Orlando Pulse comic book upholds love
To show support for the Florida shooting victims last year, a group of comic book people came up with an Orlando Pulse comic book for charity.
Called “Love Is Love”, the all-star comic book anthology not only has contributors signing up but also readers checking it out to the point that it’s on the New York Times bestsellers lists for graphic books.
It has one- and two-page comics from a roster of major comic book talents like Jim Lee, Brian Bendis, George Perez, Grant Morrison, and Brad Meltzer as well as actors like Patton Oswalt and Morgan Spurlock.
There’s even a special Harry Potter art with a quote from Albus Dumbledore that’s approved by author JK Rowling.
More importantly, all proceeds will go to those affected by the Pulse shooting with the help of Equality Florida.
Orlando Pulse comic book created with love
Released late December, the 144-page anthology was created by a team-up of publishers by IDW and DC Comics. It was edited by veteran writer Marc Andreyko, who was moved to create something in response to the tragedy.
“I couldn’t be more overwhelmed by the response to ‘Love Is Love’ by readers,” Andreyko told Washington Post’s Comic Riffs.
“This book truly came from a place of love and healing, and to see the book be embraced by so many is a testament to the cause and a lovely remembrance and tribute to those lost on that terrible June night,” Andreyko added.
Citing the ’80s songs like “We Are the World” and “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by various singers as influence, Andreyko said on NBC’s Late Night With Seth Meyers: “So my reaction was: “I know all these comic book people and these professionals and actors — let’s do something.””
He noted that the book will creators an outlet for grief even as well as a platform for support for the survivors and the LGBT community in general.
“There are so many victims here: the elderly parents of a man who was killed, the man who suffers guilt because he left early and his four friends were killed, and so many more. There are some people who were buried without headstones. The book will help all of them,” Andreyko said.
Orlando Pulse comic book inspired by tragedy
The comic book anthology came about after the tragic shooting last June 12, 2016, wherein 29-year old Omar Mateen shot up a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Before police shot him, Matteen killed 49 people and injured 53 more. The shooting has been ranked as the worst mass shooting by a single person in US history as well as the worst single attack on the LGBT community.
Writer Steve Orlando, one of the those who participated in the anthology, said: “Taking part in Love Is Love is an honour, both as part of the LGBTQ+ community myself and as a human being.”
“Our continued and unwavering pride is a tribute to those who lost their lives– shouting the message that no matter who you are, who you love, you are vital, you are important, and you are celebrated,” Orlando said.
“When I heard Marc was pulling together an anthology in support, there was no option but to volunteer. I’m honoured to be part it,” said British writer Kieron Gillen.
Another writer, Marguerite Bennett, said: “The horror, grief and confusion of the days after those unspeakable events clarified when I received Marc’s request, ‘Will you offer condolence, solidarity, and aid to families who have suffered an unthinkable loss?’ There isn’t any other answer.”
“What I want people to understand after all this is very simple: Love is love, and there’s nothing to fear,” Andreyko said.