In a surprise move, DC Comics has canceled its recently launched Red Hood solo series. The first issue had just hit stands on September 10. However, the book was canceled after writer Gretchen Felker-Martin responded to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on social media. Felker-Martin appeared to be celebrating Kirk’s death. He was shot on stage at an event in Utah and died shortly thereafter.
According to The Wrap, DC told retailers they were canceling orders of Red Hood #2 and Red Hood #3. Additionally, they are going to credit the shops for copies of Red Hood #1, even for copies they already sold. Jeff Spokes was the artist on the series. The book is a mature title based on the famed villain. Under the mask it is Jason Todd, aka the one-time Robin and member of the Bat-Family. In a statement, DC had this to say about the cancellation.
“At DC Comics, we place the highest value on our creators and community and affirm the right to peaceful, individual expression of personal viewpoints. Posts or public comments that can be viewed as promoting hostility or violence are inconsistent with DC’s standards of conduct.”
Some of the posts shared by Felker-Martin read, “Thoughts and prayers you Nazi bitch” and “Hope the bullet’s okay after touching Charlie Kirk.” When the book was first announced the writer said, “Sweat, blood, and powder burns. Broken bones and mind control. A city rotted from the inside out,” said Felker-Martin. “Jason’s going through hell on the hunt for an enigmatic telepath, and he’s taking us with him. I’m thrilled to be helming this new run of Red Hood with Jeff Spokes.”
Here is the synopsis for Red Hood #1.
“Jason Todd has left Gotham and Batman behind him. All he’s taking with him is his costume, his bike, and a metal briefcase containing two handguns (and lots of bullets). New Angelique seems like the perfect place for Red Hood to put down roots. There’s crime, vice, and corruption everywhere. When Jason discovers a superpowered serial killer who is targeting the city’s police, he finds himself sucked into a terrible and bleak conspiracy with seemingly no end in sight. But Jason isn’t the only person on the scene. Following his trail is Helena Bertinelli a.k.a. Huntress. Is she here to stop him or help him? What will happen when the two black sheep of the Bat-Family start working together? Get ready for Red Hood like you’ve always wanted to see him in DC’s first-ever in-continuity Mature Readers series.”
Red Hood is a very popular character who has starred in various TV and movie projects over the years, including the animated Batman: Under the Red Hood. He has never appeared in a live-action movie up to this point, but that does seem like an inevitability. This comic was a major investment in the character by DC. That makes the quick cancellation all the more surprising. Rather than just hire a new writer, they pulled the plug entirely.
Red Hood #1 is out now.
What do you think? Are you bummed the series was canceled? Were you planning on reading this one? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
