For its upcoming cover story "Moment of Joy," The New Yorker released the cover art early Friday morning: an image of Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street, snuggling on a couch and watching what appears to be the Supreme Court on television. This comes just days after the Supreme Court's overturning of DOMA on a 5-4 vote.
Artist Jack Hunter originally submitted his work to Blown Covers, a Tumblr full of "New Yorker covers you were never meant to see." The website is currently down, but here's the Way Back Machine link.
There's long been speculation about the nature of the friendship between Bert and Ernie. Whether the artist is suggesting a romantic relationship -- or just using iconic children's characters to make a statement -- is still unclear.
Twitter exploded with a variety of positive and negative responses after the cover art was released:
The upcoming cover of the @NewYorker is adorable "Bert & Ernies moment of joy" http://t.co/9K679m6w6c— Laura Austin (@LAismylady) June 28, 2013
The Bert and Ernie New Yorker cover is fantastic. Definitely a fan.
— Staci (@staceave) June 28, 2013
Love this Image,it embodies the human condition of Same-Sex #relationships and has genuine, real #emotion. #NewYorker pic.twitter.com/lvtihnVjTl
— Gabriel Givens (@GDGivens) June 28, 2013
This is the most awesome cover of the @NewYorker ever. http://t.co/kWey5RAPzO #bertandernie #gaymarriage
— Darcy (@jenakingsley) June 28, 2013
Well done, The New Yorker.
— Lord Julius (@crazyyears) June 28, 2013
LOVE THIS!! Bert and Ernie celebrating gay marriage on the cover of The New-yorker,♥ #pride #love #equality #marriage http://t.co/FNdKNxLDIY
— Bex Hornby (@Bex_Hornby) June 28, 2013
My heart goes out to those distressed by the Bert & Ernie New Yorker cover. And then comes back, laughing hysterically.
— paul bassett davies (@thewritertype) June 28, 2013
And then the negative
So disappointed in the @NewYorker for that cover photo. Children's cartoons were and never have been about sexuality, be it gay or straight.
— Rob Pyatt (@RobPyatt2312) June 28, 2013
Fuck that New Yorker cover, basically.
— Tyler Coates (@tylercoates) June 28, 2013
Does it make me a homophobe that I am pissed about the "gay marriage" New Yorker cover with Bert & Ernie?
— Dan Gillotte (@dangillotte) June 28, 2013
What did you think of the cover? Let us know in the comments section.