DC Comics is criticized for bowing to Chinese pressure and DELETING new Batman ad after outcry that it showed support for Hong Kong protesters

DC Comics has faced fierce criticism for pulling an image advertising its new Batman comic from social media on Thursday night following an angry backlash in China after many perceived the poster to be supporting of the ongoing protests in Hong Kong.

Long since-deleted, the image depicted the iconic superhero throwing a molotov cocktail in front of a grey and pink background with the words 'The Future is Young' written in large lettering.

The illustration had originally been uploaded to promote Frank Miller and Rafael Grampá’s forthcoming new Batman title 'Dark Knight Returns: Golden Child', which is scheduled for release next month - however more outrage than interest was drummed up in China.

Chinese internet users were quick condemn the image as a declaration of support for the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, a violent and intense standoff soon to enter its sixth month.

+5

Long since-deleted, the image depicted the iconic superhero throwing a molotov cocktail in front of a grey and pink background with the words 'The Future is Young' written in large lettering

+5

Chinese internet users were quick to take offense, condemning the image as a declaration of support for the protests in Hong Kong for increased autonomy, a violent and intense standoff soon to be entering its sixth month

Critics believed the flaming glass bottle alluded to the younger protesters' more violent tactics, in addition to Batman's dark clothing referencing the black-clad demonstrators seen clashing with police on Hong Kong's streets.

Others even theorized that the titular name 'Golden Child' was a veiled reference to the color yellow, which was previously adopted by pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong five years ago. 

'The black clothes represent Hong Kong, the mask represents Hong Kong, the Molotov cocktail represents Hong Kong, what else here doesn’t represent Hong Kong???' One commentator thundered on Weibo.

'No matter what the reason, to put an image like this up at a sensitive time like this means you have a death wish,' another added.

Hundreds of other posts across Weibo, Instagram and Twitter drew similar comments echoing fierce criticisms, in addition to many pledging to never buy or support any of DC's future projects.

'Is Hong Kong really becoming Gotham City? But Hong Kong rioters are not Batman. Instead, they are the criminals of Gotham City,' one user said.

+5

Social media users believed the flaming glass bottle alluded to the young protesters' more violent tactics, in addition to Batman's black clothing referencing the black-clad demonstrators clashing with police on Hong Kong's streets

+5

Rafael Grampá, the comic’s illustrator, also waded into the debate, sharing a photo of the controversy and branding it 'surreal'

The image has since been deleted from DC's social media pages, which has sparked controversy all over again, though this time the complaints are emanating from the US and among supporters of the pro-democracy movement.

China holds a critical marker for DC's parent company, Warner Brothers' Studios, which may seek to explain the swift decision to pull the illustration from the public domain. 'Aquaman' broke Chinese box office records last December to take in a cumulative $292 million, while 'Shazam!' made $43.8 million in April. 

DC's decision to remove the images led to many accusing the company of censorship and kowtowing to China - likening their seeming capitulation to the NBA and Hollywood's recent controversies with with the country.

'Really disappointed on @DCComics,' tweeted one user. 'Just because of China citizen comment few word of Hong Kong democracy, DC choice to del the post on IG....China is affecting US freedom!'

Another asked whether 'So now Batman loves money more than Justice?'

The image has since been deleted from DC's social media pages, which has sparked controversy all over again, though this time the complaints are emanating from the US and among supporters of the pro-democracy movement

+5

Grampá, the comic’s illustrator, also waded into the debate, sharing a photo of the controversy and branding it 'surreal'.  

An additional social media user said: 'Apparently China rules the world now. The future is young? No, the future is censorship.'  

Due out in December, the 48-page one-shot book follows a new Batwoman, Carrie Kelley, who teams with Lara Kent, the daughter of Superman and Wonder Woman, to tackle the latest imminent threat in Gotham City. 

The protagonists discover that Lara's little brother, Jonathan Kent, might have the most formidable superpowers on Earth, hence the 'Golden Child' subtitle.

DC Comics has not yet issued a public statement on the matter.