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Batgirl Variant Cover Controversy

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About

In March of 2015, a variant cover of DC Comics Batgirl #41 raised controversy over the cover art. A hastag called “#ChangeTheCover” was used on Twitter over the weekend of March 14, 2015 to convince DC Comics to not print any issues of the comic with the cover.

History

In March of 2015, DC Comics revealed a Joker themed variant cover for issue number 41 of their most recent Batgirl comic story arc, which was drawn by artist Rafael Albuquerque. According to Albuquerque, the artwork was created as an homage to Alan Moore’s famous Joker centered graphic novel The Killing Joke (released in 1988). Controversy over the artwork soon erupted on websites such as Twitter, leading to a hashtag campaign called “#ChangeTheCover” in order to convince DC Comics to not print any issues with this specific cover art.

Concerns raised about the artwork came from groups who felt the artwork depicted a situation that comes dangerously close to depicting acts such as sexual assault, or that depicting Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) in such a vulnerable position made her look too similar to female victims of other violent acts. Artist Rafael Albuquerque asserted that the cover was not meant to depict such actions, but rather showcase the dark history between Batgirl/Barbara Gordon and The Joker. In an official statement, Albuquerque stated:

“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.”

However, despite affirming that the artwork was not created with the intent of depicting the acts raised by those who complained about the cover, the decision was ultimately made the following week to no longer publish any issues with the variant cover. Both Rafael Albuquerque and DC Comics released further statements on the decision:

Albuquerque:

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 Comics:

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 THEKILLINGJOKE 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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