On social media, the outrage machine flared up almost as soon as the cover was released. Some claimed that the image invoked sexual violence against women (saying that it can be inferred that the Joker raped Barbara in the Killing Joke, or at the very least the fact that he still took photos of her after she'd been shot was violation enough). Others objected to the fact that the image reduced Barbara to a cowering damsel in distress.
Still others objected to the image on the basis that, even as a variant, it was inappropriate for a book aimed at younger readers. The first two objections aside (I'm not looking to debate either of those points here), it was this third objection that stood out. Batgirl had made waves a few months prior with a major reboot, giving the character a new costume, new local, drastically altered personality, and a new style in art and writing.
Social media embraced the new outfit before the book premiered. Articles championed the changes as appealing to less traditional comic book readers, and specifically appealing to younger female readers. Writer Cameron Stewart proclaimed on social media that he hadn't heard a single valid criticism about his new take on the character. Outside the comic book readership, the world seemed to welcome this new Batgirl with open arms.
But among comic book readers, it wasn't quite the same reception.
