The variant cover art for comic book Batgirl issue #41 has been a controversial one. As a result, DC Comics will not be publishing the cover at the request of artist Rafael Albuquerque.
The artist said
“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.”
The variant cover art hit the public on Friday which was part of a broader Joker variant set (of 25 images) which was set for a release in the month of June.
The inspiration behind the cover designed by Albuquerque was from the classic 1988 story Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. This famous 1988 story was centered around the Joker capturing Barbra Gordon (Batgirl), shooting and paralyzing her from the waste down. It has also been suggested/talked about that she was also sexually assaulted but this has never been officially confirmed.
The variant cover hit quickly became the subject of criticism because it drew focus on a dark period in the life of the character. Given the new direction in recent times under the creative team of co-writers Cameron Stewart & Brenden Fletcher and artist Babs Tarr, there were a host of sites on the internet that kick started small campaigns asking DC Comics to not publish it. The hashtag #changethecover was used throughout the campaigns.
The official statements from both DC Entertainment and Rafael Albuquerque are as follows:
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
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
Source: CBR
