Months have passed since the tragic events that took place at Orlando, Florida’s Pulse nightclub, when dozens of members and friends of the city’s LGBTQ community were killed, and dozens more wounded. While the shock has worn off for those not directly affected by the event, a large group of writers and artists are collecting their talents to not only get funds where they’re needed, but to raise awareness and visibility of the real issues that surround this tragedy and others.

Coming this December, DC Comics and IDW Publishing are partnering to release a special 144-page comic titled “Love is Love,” calling on the talents of countless comic artists, writers, screenwriters, and storytellers. Retailing for $9.99, proceeds from the collection of more than 100 stories will benefit Equality Florida, and their fund established specifically to aid and support the victims of the Orlando shooting.

The project is spearheaded by comic and screenwriter Marc Andreyko (DC’s “Manhunter” and “Batwoman”), just one of the growing number of LGBTQ talents in the comic book world whose former heroine Kate Kane (one of the most high-profile gay superheroes DC has featured) graces the cover of the issue, brandishing an American and Rainbow Flag in artwork by Rafael Albuquerque.

Andreyko explained to the New York Times that acts like the Orlando shooting, and the efforts to end them should extend well beyond those immediately affected:

Along with Andreyko, notable writers and artists include James Tynion IV (“Detective Comics”), Molly Ostertag (“Strong Female Protagonist”), Steve Orlando (“Midnighter”), James Asmus (“All-New Inhumans”), Mark Millar (“Kick-Ass”), Damon Lindelof, Patton Oswalt, Phil Jimenez, Olivier Coipel, Chris Miskiewicz, Iain Laurie, Simon Fraser, David Lafuente, Daniel Beals, Ming Doyle, Ryan Ferrier… the list goes on and on.

“I’m a child of the 80s; I grew up with ‘We Are the World’ and Live Aid… Events like this shouldn’t be compartmentalized. They should hurt and we should want to change for the better.”

The stories have been kept to just a single page or two in the effort to assembles such a wide variety of in-demand talent, while current “Detective Comics” writer James Tynion IV took to Twitter to promote the book and offer praise to the publishers for supporting not just high-visibility queer characters, or queer writers and artists, but initiatives like these that work for real change in the LGBTQ community:

Also, can I just say that as a queer kid growing up, I could never have imagined DC Comics would support a project like this.— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) September 20, 2016

This matters for every kid who dreams of being in comics but doesn’t know whether they’d be let in. If they’d be welcome.— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) September 20, 2016

The credit for the venture is being widely given to Andreyko in particular, who put in the efforts himself to match this variety of writers and artists’ styles and stories for the best result. And judging by the scope and scale of the creators who hopped on board, the book looks poised to tell some powerful stories while funneling donations to where they’re needed most.

“Love is Love” will be available in December 2016 with release and platform details still to come. For those wishing to donate directly to Equality Florida’s Pulse Victims Fund in the meantime, simply follow this link.

Source: New York Times