Did you guys see the variant cover for "Batgirl" #41? Well guess what?! It will not be published by DC Comics I learned yesterday. What I found even more crazy but I guess a bit understandable was that the request to pull it was from the cover's artist, Rafael Albuquerque.
"My intention was never to hurt or upset anyone through my art," Albuquerque, the acclaimed artist of "American Vampire," said in a statement. "For that reason, I have recommended to DC that the variant cover be pulled."
DUDE WHY?
I don't think the cover should have been pulled AT ALL. We can agree to disagree on this. Here are a few general reasons why.
1) Rafael Albuquerque is an artist! He's an expressive person and should conserve the right to be creative as he wishes. He's talented and that's why he got hired to begin with.
2) They're fictional characters!!! The Joker is an evil one at that! How about way worse things that go on in books, TV, movies and all sorts of places that are way more violent towards women than this?
3) I actually think it fits really well with the story line from the 1988 story "Batman: The Killing Joke". I think he did a good job paying homage.
4) This can start an ugly trend in the Comic Book industry. Will people start a social media campaign every time a cover slightly offends them? Will more covers/variants get pulled? I feel like this open up a can of worms.
The variant was inspired from Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's popular 1988 story "Batman: The Killing Joke," in which Barbara Gordon/Batgirl was shot and paralyzed by the Joker. It was always insinuated that the character was also sexually assaulted... but never confirmed.
The hashtag #changethecover was very active on Twitter and Tumblr asking DC to not release the variant. Then threats and all sorts of craziness started floating around the internet of course.
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
Xx Nubia
