Archie Comics Ushers In Its First Trans Character

Readers at some point would have lived vicariously through the relatable lives of Archie and friends. Now, the comic juggernaut is becoming even more inclusive—adding to an asexual Jughead and queer roles, the franchise is now paving the way for its first transgender character.

Danni Molloy, who appeared in Archie’s Free Comic Book Day special Jinx: The Cursed Library on May 6, and is once again woven into this week’s Jinx: A Cursed Life, will be reintroduced as a trans woman in a horror adventure called Strange Science, Gizmodo’s io9 exclusively learns.

Danni was first introduced in 1989’s Dilton’s Strange Science #1, and was described as a gifted young scientist. She was also occasionally depicted as the boy genius’s girlfriend.

In 2023’s Strange Science, however, Danni Molloy will be rewritten as the best friend of Jinx Holliday. It is this version of Danni who comes out as trans, and you’ll learn more about her in a solo story.

More to come! https://t.co/4O2ewqEQ1w

— Butch Mapa (@butchmapa) May 16, 2023

Jinx writer Magdalene Visaggio tells the news outlet that Danni’s story has been a long time coming. She emphasizes that the character’s identity wouldn’t be a gimmick—that readers will likely fall in love with who Danni is, instead of what she is.

Strange Science, described by Archie Comics senior director of editorial Jamie L. Rotante as full of heart and passion, indulges in the versatility of horror with sci-fi nuances and a “beautiful, poignant tale about confronting the past.” The creators are using this well-crafted tale to let Danni tell her own story, where they will also pull from some of her classic origins.

Danni’s solo story, illustrated by Butch Mapa, will be released on August 16.

[via io9, images via various sources]