Books DC Batgirl Cover Pulled...

unlurking · 03-19-2015, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC

DC Comics (owned by Time Warner, which also owns CNN) said in a statement late Monday that artist Rafael Albuquerque's cover was going to be pulled.

"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," they said.

ummm, wut?

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/17/entert...led/index.html

tomahawk kid · 03-19-2015, 07:34 AM

Yeah - I own an original copy of the Killing Joke, and read it before I probably should have (from an age perspective).

At the time (believe I was like 4-5 grade), it was the most disturbing thing I'd read / seen up until that point.

This cover is definitely pays homage to that storyline and the events that happened in said graphic novel. To me, its all the way in which this version is marketed.

The original Killing Joke shouldn't have been marketed to kids (and I don't know that it was) - but I bought one at a Comic Convention with little to no issue. I just thought, "Sweet - another Batman / Joker Annual!". The vendor happily took my money.

If this version of the cover isn't put out on newstands or racks where kids can easily access it - then I don't really see the issue.

**hometeam** · 03-19-2015, 07:53 AM

This PC shit makes me sick.

Bunch of ****ing pussies this country has turned into.

Just because something is offensive to some person or group doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.

Sure-Oz · 03-19-2015, 11:12 AM

So would've it been a better cover if she looks pissed instead of crying or scared? Its an optional cover...don't see the big deal

Sure-Oz · 03-19-2015, 11:22 AM

http://www.toplessrobot.com/2015/03/...over_was_t.php

Never read killing joke but this article feels the pulled cover is necessary for 8 reasons.

DaveNull · 03-19-2015, 11:35 AM

I can see both perspectives. Batgirl has been one of the more progressive comics in terms of doing away with typical heroines in spandex and high heels and taking a more grounded approach. I don't think the tone of the book matches this variant cover.

ModSocks · 03-19-2015, 11:37 AM

Anyone else turned on by the book cover?

kcxiv · 03-19-2015, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hometeam

This PC shit makes me sick.

Bunch of ****ing pussies this country has turned into.

Just because something is offensive to some person or group doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.

same here man! Growing up in the 80's and 90's everyone said everythign and no one got offended. At least they seemed not too. I know the way my friends and i joked around back then is so different, if we did that now as a kid, we would be considered a POS and if it ever got to somethign like youtube, that shit would get on twitter trending about how bad of people we are! lol

Fish · 03-19-2015, 01:51 PM

The Killing Joke:

keg in kc · 03-19-2015, 02:10 PM

Pulling covers in this day and age is kind of pointless, an empty gesture since it lives forever in social media. They get more press now than ever for it. Go marketing.

I get the connection to the original cover but I also understand the perspective of those who think it's torture porn that undermines the character's recent growth. There's probably a good middle ground in there somewhere.

DaveNull · 03-19-2015, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hometeam

This PC shit makes me sick.

Bunch of ****ing pussies this country has turned into.

Just because something is offensive to some person or group doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.

Of course you could also take the cynical view that once anyone said anything negative about it, DC snatched the PR opportunity and ran with it.

I've had more than one muggle ask me what I though about the situation today.

**The Franchise** · 03-19-2015, 02:12 PM

What is the current tonality of the new Batgirl books?

Jamie · 03-19-2015, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

So would've it been a better cover if she looks pissed instead of crying or scared?

Actually, yeah. Could you imagine ever seeing a cover like that with a male superhero? Like if it was Batman and Bane, or Superman and Doomsday?

unlurking · 03-19-2015, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie

Actually, yeah. Could you imagine ever seeing a cover like that with a male superhero? Like if it was Batman and Bane, or Superman and Doomsday?

unlurking · 03-19-2015, 04:29 PM

I completely understand the fact that Batgirl has changed focus, and is now targeted at young females. I understand that the variant doesn't fit that new focus. Nothing wrong with that. I just don't understand the response this got (especially since it is a variant cover) and the response from DC. Just thought it was strange.

03-19-2015, 07:34 AM	#2
tomahawk kid Drunk in the Neighborhood Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Beating the War Drums Casino cash: $10001837	Yeah - I own an original copy of the Killing Joke, and read it before I probably should have (from an age perspective). At the time (believe I was like 4-5 grade), it was the most disturbing thing I'd read / seen up until that point. This cover is definitely pays homage to that storyline and the events that happened in said graphic novel. To me, its all the way in which this version is marketed. The original Killing Joke shouldn't have been marketed to kids (and I don't know that it was) - but I bought one at a Comic Convention with little to no issue. I just thought, "Sweet - another Batman / Joker Annual!". The vendor happily took my money. If this version of the cover isn't put out on newstands or racks where kids can easily access it - then I don't really see the issue.
Posts: 5,974

03-19-2015, 07:53 AM	#3
hometeam Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Casino cash: $4141956	This PC shit makes me sick. Bunch of ****ing pussies this country has turned into. Just because something is offensive to some person or group doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.
Posts: 10,636

03-19-2015, 11:35 AM	#6
DaveNull Veteran Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Villa Straylight Casino cash: $10005610	I can see both perspectives. Batgirl has been one of the more progressive comics in terms of doing away with typical heroines in spandex and high heels and taking a more grounded approach. I don't think the tone of the book matches this variant cover.
Posts: 2,367

03-19-2015, 11:37 AM	#7
ModSocks Needs more middle fingers Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $4304563	Anyone else turned on by the book cover? __________________ It's O'side or No side, baby.
Posts: 64,254

03-19-2015, 01:51 PM	#9
Fish Ain't no relax! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2308919	The Killing Joke: __________________
Posts: 47,488

03-19-2015, 02:10 PM	#10
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	Pulling covers in this day and age is kind of pointless, an empty gesture since it lives forever in social media. They get more press now than ever for it. Go marketing. I get the connection to the original cover but I also understand the perspective of those who think it's torture porn that undermines the character's recent growth. There's probably a good middle ground in there somewhere.
Posts: 58,682

03-19-2015, 02:12 PM	#12
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $3135047	What is the current tonality of the new Batgirl books?
Posts: 92,018

03-19-2015, 04:29 PM	#15
unlurking MVP Join Date: Aug 2003 Casino cash: $7737309	I completely understand the fact that Batgirl has changed focus, and is now targeted at young females. I understand that the variant doesn't fit that new focus. Nothing wrong with that. I just don't understand the response this got (especially since it is a variant cover) and the response from DC. Just thought it was strange. __________________
Posts: 10,620