DC Comics just canceled a major series after its transgender author celebrated a conservative activist’s assassination.
Story Snapshot
- DC Comics canceled Gretchen Felker-Martin’s Red Hood series after she celebrated Charlie Kirk’s assassination on social media
- The cancellation occurred just one day after the first issue’s release, with DC citing promotion of violence as unacceptable
- Felker-Martin expressed no regrets about her comments and accused DC of hypocrisy and double standards
- Industry defenders claim the firing represents an attack on free speech while ignoring the celebration of political violence
Author Celebrates Political Assassination
Gretchen Felker-Martin made social media posts celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, leading to her suspension from Bluesky platform. The transgender horror author, known for politically charged writing, showed no remorse for her comments about Kirk’s murder. DC Editor-in-Chief Marie Javins delivered the cancellation decision by phone on September 10, just one day after Red Hood issue one hit shelves nationwide.
Swift Corporate Response Follows Public Backlash
DC Comics moved quickly to distance itself from Felker-Martin’s violent rhetoric, canceling all future Red Hood issues and offering retailers full credit for unsold copies. The publisher’s official statement cited “promotion of violence or harm” as unacceptable behavior for contracted creators. This decisive action came after the author’s comments sparked outrage among conservative readers who viewed her celebration of Kirk’s death as morally reprehensible and dangerous.
Industry Allies Rally Around Controversial Author
Progressive voices in the comics industry immediately condemned DC’s decision, with writer Roxane Gay calling the firing “an absolute shame” and urging solidarity among writers. David Brothers criticized DC for allegedly applying different standards to marginalized creators compared to others who faced controversies. These defenders framed the issue as corporate censorship rather than accountability for celebrating political violence against conservatives.
Double Standards Exposed in Publishing Industry
Felker-Martin accused DC of hypocrisy, citing other writers like Tom King and Jeph Loeb who faced controversies without similar consequences. She claimed marginalized creators face harsher treatment than their mainstream counterparts when expressing political opinions. However, celebrating assassination crosses clear ethical lines that distinguish legitimate political commentary from dangerous rhetoric that could inspire further violence against conservative figures and activists.
The incident highlights broader concerns about entertainment industry bias against conservative values and the normalization of violence against right-wing figures. While DC took appropriate action in this case, the initial hiring and industry support reveal troubling attitudes toward political violence when directed at conservatives.
