Dead Boy Detectives features prominent LGBTQ+ characters, including a gay lead whose past trauma related to his sexuality is handled with empathy. Queer identities are integrated naturally into the narrative, depicting characters with complexity and agency, and including positive romantic storylines, resulting in an affirming portrayal.

Charles Rowland, a titular character canonically depicted as white in the source comics, is portrayed by a British-Indian actor. Additionally, Death, a character from the same comic universe often depicted as white, is portrayed by a Black actress.