DC Comics formally canceled its recently introduced “Red Hood” comic book series following author Gretchen Felker-Martin making some contentious posts on social media about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.
Kirk, an outspoken defender of President Donald Trump and one of the most well-known conservative voices, was assassinated on Wednesday while giving a speech at a university ceremony in Utah. His untimely death outraged both political sides, with others denouncing the attack and threatening dangers to other politicians.
Soon after the news went public, Felker-Martin posted comments on social media that others found profoundly offensive. In one since-deleted comment, shown in screengrabs posted by other users, she wrote: “Hope the bullet’s OK.” In another, she called Kirk a “Nazi btch.”* Felker-Martin, who is transgender, has been outspoken in the past about LGBTQ+ rights, and Kirk was well-known for his anti-trans rights views.
The posts soon turned viral and led to backlash, forcing DC Comics into action. In a Thursday statement given to CNN, the company’s spokesperson stated: “At DC Comics, we value our creators and community above all and uphold the right to peaceful, personal expression of opinion. Posts or public statements that are perceived as inciting hostility or violence are not with DC’s standards of behavior.”
The decision unceremoniously closes out what was to be a lengthy run for the series. “Red Hood,” based on the title character Jason Todd of the Batman franchise, had only just landed on Wednesday at comic book stores. The upcoming issues were to be planned through June 2026, with a second volume to keep going through December 2026, as outlined in a previous press statement by DC.
CNN, DC Comics’ parent, is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The network has also asked Felker-Martin and series artist Jeff Spokes for comment but has yet to receive a response.
The cancellation reflects increasing sensitivity among major entertainment firms over creator behavior and public comments. For some viewers, it represents an sudden conclusion for a program that had only just started, while for DC it indicates a strong stand against language that may be interpreted as supportive of hostility or violence.
In the meantime, political leaders and officials are continuing to react to Kirk’s passing. Ex-President Donald Trump called it a “dark moment for America” and gave Kirk credit for supporting his campaigns in mobilizing young voters.
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