The Batgirl Variant Cover Controversy stems from the 2015 announcement of a variant cover for Batgirl #41 by artist Rafael Albuquerque. The artwork, which referenced the psychological trauma of 'The Killing Joke,' depicted a crying Batgirl being held by a menacing Joker. The image sparked a massive divide in the comic community; some critics viewed it as a regression for the character and a glorification of sexual violence, while others defended it as a powerful piece of dark art. Following the backlash and the #ChangeTheCover campaign, Albuquerque himself requested that DC Comics withdraw the cover to maintain the inclusive spirit of the Batgirl series. Today, the image is frequently used as a template to discuss topics ranging from artistic censorship to the clash between different eras of comic book storytelling.