About that New 52 Batgirl Variant Cover

I tried not to comment about this but of course, I failed in avoiding the comments section. It saddens me that some people cannot do better but express their opinion by calling others names. I prefer to let others know what I think in hopes that maybe they'll see another perspective. I'm not expecting anyone to change their opinion but here's mine.

From a marketing perspective

In an article from Bloody Disgusting, Zac Thompson argues that while "variant covers are for avid fans", this particular one is "tonally inconsistent and it's not very empowering". The New 52 Batgirl is just simply not for the people who were fans of the Joker or The Killing Joke. New 52 Batgirl variants should be for Batgirl fans and therefore should have a cover presenting how much of a strong character Batgirl is.

I don't buy the whole "this cover shows her suffering and how she overcame it". No. It doesn't show how she overcame it. To me, it looks like she's completely dominated by the Joker that there is nothing left for her to do but tear up and fear for her life. The emotions are captured so well that I could feel the fear in her eyes and I, as a woman, imagine myself in her situation and feel for myself too. Is that empowerment? I don't think so.

I'm not being conservative. One of my favorite movies is The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. Heck, I love David Fincher movies. But do we see any movie posters depicting how violent those movies are? I haven't. For Lisbeth Salander of Dragon Tattoo, *SPOILERS* she was sexually assaulted as well. Raped, to be blunt. Despite the recurring moments in the book and movie about how she was repeatedly taken advantaged of, the promos and ads made for the movie, depicted her as the independent, self-sufficient person that she is.

I admit that I might be missing a reference but what reference is the cover really trying to make? If we're talking about the part that Joker sexually assaulted Batgirl, then it was successful. But is that really what Batgirl is about? This New 52 Batgirl, specifically. Like I said, I don't think that the series is for the veterans. Nor was it for people who are completely okay with girls getting sexually abused as long as they move on from it. The title was recreated to have a youthful tone and attempts to get away from the sexist and obscene nature of comic books. Just like Rich Johnston from Bleeding Cool argued, by the end of the day, the real problem is that it disrespected the reboot itself.

I also understand that this is a variant cover and that only "real" fans will be interested in it. Aside from the fact that the New 52 Batgirl is not really for the veteran fans, the comic industry is still...well, an industry. I understand that it's humiliating to have all these references dumbed down for newer audiences when some people spent their lives becoming an expert on it. But then again, an industry cannot solely depend on their existing fanbase. They have to keep expanding. That's just the way businesses work. And if all these veteran fans feel left out with all these reboots and new comics coming out, then welcome to the story of our lives. For once, this industry is trying to cater to newer audiences. For once, we're the ones who don't feel so left out.

Bottom line is, they created the New 52 to attract new audiences. The decision not to release this cover is not because they are weak. In fact, I think it's the opposite. They are sticking to their game plan of catering to newer audiences by creating a comic with an upbeat tone. And since this cover violates that goal, it's no good. It was simply, the wrong cover for the series.


From a personal, as-a-human-being, perspective

Whenever I form an opinion on something, I start with putting myself in the shoes of the other side. I understand why the hardcore fans are so enraged that this cover that referenced The Killing Joke they know so well didn't make it to the shelves. Yeah, it was a nicely drawn cover. Sure, it might have been a really amazing homage to The Killing Joke. But I wonder if they have put themselves in the shoes of the people who felt uncomfortable with it?

And for those who argue that pulling out this cover is "censorship", I wonder if it ever crossed their minds that by NOT pulling out this cover, they are censoring the people who are asking others to be sensitive of such issues. The artist of the cover, Rafael Albuquerque said it best himself that "Freedom of expression cannot be limited only to what you like or want. Freedom must come with responsibility." I'm sorry to those who wanted to own this cover but that's just the way it is. Sometimes you get what you want. Sometimes you don't.

I think, the best way to think about this is to put yourself in it. Or someone you know. Maybe your daughter or your niece. If not, then reverse the whole thing. Let's have a middle-aged woman in the place of the Joker threatening the life of a young boy. Of your son, or nephew, or little brother. I, for sure, can already taste something unpleasant in my mouth.

So what now?

I totally agree with Teresa Jusino of The Mary Sue about how this particular cover is the one way to portray Batgirl's past with the Joker without suggesting the horrendous things he has done to her.

In this cover, Batgirl isn't threatened. She's fighting back. She's not crying for her dear life. She is erasing Joker's print on her and putting that away to confidently don the cape and responsibility of being a superheroine.

As for Rafael Albuquerque, the artist of the controversial cover, I respect him with all my heart. I am extremely grateful that he had the heart and mind to understand why some people didn't like the cover. I also admire him for being able to put away this cover. I think it shows his confidence that he's not a one trick pony. If he was able to create an amazing cover for Joker fans, then he can certainly do so as well for Batgirl fans.