“Love is Love” Tribute Anthology To Benefit Victims of Orlando Pulse Shooting

“Love is Love” variant cover by Elsa Charretier with colors by Jordie Bellaire

DC Comics and IDW are co-publishing Love is Love, an anthology whose proceeds will all go to the victims, survivors, and families of those affected by the June 12, 2016 attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The project was organized by Marc Andreyko (writer of one of my favourites series, Manhunter) and all material has been donated by the writers, artists, and editors.

The anthology will be an oversized 144 pages retailing for $9.99 USD. There will be over 100 stories, each one to two pages in length, from over 200 creators. Said Andreyko, “I purposely said it would be a one-page thing to get people to commit”.

Supergirl writers Steve Orlando and Sterling Gates are both contributing stories. This will be the first time Gates has written Rebirth-era Supergirl, and I’m delighted that this is the venue.

The official press release lists a small sampling of the many, many creators involved:

LOVE IS LOVE will debut in comic book shops and bookstores this December. The anthology graphic novel is a 144-page love letter to the LGBTQ community containing moving and heartfelt stories—some using iconic DC characters—from some of the greatest talent in comics, including Phil Jimenez, Steve Sadowski, Paul Jenkins, Mike Carey, Matt Wagner, Marguerite Bennett, Aneke, Damon Lindelof, Patton Oswalt, Steven Orlando, Rafael Albuquerque, Jason Aaron, Jason Latour, James Asmus, Ming Doyle, James Tynion IV, Cecil Castellucci, Brandon Peterson, Jesus Saiz, Olivier Coipel, Leinil Yu, Elsa Charretier, and many more to be announced.

When tragedy happens, art responds. And after the Pulse massacre, the comics community responded quickly, decisively, and with open hearts,” said project organizer and writer Andreyko. “I could not be more proud of this book, or to be a member of the comics community. The talent and emotion on every page is staggering. LOVE IS LOVE mourns the 49 lost, honors the survivors, and celebrates love in all forms.”

“When Marc brought this project to me, there was no hesitation about us getting involved,” said IDW Chief Creative Officer Chris Ryall. “To echo Marc’s sentiments, we are proud of the hard work and talent that has gone into this project and to be involved in any way to support the survivors and their families in the face of tragedy.”

“We’re deeply thankful to all the participants who donated their work to LOVE IS LOVE,” saidSarah Gaydos, Group Editor for IDW Publishing. “The outpouring of emotion from their work honors the LGBTQ community, and helps express the grief we’re all feeling.”

“Marc’s heartfelt passion for this cause and this project has inspired everyone involved in LOVE IS LOVE,” explains Jamie Rich, Group Editor of DC’s Vertigo imprint. “As an editor on the book, I continue to be moved every day by the expressions of hope and love the contributors have put forth, and can only imagine the profound impact the book will have on readers, as well.”

The contributors behind LOVE IS LOVE have banded together to send a powerful message through their art that they stand with the victims of this national tragedy. Help spread the love this December and become part of this historic comics event.

Love is Love is available for preorder at IDW in print and digital. IDW also distributes their titles through Comixology and other online distributors, however I plan to buy this directly from IDW as they offer their comics in DRM-free PDF and EPUB file formats, so you can download and read them directly on your preferred device.

Batwoman from “Love is Love” by Rafael Albuquerque