DC Comics – the home of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman – informed retailers this week that the planned Second Coming series had been cancelled, but did not share the reason for the decision. The writers of the series told SyfyWire that they were not surprised by the decision after several changes were being made to their original script.

The controversial comic book has been pulled from the DC Comics line-up.

“I decided I would rather keep the story intact and remain true to the original vision … ” said Russell. The writers say they are looking for a new publisher.

From its inception, the Second Coming comic series was controversial. An online petition signed by over 230,000 people has called the storyline “outrageous and blasphemous”.

A plot outline offered readers the chance to “witness the return of Jesus Christ, as He is sent on a most holy mission by God to learn what it takes to be the true messiah of mankind …”. Jesus becomes roommates with the world’s favourite saviour: the all-powerful superhero Sun-Man. It’s an opportunity for Jesus to learn from the master.

“Would DC Comics publish similar content about other religious leaders, such as Mohammed or Buddha?” – Gregory Mertz

The comic’s writer Mark Russell said in an interview that the plot was based on the premise that God was so upset with Jesus about how his time on earth ended the first time that he had prevented Jesus from tracking how things were going on the planet. Russell writes, “God was so upset with the fact that he got crucified the last time, that he wouldn’t even let him look through the celestial keyhole at Earth to keep up.”

When Jesus arrives back on earth, he is appalled at what Christianity has become, and begins work to “set the record straight”, according to Russell.

Creators of the online petition against the comic accused the writers of ridiculing the Son of God, asking “Would DC Comics publish similar content about other religious leaders, such as Mohammed or Buddha?”

Gregory Mertz, the US campaign director for Citizen Go, who hosted the online petition, said he would continue to fight against the release of Second Coming.

“The comic portrays a false view our Savior. Jesus is not a failure.” – Gregory Mertz

“Jesus is much more than a superhero,” said Mertz. “The signers of the petition believe that Jesus is real. The life of Jesus comes with a special message of hope and redemption. The comic portrays a false view our Savior. Jesus is not a failure. He was sent to the cross for our sins and everlasting salvation. Most children grow up reading about iconic DC superheroes like Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman. It would be a shame to market this false view of Jesus as an equal read to these figures. I wouldn’t want children to read this comic book and believe it as truth. I’d challenge the author to read the Bible, consult with some pastors, and bring the life of Jesus back to a comic book as it was foretold and written in the Bible.”