DC Comics Responds to Backlash Over Hiring Antigay Writer

Right: Orson Scott Card

Outrage because a new Superman series will be written in part by a board member from the National Organization for Marriage is not having much effect on DC Comics.

The news on Monday that an outspoken homophobe like Orson Scott Card would helm the adventures of an icon who stands for truth, justice, and the American way outraged a number of the comic's fans, and a petition requesting the publisher drop Card is already gaining support.

When The Advocate reached out to DC for an official comment, a company spokesman said, “As content creators we steadfastly support freedom of expression, however the personal views of individuals associated with DC Comics are just that — personal views — and not those of the company itself.”

The spokesman also mentioned the new digital Adventures of Superman comic is an anthology series and would feature an ever-changing group of guest writers, of which Card would be one, and should not be confused with the long-running flagship titles Superman or Action Comics.

In recent years, DC Comics has made a tremendous effort to diversify its cast of characters by introducing new heroes from across the spectrum of the LGBT community. Today, superheroes like the lesbian Batwoman, gay Teen Titan Bunker, and the intersex hero Shining Knight now fight alongside icons such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.  DC’s push for equality has earned the comics publisher multiple GLAAD Media Awards and high praise from its diverse readership.

But those same fans who had applauded the company for its historic efforts, were left confounded when DC announced this week that Card, a science-fiction writer, had been hired to pen the new digital comic Adventures of Superman.

Card, best known for writing the sci-fi masterpiece Ender’s Game, has not only served as a board member for NOM, but also has claimed marriage equality would lead to the end of civilization, supports the criminalization of homosexuality, and in an interview with Salon, stated “Gay rights is a collective delusion that’s being attempted.”