As a result of the controversy over Ender’s Game author Orson Scott Card’s selection to pen a story in an upcoming Superman anthology series, artist Chris Sprouse has decided to drop out of the project.
Back in early February the selection of Ender’s Game author Orson Scott Card’s as one of several authors who would contribute a chapter to new Superman anthology series stired up significant controversy. The prolific author’s outspoken views against same-sex marriage and gay rights has caused DC comics to receive significant backlash.
The latest news is artist Chris Sprouse, who was slated to collaborate with Card, has announced that do to the media attention over this story he was withdrawing from the project. “It took a lot of thought to come to this conclusion, but I’ve decided to step back as the artist on this story,” Sprouse said, “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. My relationship with DC Comics remains as strong as ever, and I look forward to my next project with them.”
DC issued a statement supporting Sprouse’s decision:
“We fully support, understand and respect Chris’s decision to step back from his Adventures of Superman assignment,” it said. “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.”
