DC Comics has cancelled its brand-new Red Hood series following a firestorm of outrage against writer Gretchen Felker-Martin, a biological male who identifies as female. The cancellation came after Felker-Martin publicly mocked conservative commentator Charlie Kirk being shot to death and made inflammatory remarks about law enforcement.
Remarks That Sparked Outrage
On September 10th, Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. The incident immediately drew attention across the political spectrum. While many expressed concern for Kirk’s safety, Felker-Martin reacted with derision on the social media platform Bluesky.
DC comics writer Gretchen Felker-Martin mocks the death of Charlie Kirk hours after he was fatally shot – BlueSky
READ: MSNBC Fires Matthew Dowd After Comments on Charlie Kirk Shooting Spark Outrage
Screenshots show posts attributed to Felker-Martin reading:
- “Thoughts and prayers you Nazi bh.”*
- “Hope the bullet’s okay after touching Charlie Kirk.”
The controversy deepened when Felker-Martin turned attention to police officers on the same day, tying the comments directly to Red Hood #1.
DC comics writer Gretchen Felker-Martin claims police officers aren’t people – BlueSky
“Kept seeing people tw RED HOOD #1 for su****e, and for the life of me I could not figure out why until I remembered it opens with a bunch of cops sh****ng themselves. I just don’t really consider them people.”
These statements circulated widely before Felker-Martin’s Bluesky account was removed from the platform, either through suspension or deletion.
DC Comics’ Immediate Response
On the very day Red Hood #1 launched, DC informed retailers that the series would be discontinued. Issues #2 and #3, along with all future solicitations, were cancelled. Retailers will also be credited for Red Hood #1, including already-sold copies — a virtually unprecedented move in modern comics.
Charlie Kirk on his YouTube channel – YouTube, Charlie Kirk
READ: DC Comics Writer Gretchen Felker-Martin Mocks Charlie Kirk Shooting, Claims Police Aren’t People
In a statement reported by industry trades, DC explained: “While we respect the creative viewpoints of our talent, posts or public comments that can be viewed as promoting hostility or violence are inconsistent with DC’s standards of conduct.”
The cancellation comes less than 24 hours after fans first noticed Felker-Martin’s remarks about Kirk circulating on social media.
Who Is Gretchen Felker-Martin?
Felker-Martin gained attention in publishing horror novels. Earlier this year, DC tapped Felker-Martin to reimagine Jason Todd, the former Robin turned anti-hero known as Red Hood. The series paired the writer with artist Jeff Spokes and cover artist Taurin Clarke, promising a darker, more brutal take on Gotham’s vigilante scene.
Gretchen Felker-Martin, a DC comcis writer – X, @EthanVanSciver
Instead, the series’ very first issue has become infamous for its association with one of the swiftest cancellations in DC Comics history.
Fallout and Debate
The backlash was immediate. Critics condemned Felker-Martin for mocking a shooting victim and dehumanizing law enforcement officers. Supporters of Charlie Kirk pointed to the remarks as evidence of hostility toward conservatives within parts of the entertainment industry.
Gretchen Felker-Martin, a DC
Meanwhile, some defenders argued that cancelling a comic over off-the-clock remarks raises concerns about free speech and artistic independence. DC, however, appears unwilling to let its brand be attached to posts seen as celebrating violence.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights the tightrope that corporate publishers now walk. Talent are free to share their views online, but when those views appear to celebrate political violence or demean entire professions, companies risk reputational fallout.
The Red Hood – DC Comics
In the case of Red Hood, DC’s choice was clear and it has been celebrated by many.
For Felker-Martin, it’s another reminder that what’s said online can have career-ending consequences, especially when it crosses into celebrating the suffering of others.
How do you feel about the Red Hood comic being cancelled in the wake of the writer’s comments? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
