Gretchen Felker-Martin’s DC Comics Career Over Following Charlie Kirk Comments

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DC Comics has ended its association with Gretchen Felker-Martin, as a result of her contentious statements expressing approval of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which sparked widespread criticism.

According to the trans writer who identifies using pronouns, she will no longer work for DC Comics.

Following her comments, after only one issue being released, DC canceled her Red Hood series.

Background With DC

In early 2024, DC editor Arianna Turturro hired Felker-Martin to kick off a brand-new Red Hood series.

When I first joined DC, I made it clear that my online persona could stir up some turbulence. I cautioned the editors, “Once you bring me on board, be prepared to encounter a handful – or perhaps a mob – of the most eccentric individuals you’ve ever met, vociferously calling for our dismissal.

As the days counting down to the launch of Red Hood, Felker-Martin found herself at the center of heated debates, largely due to her contentious statements. On September 3rd, an article appeared in the Algemeiner Journal, calling attention to her previous social media posts that were alleged to have endorsed the “October 7 massacre.” This allegation caused DC executives to privately express their worries.

Doubles down on Charlie Kirk contempt

As reported by Felker-Martin, editors initially expressed their concerns in late August. Specifically, DC’s Rob Levin and Turturro advised her to pay attention to the tone of her online posts. The DC subsequently confirmed that such a conversation occurred, highlighting their concern for ensuring her social media content was appropriate for its intended audience.

On September 11, a day following the release of Red Hood #1 comic books in stores, the tension intensified significantly when Felker-Martin openly rejoiced over the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Later on, she openly acknowledged her actions were a result of “lack of self-restraint,” yet further emphasized her disdain towards Kirk, referring to him as an “abhorrent individual” who had consistently promoted harmful actions towards people similar to herself. This was expressed during an interview with The Comics Journal.

I found it unremarkable, almost surprising, that the situation didn’t seem particularly volatile. This individual was highly disliked. The entire online community has been raving about his demise… I observed he passed away while continuing to spread hate, a method he often advocated for others, and all I could feel was disgust for his existence. He was a person who, over the years, used televised platforms and grand stages to call for the execution of people like me.

She added:

For years, I’ve claimed that Charlie Kirk has openly promoted ideologies akin to Nazism, and I stand by that statement without any remorse.

That very evening, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, Marie Javins, phoned Felker-Martin directly, stating that they found such promotions of violence or harm entirely unsuitable.

On the same night, Marie Javins, the Editor-in-Chief at DC, contacted Felker-Martin, explaining that any form of violent or harmful promotion was not something they could tolerate.

Felker-Martin’s Response: No regrets

In an interview with The Comics Journal, Felker-Martin stated that she doesn’t anticipate receiving more assignments from DC, and if they were to offer her work, she would turn it down.

She stated, “I don’t wish to associate with any group that aims to present individuals such as Charlie Kirk as honorable and deserving of respect.

DC Comics’ response

DC Comics has decided to cancel all current orders for issues 2 and 3 of Red Hood, as well as any future orders for the series. Additionally, they will credit comic book retailers for all purchased copies of Red Hood #1, even if some copies have already been sold. This decision follows Charlie Kirk’s comments about DC Comics.

In response to a question from PopVerse about the reasons for the cancellation, DC Comics issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to creators and fans, affirming the importance of freedom of speech. They stated that comments or posts deemed as promoting hatred or violence go against their standards of behavior.

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2025-09-13 05:02