Not that there couldn't be an instance where I would side with an artist for wanting a commissioned work removed. But in this particular instance, I disagree.

The artist, Albuquerque, told CBR, "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 full quote is here: http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/dc-comics-cancels-batgirl-joker-variant-at-artists-request

If the only reason he requested it be pulled is because a group of people were hurt or upset at the solicited image...well, that's an incredibly slippery slope in my opinion. If that's the barometer for being able to pull a comic book cover – particularly in the present social media age, where opinions can receive an unprecedented amount of attention – I don't think that bodes well for the future.

There's absolutely no way to control or even measure what's hurtful or upsetting to (segments of) an audience in a medium where the art and dialogue run the gamut of the human experience (even in light of many being superhumans). Then there's the argument of how much audience hurt/upset is acceptable?

I do think (personal morals injected here) that DC does have a responsibility to be tasteful, particularly with respect to comic covers, as it's the first thing seen by a consumer. But, as I stated above, within the context in which the cover's presented, I think it's fine.

Again, I'm not advocating violence against women and, again, I think this is a healthy and needed conversation to be had within this industry.

While I respect DC for not wanting to encourage the proliferation of death threats or violence (however weak they might have been), I disagree with DC deciding to pull it based off of Albuquerque's reasoning.

And as I said, there may very well be an instance where I would side with an artist for wanting a commissioned work removed, but not in this instance.