article_snippet: one comic book cover recalls Barbara "Batgirl" Gordon's encounter with the Joker in the classic story "The Killing Joke.
article_snippet: In it, Barbara "Batgirl" Gordon's brutally attacked Barbara, kidnapping Barbara, and it was heavily implied that Barbara was sexually assaulted.
article_snippet: After being shot, the character remained in a wheelchair for decades, until DC retconned Barbara's fate in 2011, allowing Barbara to walk again and be Batgirl.
article_snippet: Regardless if fans like Rafael Albuquerquehomage 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," threats of violence and harassment said.
article_snippet: "threats of violence and harassment stand by threats of violence and harassment creative talent, and per Rafael's request, DC Comics will not publish the Batgirl variant.
article_snippet: " artist Rafael Albuquerque said in artist Rafael Albuquerque , "My Batgirl variant cover artwork was designed to pay homage to a comic that I really admire, and I know is a favorite of many readers. '
article_snippet: The Killing Joke' is part of Batgirl's canon and artistically, I couldn't avoid portraying the traumatic relationship between Barbara Gordon and the Joker.
article_snippet: " artist Rafael Albuquerque added in a tweet on Monday night that he was never threatened (the "threats" DC referenced were aimed at those objecting to the variant cover, per "Batgirl" writer Cameron Stewart).
article_snippet: It was just the latest brouhaha involving portrayals of women in comic books and variant covers in particular.
highlights_snippet: Comic book portraying character with Joker makeup and gun to her head has stirred controversy .
  
highlights_snippet: DC Comics says the scene recalls a memorable moment in Batgirl's canon .