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DC Comics cancels controversial Joker cover variant for Batgirl comic
They say a picture paints a thousand words… And sometimes even a well-meaning homage can stir up quite the controversy when it stirrs up an audience.
Following their announcement and release of “Joker” themed variants for the month of June, DC Comics has decided to cancel the cover variant to “Batgirl #41” at the request of its artist, Rafael Albuquerque, according to Comic Book Resources.
The cover in question pays tribute to Alam Moore and Brian Bolland’s 1988 masterpiece “Batman: The Killing Joke”, where The Dark Knight’s greatest nemesis makes a statement to him and his allies like never before. Depicting a very traumatized looking Batgirl/ Barbara Gordon beside The Clown Prince of Crime, the variant has garnered some strong criticism and feedback from the fanbase.
Albuquerque released a press statement explaining his request for cancelation:
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 Comics complied and also issued a press release of its own:
With all due respect,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
Reimagined for the social media and modern age with a brand new “hipster” yet functional costume to boot, the new Batgirl is under the creative team of writers Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher, with superb artwork supplied by artist Babs Tarr. The Joker cover drawn by Albuquerque follows a monthly theme trend that DC started last year, with The Clown Prince of Crime getting all the attention for June when the publisher returns to its regular title schedule following the two-month crossover event known as Convergence. — TJD, GMA News
