Aguirre-Sacasa turned in scripts for Glee and Big Love and worked on last year's remake of Carrie. Finally, the prolific writer also helmed titles for Marvel Comics, including Marvel Knights and adaptations of Stephen King's The Stand.

Aguirre-Sacasa said of his position, "My top priority is to find new ways to showcase our great lineup of properties -- from the Archie gang to Josie to Sabrina to the Red Circle heroes -- to current fans, to new fans. We have the best characters in the world, and I want to make sure everyone knows it."

That "Archie gang" now includes the publisher's first gay character, Kevin Keller. Archie Comics has received widespread acclaim for its inclusion and commitment to diversity, and perhaps that success will transfer to television and film as well.