Batman #108 Variant 

This is Stanley Artgerm Lau’s variant cover for Batman #108. In it we see a character who is both a contemporary young woman and an archetype of comic book lore. The woman’s clothing and style is a mix of bright contemporary fashion and recognizable counter-cultural fashion. She is presented in a way that challenges traditional gender norms. Her shaved haircut, coupled with vivid makeup and a distinctive fashion sense, create a juxtaposition that defies easy categorization. She embodies a spirit of individual expression, while also reminding us that this is still a hyper-sexualized and commodified image. The comic book industry has, after all, long had a complicated relationship with female representation. The character's appearance and attitude capture the complex tensions between empowerment, objectification, and self-expression, and reminds us to remain vigilant towards how pop culture shapes societal perceptions.