For those out of the loop, DC Comics is preparing variant covers for its June 2015 cover-dated books. The theme is The Joker, or more specifically, I believe, celebrating his 75th Anniversary as a character.

On last Friday, DC issued images of the upcoming variants for each of the books being published (or cover-dated) that month. Rafael Albuquerque was commissioned to draw the variant for Batgirl #41.

This is the image he created and what DC solicited last Friday:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/imgsrv/imglib/0/0/1/BG-Cv41-Joker-variant-solicitation-88c4e-31e8d.jpg

Welp, the Internet erupted.

There's been a social media campaign to get rid of the cover (#changethecover) due to its depiction of the book's heroine as a victim. This is especially in light of the most recent "rebooted" tone of the book which depicts a modern-day, vibrant, assertive female hero. Those on this side argue that it's tonally different than the current direction of the book, that this variant and the original story it references ("The Killing Joke") has some sexual assault connotations, and that other covers show The Joker in a fun light. Among other arguments.

There's also been support for the variant cover image as it specifically references (e.g., Joker's outfit in the image, the gun) the most iconic interaction between Batgirl and The Joker, "The Killing Joke" graphic novel, in which The Joker shoots and seriously wounds (paralyzing) Batgirl/Barbara Gordon. Those on this side argue against censorship, the limited supply of variant covers making this cover less visible had a campaign not been started, and that the variants are to speak to The Joker's history. Among other arguments.

Per the cover artist (Albuquerque), apparently, death threats were made against those calling for the cover's recall, not to him. Presumably, this was via social media, though nothing concrete has surfaced online that I've seen. Consequently, Albuquerque encouraged DC to pull the cover.

On this past Monday, three days later, DC decided to pull the variant cover.

The book's current creators also voiced their displeasure with the cover and noted they had no creative input into the variant. Which is the norm, I believe.

Here's direct quotes from Albuquerque and DC's official statement: http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/dc-comics-cancels-batgirl-joker-variant-at-artists-request

So, what's PTP think?