'No matter who you love, you are vital': comics world responds to Orlando killings with Love Is Love anthology

DC and indie publishers have created a collection of work featuring major authors and characters to raise money for victims and promote solidarity

On the night of 12 June 2016, Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old security guard, entered Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and opened fire. He killed 49 people and injured 53 more before police killed him.

The shooting racked up horrific new records: the worst mass shooting by a single person in US history; the deadliest single attack on the LGBT community; the highest number of fatalities in a terrorist attack in the US since 9/11. It was an act of hate – and six months on, the comic-book community has responded with the only possible corrective: love.

Related: Comic writer behind book for Orlando victims: 'I had to do something'

Check out @georgegustines lovely article in the @nytimes in which my "Love is love" contribution is revealed. This first of a kind illustration was done with #jkrowling's blessing, inspired by her quote: “Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.” –The Goblet of Fire #harrypotter #Loveislove is an amazing anthology and collaboration among so many of comicdom's finest talents with all proceeds going to the victims, survivors, and their families of the Orlando shooting tragedy via EQUALITY FLORIDA. I want to thank @idwpublishing editor #SarahGaydos and @dccomics Vertigo group editor @jamie_s_rich for their tireless work in making this book a reality. The full uncropped image available in the book in stores 12/28. Colors by the magnificent @markchidc!

Related: Time travel, slackers and Wonder Woman: the best comic books of 2016

Continue reading...