DC Pulls Controversial Batgirl Cover

Once again the internet finds itself in a maelstrom of controversy after DC revealed its lineup of Joker variants meant to celebrate the villain’s 75^th anniversary last Friday. One cover in particular, from the lineup of 25, was damned as inappropriate and problematic. Artist Rafael Albuquerque created a cover for Batgirl #41 that was meant to pay homage to one of the Joker’s most infamous story lines, The Killing Joke. Unfortunately, the cover has not been met with a warm reception by fans. It features the Clown Prince of Crime wearing the iconic Hawaiian shirt and purple hat while interacting with Batgirl in an overtly suggestive manner. If you haven’t seen it yet, here it is:

The complaint with this cover is not its obvious throwback to The Killing Joke, but to the suggestion of sexual violence implied within it. Batgirl’s eyes plead with the viewer, her body language is tense and her single tear all draw the viewer to one conclusion. Similarly, in The Killing Joke itself, the Joker strips Barbara after shooting her. While there is never any explicit act of sexuality, the story has drawn criticisms from readers accusing the Joker of raping Barbara and thusly the story itself of sexualizing violence. There is an uncomfortable parallel in the unanswered questions of both the cover and the story, and that is what has caused an outcry. Especially in the wake of Batgirl’s recent makeover which has attracted a number of new, young, female readers to the series.

Like many other controversies, this issue has not been quiet. It has spawned numerous articles and hashtags. As some fans rallied against the implicit portrayal of sexual violence, others fought back with equal passion. The debate has become heated enough that threats have been issued. Shockingly, some who were unoffended by the cover did take offence to others speaking up and began to issue threats of violence. In the wake of the uproar, DC has decided not to publish the cover. In a statement issued by the publisher in response to the debate and to the wishes of Albuquerque himself, they said that they support the wishes of their artists, and would therefore withdraw the cover from the roster of variants. Albuquerque came forward and said this:

My Batgirl variant cover artwork was designed to pay homage to a comic that I really admire, and I know is a favorite of many readers. ‘The Killing Joke’ is part of Batgirl’s canon and artistically, I couldn’t avoid portraying the traumatic relationship between Barbara Gordon and the Joker.

For me, it was just a creepy cover that brought up something from the characters past that I was able to interpret artistically. But it has become clear, that for others, it touched a very important nerve. I respect these opinions and, despite whether the discussion is right or wrong, no opinion should be discredited.

My intention was never to hurt or upset anyone through my art. For that reason, I have recommended to DC that the variant cover be pulled. I’m incredibly pleased that DC Comics is listening to my concerns and will not be publishing the cover art in June as previously announced.

With all due respect,

Rafa

DC and Albuquerque have done the right thing. Their decision has shown respect for their fans and zero tolerance for bullying. There is no reason why a debate such as this could not have taken the form of intellectual discourse, no reason that it needed to regress into cruelty and threats of violence. Fans, let’s respect each others opinions; it is impossible to be in agreement all the time as a community, but I am holding out hope that it is possible to discuss the differences and not just lash out at one another.