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Chris Sprouse, 'Superman' Artist, Drops Orson Scott Card Project After Anti-Gay Controversy

Artist Backs Out Of 'Superman' Project After Orson Scott Card Anti-Gay Controversy
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By 

Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost

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The fall-out over DC Comics's appointment of anti-gay novelist Orson Scott Card to pen an upcoming "Adventures of Superman" issue continues as the artist for the story quit amid media criticism.

Chris Sprouse was supposed to illustrate the "Superman" issue written by Card and Aaron Johnston, but he dropped out of the project on Tuesday after a steady stream of backlash over Card's well-documented anti-gay views, according to USA Today. "The media surrounding this story reached the point where it took away from the actual work, and that's something I wasn't comfortable with," he explained in a statement. He hopes to work with the comic giant again in the future.

DC Comics supported Sprouse's decision. "We fully support, understand and respect Chris's decision to step back from his Adventures of Superman assignment," the company said in its response, according to USA Today. "Chris is a hugely talented artist, and we're excited to work with him on his next DC Comics project. In the meantime, we will re-solicit the story at a later date when a new artist is hired."

The media firestorm first flared last month when it was announced that Card would author a "Superman" digital-first, slated to debut in April. A petition was then created on the website AllOut.org asking DC Comics to drop Card from the project.

The petition has since accumulated over 16,000 signatures. A flurry of attention and boycotts followed because of Card's vehement and outspoken opposition to same-sex marriage.

"DC Comics has handed the keys to the 'Champion of the Oppressed' [Superman] to a guy who has dedicated himself to oppress me, and my partner, and millions of people like us," freelancer Glen Weldon wrote for NPR. "It represents a fundamental misread of who the character is, and what he means."

Card's association with DC Comics isn't the only controversial pairing.

Summit is set to release a $110-million adaptation of Card's 1985 sci-fi novel "Ender's Game" in November but The Hollywood Reporter claims the studio is grappling with how to handle his involvement in the film after the DC debacle.

“This will definitely take away from their creative and their property," one studio executive told THR. Another suggested, “Keep him out of the limelight as much as possible.”

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Before You Go

13 LGBT Comic Book Characters
Shatterstar(01 of13)
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Hm, another gay mutant who's inspired by astronomy? Alright. When he's not slicing baddies down, he's cuddling up with X-Factor teammate and boyfriend, Rictor. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Batwoman(02 of13)
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Much to the dismay of DC Comics' testosterone-driven heroes, Batwoman proudly plays for the other team. A victim of "don't ask, don't tell," this marine-turned-vigilante's sexuality is just one layer of her increasingly rich narrative. Batwoman's mature approach to gay super heroics resulted in her very own solo series. (credit:DC Comics)
Midnighter and Apollo(03 of13)
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The happily married members of Stormwatch -- a secretive, peacekeeping organization that's protected the world for centuries -- have saved the world more times than Superman and Batman combined. Now there's a power couple. (credit:DC Comics)
Rawhide Kid(04 of13)
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This cowboy knows sure can wrangle up controversy. After spending more than half a century as a straight guy, the western hero was infamously reimaged by as a stereotypically prissy gay man by Marvel Comics. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Xavin(05 of13)
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Switching between male and female form at a moment's notice, playing with gender is no sweat for the shape-shifting alien. "Changing our gender is no different than changing our hair color." Amen to that. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Kevin Keller(06 of13)
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As Archie Comics' one and only gay character, army brat Kevin Keller helped thrust Riverdale in the 21st century. Kevin actually beat Northstar to the altar earlier this year, when he got married in Life with Archie #16. (credit:Archie Comics)
Daken(07 of13)
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There's no one Daken loves more than himself. But that doesn't stop Wolverine's son from seducing any man or woman if it helps him get what he wants. "He's bisexual," said former Daken: Dark Wolverine scribe Marjorie Liu, in a interview with Newsarama.com. "And he uses sex as a tool, as a weapon." (credit:Marvel Comics)
Karolina(08 of13)
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After absorbing enough solar energy, this lesbian super-teen transforms into a living rainbow. 'Nuff said. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Bunker(09 of13)
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Though we don't know much about him, Bunker is the latest addition to DC Comic's small pantheon of gay heroes. Said costume designer Brett Booth on his blog last year, "I wanted you to know he might be gay as soon as you see him. Our [Teen Titans] is partly about diversity of ANY kind." (credit:DC Comics)
Voodoo(10 of13)
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Part human. Part alien. Part clone? When the bisexual heroine isn't busy figuring out her true identity, she's off hunting parasitic aliens. But that doesn't seem half as fun as her other job -- as an exotic dancer. (credit:DC Comics)
Hulkling And Wiccan(11 of13)
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Diversity reaches all corners of the Marvel universe, including their teenaged Young Avengers. Young, in-love, and capable of kicking Dr. Doom's teeth in, this rock solid relationship is an inspiration for young and old readers alike. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Starman(12 of13)
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OK, seriously? Another star-based superhero? The rouge alien-turned Justice League MVP defies the DC Universe's glass ceiling, showing a limitless potential for all gay crime fighters. Plus, he hangs out with a talking gorilla -- that must count for something. (credit:DC Comics)
The Question(13 of13)
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Batwoman's former lover forgoes the super heroics for scrappy, Dick Tracy-in-drag street justice. One of Batman's most trusted allies, she has the social stock most straight characters would kill for. (credit:DC Comics)
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