DC Comics Not To Publish Highly Criticized Variant Cover For "Batgirl" #41
- by: C.J. Havens
- Mar 18, 2015
- 2 min read
This variant cover for Batgirl #41 will not be published at the request of the artist Rafael Albuquerque according to a statement from DC comics. The cover was released late last week among 25 other Joker-themed variant covers scheduled for release in June. The covers are a tribute to "Mr. J." as a part of the Jokers 75th anniversary. Shortly after the image was released there was a huge out-cry among the online community with the hashtag #changethecover bombarding several social media sites like Twitter and Tumblr asking DC not release the variant. Apparently there were even "threats of violence and harassment" .
Part of what makes the image so constroversial may having something to do with Albuquerque drawing inspiration for the piece from "Batman: The Killing Joke," a famous story by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland from 1988 which see's Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) shot and paralyzed by the Joker. Some have also been of the impression that Batgirl was also sexually assaulted although the story itself never establishes this as a fact.
Tell us was this the right move by the artist and DC?
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See DC Comics and Rafael Albuquerque's full statements below.
Rafael Albuquerque:
"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 character’s 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 Entertainment:
We publish comic books about the greatest heroes in the world, and the most evil villains imaginable. The Joker variant covers for June are in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Joker.
Regardless if fans like Rafael Albuquerque’s homage to Alan Moore’s THE KILLING JOKE graphic novel from 25 years ago, or find it inconsistent with the current tonality of the Batgirl books - threats of violence and harassment are wrong and have no place in comics or society.
We stand by our creative talent, and per Rafael’s request, DC Comics will not publish the Batgirl variant. – DC Entertainment
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