In 1988, writer Alan Moore created one of DC's most lauded graphic novels, "Batman: The Killing Joke." The book contains an origin story for the Joker, and also presents dark themes of madness and morality. Warner Bros. Animation commissioned a feature to be made based on the Moore graphic novel, and the movie was released in 2016.
While writer Brian Azzarello stuck to the source material for much of the script, there were also plenty of original inventions used to stretch out "Batman: The Killing Joke" to fit a feature runtime. That material included an additional subplot and more character development for Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl (voiced by Tara Strong). However, both fans and critics were disapproving of the movie's first half, and one scene in particular caused outrage among viewers.
The first half of "Batman: The Killing Joke" focuses on Barbara –- specifically, her relationship with Bruce Wayne, aka Batman (Kevin Conroy). Tension arises between the two when Batman attempts to take Batgirl off of a dangerous case, but Batgirl refuses. Their quarrel culminates in the two of them having sex on a rooftop in Gotham City.
Though the scene itself is not in any way graphic, it nonetheless was viewed as problematic. IGN reviewer Jesse Schedeen summed up a shared opinion of many, stating, "The creep factor comes from the fact that Batgirl has such a clearly subordinate relationship to Batman. He's the seasoned veteran and mentor. She's the newbie pupil. That Batman would take advantage of that relationship reflects very poorly on him as a superhero."
