DC Axes Batman Spinoff After Writer’s Controversial Charlie Kirk Comments

The new Batman spinoff comic series, Red Hood, has been cancelled just days after its first issue hit shelves.

DC Comics confirmed the move to retailers on the same day Red Hood #1 went on sale.

Red Hood was meant to be an ongoing monthly series set in the main DC Universe, featuring Jason Todd, the former Robin who became the anti-hero Red Hood, alongside Helena Bertinelli, better known as the Huntress.

The story followed the two characters as they moved to Louisiana and found trouble in their new surroundings. The book was also notable because it was marketed as DC’s first ongoing 17+ title within its main universe.

According to DC’s original schedule, Red Hood #2 was set for release on October 2, 2025, and the third issue was scheduled for November 12. Writer Gretchen Felker Martin, artist Jeff Spokes, and cover artist Taurin Clarke were attached to the project. However, DC has now cancelled all upcoming orders.

In a statement sent to retailers, DC wrote, “DC Comics cancels existing orders for Red Hood #2 and Red Hood #3, and any orders for future issues of the series. DC Comics will credit retailers for all invoiced copies of Red Hood #1, inclusive of copies that may have already been sold.”

When asked about the reason behind the cancellation, DC explained, “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.”

The decision follows a wave of backlash against writer Gretchen Felker Martin after ghoulish comments about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s death spread online.

Kirk died after being shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Screenshots from Martin’s Bluesky account, which has since been suspended, show comments, “Thoughts and prayers you N**** b****.” In another post, “Hope the bullet’s okay after touching Charlie Kirk.”

Words quickly went viral across social media, and many people called on DC Comics to respond. Critics accused Martin of mocking Kirk’s killing and disrespecting those mourning him.

Martin is best known as a horror novelist and critic.

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