Is This Batgirl Cover Too Offensive?

DC Comics has pulled the cover of an upcoming issue of Batgirl because many have deemed it insensitive and offensive. What do you think?

A little background for those who might not know the history of The Joker and Batgirl:

In the legendary 1988 Batman comic The Killing Joke, written by iconic and influential comic author Alan Moore, The Joker attacks Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) to the extent of permanently disabling her. It has also been long-speculated that he sexually assaulted her, although that's not explicitly depicted in the comic.

With that context, the planned new cover for an upcoming issue of the Batgirl title--which is part of a DC-brand-wide "Joker month"--has really, really upset some people:

So much so that #ChangeTheCover became a trending topic on Twitter and DC decided to pull the cover.

Here's what some people in the comic world are saying:

The cover is certainly not without its defenders:

Here's the response from the artist himself, Rafa 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. '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.
For me, it was just a creepy cover that brought up something from the character’s past that I was able to interpret artistically. But it has become clear, that for others, it touched a very important nerve. I respect these opinions and, despite whether the discussion is right or wrong, no opinion should be discredited.

My intention was never to hurt or upset anyone through my art. For that reason, I have recommended to DC that the variant cover be pulled. I'm incredibly pleased that DC Comics is listening to my concerns and will not be publishing the cover art in June as previously announced.

With all due respect,

Rafa

So, what do you think? Incredibly insensitive and misogynistic? Or are people in an uproar over nothing?