I was wondering if DC had any issue with Secret Six being a mostly LGBTQ book? I'm so happy this book exists, it fills a huge void. I hope they are happy with the response the book is getting.

DC’s policy on this, as far as it goes with my work, is that they leave me alone on these topics. I think they know representation is important both to me, and more importantly, to the readership. Dan DiDio cares about lgbtq representation a lot, and Bob Harass feels representation of POC is vital, so one of the nice things is, they don’t require a bit sales pitch, and they don’t act like we deserve a medal for having characters that reflect the real world a little bit more. 

I used to debate this topic all the time. Readers, especially teachers, would say there was a big value to them in having us make a big noise about having diverse characters. I’ve heard many times that they felt that it helped people who were struggling with their identity or that it was worthwhile to know that the company that publishes Batman has gay heroes, for example. 

And I get that. I certainly see that point. 

But with time, my feelings have evolved, and I can’t help feeling it’s better not to treat it like some kind of award ceremony. I think that works against presenting these characters as people, it seems (to me, others will disagree) to support the idea that these people aren’t ‘normal,’ aren’t part of the default human profile. 

In a perfect world, it wouldn’t BE news to have a POC character in an iconic suit, or a woman leading a team, or an lgbtq character even existing in a fictional work.  So my feeling is to put it out there, treat all the characters with respect and love and care, and leave the news sites for whatever ridiculous stuff is news that day in the comics world.

I’m not 100% sure I’m right on this. I still think a lot about people who have said that if we don’t publicize it, then they might not even know it’s happened. But it feels like the cost is making a display out of the very people and traits you are trying to present as merely human. I don’t want the message to be, “HEY! LOOK HOW PROGRESSIVE WE ARE!” 

I am kind of sick of that message. I would rather have characters that are representative without waiting around for cookies and USA TODAY blurbs.

Anyway, I like our team, and I am happy so many people are on board with our little cast.  :)

I think they are happy!  Sales dropped some when we had delays up front, but have picked up as the book got permanently back on track with its new artists. I have been very, very fortunate, because I don’t think there’s another book out there quite like it. Retailers have been great, bless them!