DC Comics is taking the alternate ending of Jason Todd living further with a new four-part series DC Vault: Death in the Family: Robin Lives!. Written by J.M. DeMatteis with art by Rick Leonardi, the four-issue series launches July 10th and is available in comic shops.
The news comes after the alternate ending to Batman #428, “A Death in the Family,” released in December 2023.
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“Continuing this classic, and controversial, story and following in the footsteps of Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo, two creators I greatly admire, has been both a challenge and a joy,” said DeMatteis.
“This is a great opportunity to tell a story that’s big on action, but also takes a very deep dive into the heads of our main characters as we ponder what would have happened if Jason Todd had survived The Joker’s brutal attack. And having a master like Rick Leonardi bringing it to life visually? I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
So what’s DC Vault: Death in the Family: Robin Lives! about?
In 1988, DC raised the revolutionary idea to let fans decide the fate of then-Robin Jason Todd by calling a 1-800 number and casting a vote. Originally, fans decided that Jason would pay the ultimate price at the hands of The Joker, but a new facsimile of the original Batman #428 was released in December of 2023, featuring an alternate ending in which Jason lives. Now, for the first time, readers will witness his plans for revenge against the Clown Prince of Crime.
Leonardi added: “I’m hoping this series will give readers a look down the path not chosen; a glimpse of the alternative to the original fallout from Batman #428. After people read it, maybe this choice made back in the day will seem vindicated, or maybe we’ll see that it was a poor choice after all.”
Check out the main cover by Leonardi, plus an open-to-buy variant cover by Mike Mignola along with an uncolored preview below.
For more on this news, read the press release below.
Following the seminal events of 1988’s original Batman #428 and 2023’s Batman #428 “fauxsimile” edition, featuring an alternate ending in which Jason Todd survives his brutal encounter with The Joker, DC is planning an all-new story that tells readers what happens to the ex-Robin during and after his recovery from nearly being killed by the Clown Prince of Crime.
On Wednesday, July 10, writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Rick Leonardi add an all-new chapter to this iconic story when From the DC Vault: Death in the Family: Robin Lives! #1 arrives at participating comic book shops and digital retailers.
In 1988, DC raised the revolutionary idea to let fans decide the fate of then-Robin Jason Todd by calling a 1-800 number and casting a vote. Originally, fans decided that Jason would pay the ultimate price at the hands of The Joker, but a new facsimile of the original Batman #428 was released in December of 2023, featuring an alternate ending in which Jason lives. Now, for the first time, readers will witness his plans for revenge against the Clown Prince of Crime.
“Continuing this classic, and controversial, story and following in the footsteps of Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo, two creators I greatly admire, has been both a challenge and a joy,” said DeMatteis. “This is a great opportunity to tell a story that’s big on action, but also takes a very deep dive into the heads of our main characters as we ponder what would have happened if Jason Todd had survived The Joker’s brutal attack. And having a master like Rick Leonardi bringing it to life visually? I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Leonardi added: “I’m hoping this series will give readers a look down the path not chosen; a glimpse of the alternative to the original fallout from Batman #428. After people read it, maybe this choice made back in the day will seem vindicated, or maybe we’ll see that it was a poor choice after all.”
From the DC Vault: Death in the Family: Robin Lives! #1 is available for preorder at participating comic book shops Friday, April 19, and features a main cover by Leonardi, plus an open-to-buy variant cover by Mike Mignola. Contact your local comic book shop for more details on availability and preordering.
Both the original Batman #428 and the “fauxsimile” edition, as well as the complete “Death in the Family” story, can be read through the DC UNIVERSE INFINITE digital subscription platform (DCUI). For more information and a free trial, visit the official DCUI website at www.dcuniverseinfinite.com. DCUI is not available in all countries and is not intended for children.
For the latest information on Jason Todd, The Joker, and Batman, follow @DCOfficial, @thedcnation, and @Batman on social media.
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