5 DC Comics Covers Too Controversial to Publish

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DC Comics is famous for having some of the most memorable and influential comic book covers ever created. While many are classics – like Superman’s first appearance in Action Comics #1, the Justice League battling Starro in The Brave and the Bold #28, and the controversial depiction of Roy Harper’s struggles in Green Lantern #85 – it’s surprising to learn that some of the most impactful cover ideas never actually made it to print.

Because comic book companies now directly promote to fans, cover art is often revealed months before comics are released. This gives fans time to talk about the artwork – both the main covers and any alternate versions – and especially to discuss anything that feels problematic. Sometimes, covers feature female characters in an overly sexual way or are insensitive to important cultural topics. This has resulted in several covers being altered or completely removed before the comic even came out. Here are 5 DC Comics covers that were never published for various reasons.

5. Action Comics #1069

Artist Francesco Mattina has created many variant covers for DC Comics, but he faced criticism about two years ago. Fans noticed strange details in his artwork, including a variant cover for Action Comics #1069. While it seemed normal at first, observant fans realized Superman’s shield had an extra curve at the bottom. Many believed this was caused by the use of artificial intelligence, and similar errors appeared in other pieces by Mattina, raising concerns. As a result, DC Comics removed the variant cover and cancelled all future covers planned with Mattina.

4. Catwoman #0

For a long time, comic books have often featured female characters in overly sexualized ways. A prime example is a cover planned for Catwoman #0 during the New 52 period. It showed Catwoman in an exaggerated pose designed to emphasize her curves. This was particularly problematic because it happened when fans were already criticizing the common practice of posing female characters unnaturally – often called the ‘brokeback’ position – to maximize their appeal. Interestingly, this cover was revised before it was released, giving Selina Kyle a more realistic figure and covering up her cleavage.

3. Heroes in Crisis #7

As a big comic book and movie fan, I remember being really upset when the cover for Heroes in Crisis #7 was revealed. Poison Ivy had already been sexualized in other artwork, but this was just too much. It showed her dead, lying on the ground in a really provocative pose – it was like they were focusing on her body instead of honoring her character. She was posed with her hips raised and cleavage visible, and even drawing a symbol in blood! The fan reaction was immediate and fierce – social media exploded with criticism. DC tried to fix it with shadows, but ultimately, they decided to scrap the cover entirely, and honestly, it was the right call. It just felt disrespectful and unnecessary.

2. The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #1

As a big movie fan, I always find it interesting when directors step outside their usual roles. So, when Andy Muschietti – who I really admire – did a cover for The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #1, I was pretty excited. It was a cool idea, but the cover itself… well, it showed the Flash running through the city completely naked while simultaneously putting on his suit at super-speed. Now, this came out right when the 2023 Flash movie was already facing a ton of bad press due to the serious accusations against its star, Ezra Miller – things like assault and kidnapping. Honestly, the timing was just awful. It felt really insensitive given everything that was happening, and DC quietly decided to pull the cover altogether. It’s a shame, because the artwork itself was striking, but the context just didn’t work.

1. Batgirl #41

One of the most famous examples of DC Comics withdrawing a comic book cover happened with Batgirl #41. Artist Rafael Albuquerque created a cover depicting Barbara Gordon, as Batgirl, looking frightened next to the Joker, who was drawing a bloody smile on her face. Many fans were upset, feeling the image downplayed the serious trauma Barbara had experienced due to the Joker. Ultimately, Albuquerque requested the cover be cancelled, and it was never released. Despite the controversy, it was positive to see an artist respond to fan concerns and handle the situation professionally.

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2026-02-11 23:44