Summary
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for From the DC Vault: Death in the Family - Robin Lives #1!Ever since I read Judd Winick’sBatman: Under the Red Hood, I’ve been utterly obsessed with the father-and-son relationship betweenRed HoodandBatman. Unfortunately, mainstream continuity has recently left me disappointed by stripping away the angst that made their dynamic so compelling. However, J. M. DeMatteis has revitalized Bruce and Jason’s relationship with a new series, reinstating the emotional intensity that first made me fall in love with their dynamic.
The fandom was in dire need of more good dad Bruce Wayne moments, and DeMatteis more than delivered.
In 1988, DC invited fans to vote on whether Jason Todd should live or die at the hands of the Joker in theA Death in the Familystoryline. Ultimately, fans voted for the second Robin to die. Fast forward to 2024, and DC is now exploring an alternate storyline of what would’ve happened if fans hadvoted for the second Robin to live.
This new narrative kicks off in J. M. DeMatteis, Rick Leonardi, and Rico Renzi’sFrom the DC Vault: Death in the Family—Robin Lives#1 and includes my new favorite example of Bruce Wayne being a good dad.
“I’m Never Letting Go”: DeMatteis’Death in the Family - Robin Lives#1 Made Me Ugly Cry
Death in the Family - Robin Lives#1sees Jason try to reaffirm his worthiness of being Robin to both himself and Bruce by pushing through his trauma and donning his Robin suit, despite not yet being fully recovered mentally and emotionally from the Joker’s near-fatal attack. This leads to an ill-advised confrontation with Scarecrow, who administers Fear Toxin, causing Jason to relive the Joker’s assault through hallucinations. Batman eventually arrives and brutally beats Scarecrow before turning to pick up his unconscious son, vowing,“I’m here, Robin. I’ve got you. And I promise—I’m never letting go.”
Paired with Leonardi and Renzi’s phenomenal artwork–which depictsthe Dark Knight cradling his son’s body against his chest as a single tear escapes from his cowl–this scene obliterated me emotionally. It’s such a heartwrenching moment that beautifully showcases Bruce’s love for his son in a way that feels both in character and believable. It was everything I needed from the Batman and Jason Todd dynamic while also delivering what the duo deserved, capturing Bruce’s paternal side and confirming that he sees Jason as more than just a “good soldier.” The fandom was in dire need ofmore good dad Bruce Wayne moments, and DeMatteis more than delivered.
I am confident DeMatteis will continue exploring Jason Todd and Batman’s relationship with the same emotional complexity and character development as Judd Winick’sBatman: Under the Red Hood.
Death in the Family - Robin Lives#1 Has Done What Recent Mainstream Continuity Has Failed to Accomplish
As mentioned earlier,I’ve been disappointed with how DC has recently portrayed Jason and Bruce’s relationship in mainstream continuity. While the two have officiallyreconciled in the ongoingBatmanrunafter nearly two decades of conflict, the reconciliation left me unsatisfied. It felt flat and forced, and portrayed Jason in a manner that seemed completely out of character. Instead of the passionate, strong-willed, yet hurting anti-hero I know, I was presented with a happy-go-lucky Red Hood who appeared to forgive the longstanding tension with Bruce out of the blue.
In contrast, DeMatteis’Death in the Family - Robin Livesis delivering everything I’ve ever desired from the Batman and Jason Todd relationship. It portrays a dynamic that is far from perfect, yet undeniably solidifies Bruce’s love for his son despite their flaws. DeMatteis strikes a perfect balance between angst and familial emotions, making this portrayal one of my favorites of their relationship. I eagerly anticipate where he will take the story next and am confident he will continue exploringJason ToddandBatman’srelationship with the same emotional complexity and character development as Judd Winick’sBatman: Under the Red Hood.
From the DC Vault: Death in the Family - Robin Lives #1is available now from DC Comics!
FROM THE DC VAULT: DEATH IN THE FAMILY - ROBIN LIVES #1 (2024)
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
Red Hood
Jason Todd is a complex figure known for his tumultuous journey as Batman’s second Robin. Initially impulsive and rebellious, he’s resurrected after a tragic death, becoming the vigilante Red Hood. Armed with intense combat skills and a moral ambiguity, he challenges Batman’s methods, navigating a path between heroism and anti-heroism in Gotham’s unforgiving streets.
