DC Comics Cancels Joker Batgirl Variant
DC Comics has canceled the planned Joker Batgirl variant cover at artist Rafael Albuquerque’s request according to CBR news and a statement released from both Albuquerque & DC Comics.
More from Comics
- X-Men: 6 reasons why Marvel’s mutants are the best superhero team
- Harley Quinn renewed for a fifth season on Max (and it’s well-deserved)
- Marvel Comics announces seven important X-Men comic books
- The X-Men were betrayed by Captain America in Uncanny Avengers
- Spider-Man: Miles and Peter team-up for their first ongoing series
Though the image was supposed to be an homage to the classic “Killing Joke” storyline in which Joker’s origin is explored (and Batgirl is crippled and brutalized), but many were offended and critical of the violent imagery depicted in the image, especially in light of Batgirl’s current light-hearted direction. Albuquerque requested that the cover be canceled.
"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."
DC Comics also released a statement about the cover stating that they found it “inconsistent with the current tonality of the Batgirl books”.
Admittedly I mostly saw it as an homage, but I certainly respect DC & the artist’s decision to cancel the variant rather than offend a bunch of people.
More from Bam Smack Pow
- The Expanse: Every character ranked from worst to best
- James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy casts more major DC characters
- New Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom trailer pushes Arthur to his limits
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters episodes 1 and 2 review: Aftermath
- 7 actors who could replace Ezra Miller as The Flash in the DC Universe
We want to hear from you! Leave us your thoughts and opinions in the comments! Want more Batman? Download the Fansided app for more Batman news! Don’t forget to like Caped Crusades on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
Really love Batman? Caped Crusades is always looking for volunteer writers! Leave us a comment, email an editor at chrisman_eric30@yahoo.com, and apply on Fansided.com