Love is Love, an anthology comic book produced by some of the most famous writers and artists to support victims of Orlando’s Pulse nightclub shooting, has raised more than $165,000 after rising to the top of the New York Times bestseller list.
“I am overwhelmed by the response to Love is Love,” Marc Andreyko, who organised the project and curated the stories, said in a statement after sales figures were announced. Andreyko is best known as a writer on DC’s Batwoman and Wonder Woman ’77 series.
Conceived of in the aftermath of the worst mass shooting in the history of the US, when Omar Mateen opened fire inside the gay nightclub during a Latin night and killed 49 people, the 144 pages Love is Love were created by the A-list of comic talent. The book also features contributions from celebrity comic fans, including Patton Oswalt and Taran Killam, and the forward was written by Patty Jenkins, director of the forthcoming Wonder Woman movie.
Published by DC Comics and IDW Publishing, the one and two-page comics were an immediate hit, hitting the top of the graphic books bestseller lists immediately after their December release. Love is Love is now entering its fifth printing, IDW said.
“I never would have imagined that this project would not only raise so much money,” Andreyko said, “But touch so many lives.”
Proceeds from both print and digital sales have been donated to the OneOrlando Fund, the charity overseeing the financial support of the 53 people injured in the attack, as well as the families of those who lost their lives.
“Equality Florida is so grateful for this project that has been such an inspiring and powerful way to respond in the face of tragedy,” said Nadine Smith, chief executive of the organisation in charge of handling the proceeds of the book.
“We must uproot the hatred that breeds discrimination and violence,” she said. “And having top storytellers and illustrators combine their talents makes Love is Love a potent and accessible tool.”
“We just need to keep fighting the good fight,” Andreyko said. “And love will win.”
