In a surprising turn of events, DC Comics has officially canceled the newly launched “Red Hood” comic book series after author Gretchen Felker-Martin made inflammatory comments regarding the recent death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, known for his vocal support of former President Donald Trump, was tragically shot and killed during a speaking engagement at a university in Utah on Wednesday.
Following the news of Kirk’s death, Felker-Martin allegedly took to social media with a post that read, “Hope the bullet’s OK,” alongside derogatory remarks referring to Kirk as a “Nazi b*tch.” These comments, which have since been deleted, ignited significant backlash online, especially given Kirk's outspoken opposition to trans rights.
In light of the controversy, a spokesperson for DC Comics issued a statement to CNN on Thursday, emphasizing the company’s commitment to its creators and community. The statement read: “At DC Comics, we place the highest value on our creators and community and affirm the right to peaceful, individual expression of personal viewpoints. However, posts or public comments that can be viewed as promoting hostility or violence are inconsistent with DC’s standards of conduct.”
As a result of this incident, DC Comics has made the decision to halt future issues of the “Red Hood” series, which had only just debuted in comic book stores on Wednesday. The series was set to continue through next June, with an additional volume planned to run until December 2026, according to an official press release from the company.
The death of Charlie Kirk has led to a wave of condemnation from individuals across the political spectrum, sparking concerns about the ongoing threats faced by political figures. Kirk's killing has raised alarms over the potential for escalating violence in political discourse, highlighting the urgent need for a more respectful dialogue in public discussions.
In the wake of this tragedy, CNN has reached out to representatives for both Felker-Martin and “Red Hood” artist Jeff Spokes for their comments on the situation. Notably, CNN and DC Comics are both owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative.
As the situation continues to develop, the broader implications of this incident on the comic book industry and political conversations remain to be seen. The cancellation of “Red Hood” not only reflects DC Comics' stance on violence and hostility but also underscores the impact of social media on public figures and creators alike.
