Is This Gratuitous?: Astonishing X-Men #21 Variant Cover

Astonishing X-Men #21 variant cover
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

This cover was brought to my attention by the friendly folks at the local comic shop. The general consensus there is that this cover, while more sedate then most, is a tad bit gratuitous.

Why, you may ask?

The very naughty/evil expression.

The tilt of her hip and posture.

The outfit in and of itself though she has worn less.

In the minds of my local joes, this cover is begging you to buy it because sex sells.

What do you think? Is this gratuitous?