View source for A Death in the Family (comics)

{{Short description|1988 Batman comic book storyline}}
{{redirect|Batman: A Death in the Family|the animated adaptation|Batman: Death in the Family|the 2012–2013 storyline|Batman: Death of the Family}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Infobox comics story arc
|title          = A Death in the Family
|image          = Batman 428.jpg
|caption        = Cover of ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #428 (October 18, 1988)<br>Art by [[Mike Mignola]]
|alt            = The lifeless body of Jason Todd (Robin), covered in blood and wearing a tattered red, green, and yellow costume. The word "Batman" appears above with a bat-shaped logo, with the writer, penciler, and inker's names below. The DC Comics logo and CCA stamp appear on the left side, while the issue number, storyline title, and story teaser appear on the right.
|publisher      = [[DC Comics]]
| startmo       = August
| startyr       = 1988
| endmo         = November
| endyr         = 1988
|titles         = ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #426–429
|notable        = y
|main_char_team = {{plainlist|
* [[Batman]]
* [[Robin (character)|Robin]] ([[Jason Todd]])
* [[Joker (character)|Joker]]
* [[Superman]]}}
|writers        = [[Jim Starlin]]
|pencillers     = [[Jim Aparo]]
|inkers         = [[Mike DeCarlo]]
|letterers      = [[John Costanza]]
|editors        = [[Dennis O'Neil]]
|colorists      = [[Adrienne Roy]]
|TPB            = 2011 edition
|ISBN           = 1401232744
|The Deluxe Edition, Hardcover, 272 pages
 
ISBN: 9781779509178 cat
 = Batman
|sortkey        = Death In The Family
}}
"'''A Death in the Family'''" is a 1988 storyline in the [[American comic book]] ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'', published by [[DC Comics]]. It was written by [[Jim Starlin]] and [[Penciller|penciled]] by [[Jim Aparo]], with cover art by [[Mike Mignola]]. Serialized in ''Batman'' #426–429 from August to November 1988, "A Death in the Family" is considered one of the most important [[Batman]] stories for featuring the death of his sidekick [[Robin (character)|Robin]] at the hands of his archenemy, the [[Joker (character)|Joker]].

[[Jason Todd]], the second character to assume the Robin persona, was introduced in 1983 to replace [[Dick Grayson]], who was unavailable for use at the time. Jason became unpopular among readers after 1986, as writers began to characterize him as rebellious and impulsive, and Starlin advocated [[killing off|killing him off]]. Editor [[Dennis O'Neil]] was considering having Jason revamped or written out of ''Batman'' when he recalled a 1982 ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' sketch in which [[Eddie Murphy]] encouraged viewers to call the show if they wanted him to [[Larry the Lobster|boil a lobster on air]]. Inspired to orchestrate a similar stunt, DC set up a [[900 number]] voting system to allow fans to decide Jason's fate.

"A Death in the Family" begins when Batman relieves Jason of his crime-fighting duties. Jason travels to the [[Middle East]] to find his biological mother, but is kidnapped and tortured by the Joker. ''Batman'' #427 ends with the Joker blowing Jason up in a warehouse. Starlin and Aparo prepared two versions of the following issue: one that would be published if readers voted to have Jason survive, and another if he was to be killed. A narrow majority voted in favor of the latter, and ''Batman'' #428 features Batman discovering Jason's lifeless body in the warehouse ruins. The storyline ends when Batman and [[Superman]] stop the Joker from killing the [[United Nations General Assembly]]. The story was controversial and widely publicized; despite Jason's unpopularity, DC faced backlash for the decision to kill one of its most iconic characters.

Retrospective reviewers agreed with the decision to kill Jason and have ranked "A Death in the Family" among the best Batman stories, though its plot has been criticized as nonsensical and its depiction of the Middle East as [[Islamophobic]]. Jason's death had a lasting effect on Batman stories, with Batman's failure to save him pushing the comic book [[mythos]] in a darker direction. [[Tim Drake]] succeeded Jason as Robin in 1989, and Jason was resurrected as the [[Red Hood]] in the "[[Batman: Under the Hood|Under the Hood]]" (2004–2006) storyline. "A Death in the Family" remains a popular story among readers and has been reprinted in [[Trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]] form since its initial publication. Plot elements have been incorporated into Batman films, television series, and video games. An animated [[interactive video|interactive film]] adaptation, ''[[Batman: Death in the Family]]'', was released in 2020.

==Publication history==
===Background===
{{Quote box|quote=[The fans] {{em|did}} hate [Jason Todd]. I don't know if it was fan craziness—maybe they saw him as usurping Dick Grayson's position... It may be that something was working in the writers' minds, probably on a subconscious level. They made [Jason] a little bit more disagreeable than his predecessor had been. He did become unlikeable and that was not any doing of mine.|source=[[Dennis O'Neil]] on Jason Todd's unpopularity{{sfn|Pearson Uricchio|1991|p=18–32}}|width=30em|quoted=1}}
[[Robin (character)|Robin]], the adolescent sidekick of the [[DC Comics]] superhero [[Batman]], first appeared in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #38 in April 1940. He was introduced by [[Bob Kane]], [[Bill Finger]], and [[Jerry Robinson]] to give Batman a companion and increase his appeal to children.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=30}} The original Robin, [[Dick Grayson]], made regular appearances in Batman publications from 1940 until the early 1980s, when [[Marv Wolfman]] and [[George Pérez]] began including him in the ''[[New Teen Titans]]'' comics.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=124}} {{clarify|text=As this made Dick unavailable to the ''Batman'' comics|reason=why can't a character be in two comics at the same time?|date=October 2024}}, ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' writer [[Gerry Conway]] and artist [[Don Newton]] introduced [[Jason Todd]] in ''Batman'' #357 (March 1983).<ref name="Beat: OralHistory" /> Wolfman and Pérez had Dick set aside the Robin identity and become the independent superhero [[Nightwing]] in ''Teen Titans'', while Jason became Robin in the ''Batman'' family of comics.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory">{{cite web |last1=Grunenwald |first1=Joe |title=The Lives and Death of Jason Todd: An Oral History of The Second Robin and A Death in the Family |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-lives-and-death-of-jason-todd-an-oral-history-of-the-second-robin-and-a-death-in-the-family/ |website=[[Comics Beat|The Beat]] |access-date=June 10, 2021 |date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521120620/https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-lives-and-death-of-jason-todd-an-oral-history-of-the-second-robin-and-a-death-in-the-family/ |url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=126}}

Originally, Jason's [[origin story]] was virtually identical to Dick's; like Dick, Jason was depicted as the son of circus acrobats, who became Batman's sidekick after his parents were murdered.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=126}} [[Dennis O'Neil]], who wrote ''Batman'' and ''Detective Comics'' throughout the 1970s and became the Batman group editor in 1986, said that Conway and Newton {{nowrap|"[weren't]}} worried about creating a new character. I think they thought, 'We've got to have a Robin in the series so let's go with the tried and true. This Robin has worked for so many years, so let's do him again.{{'"}}{{sfn|Pearson Uricchio|1991|p=18–32}} Following the ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' (1985–1986) [[Crossover (fiction)|crossover]] event, which [[Reboot (fiction)|rebooted]] the [[DC Universe]],{{efn|The DC Universe is the [[shared universe]] that most of DC's comics, including those related to Batman, take place within.}} ''Batman'' writer [[Max Allan Collins]] was asked to reintroduce Jason.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> ''Batman'' #408 (June 1987) began a four-issue story by Collins and artist [[Chris Warner (comics)|Chris Warner]] that reimagined Jason as a street delinquent whom Batman attempts to reform.{{sfn|Thompson|1987|p=23-41}}

The revamped Jason was unpopular among readers, who disliked his rebellious, impulsive nature.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=147}} A scene in ''Batman'' #424 (June 1988) in which Jason seemingly breaks Batman's no-killing rule and lies about it was particularly controversial.<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp" /> After Collins quit over creative differences, writer [[Jim Starlin]] and penciler [[Jim Aparo]] took over ''Batman''.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> Starlin disliked Robin, as he found the concept of a crimefighter using a child as a sidekick ridiculous.<ref name="Universo: Starlin">{{cite web |title=Jim Starlin: A success written in the stars |url=https://universohq.com/english/jim-starlin-success-written-stars/ |website=Universo HQ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |date=March 3, 2001}}</ref> He initially avoided featuring Jason, but began to use him at the request of O'Neil. Starlin "decided to play on that dislike" in his stories.{{sfn|Franklin|2011|p=67-76}} By 1988, the ''Batman'' creative team knew Jason presented a problem that needed to be resolved.{{sfn|Pearson Uricchio|1991|p=18–32}}

===Development===
[[File:Jim Starlin 2008.jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Jim Starlin]] (pictured in 2008) proposed killing [[Robin (character)|Robin]] six months before he was asked to write "A Death in the Family".|alt=Jim Starlin, a bald man with a goatee wearing a purple shirt, sits at a table.]]

O'Neil decided that Jason either needed another personality revamp or to be written out of ''Batman''.<ref name="13th: GettingRid">{{cite web |last1=Greenfield |first1=Dan |title=Denny O'Neil: Getting Rid of Robin - Twice |url=https://13thdimension.com/denny-oneil-getting-rid-of-robin-twice/ |website=13th Dimension |date=December 20, 2014 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204341/https://13thdimension.com/denny-oneil-getting-rid-of-robin-twice/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Around that time, DC was planning to publish a comic promoting [[HIV/AIDS]] education, and requested that writers submit suggestions for characters to [[kill off]] from AIDS. Starlin, who had advocated killing Robin when he began writing ''Batman'',<ref name="Universo: Starlin" /> filled the suggestion box with proposals to kill off Jason, but DC staff rejected the idea after realizing all the papers had Starlin's handwriting.<ref name="SyFy: Starlin">{{cite web |last1=Avila |first1=Mike |title=Watch: Jim Starlin on creating Thanos, killing Robin, and seeing his characters on the big screen |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/watch-jim-starlin-on-creating-thanos-killing-robin-and-seeing-his-characters-on-the-big |website=[[SyFy Wire]] |access-date=June 10, 2021 |date=October 31, 2018 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611020744/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/watch-jim-starlin-on-creating-thanos-killing-robin-and-seeing-his-characters-on-the-big |url-status=live}}</ref> However, DC president [[Jenette Kahn]] wanted to address Jason's unpopularity.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> O'Neil and Kahn attended an editorial retreat, where O'Neil recalled a 1982 ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' sketch in which [[Eddie Murphy]] encouraged viewers to call one of two [[900 number]]s if they wanted him to [[Larry the Lobster|boil a lobster on air]]. The sketch garnered widespread publicity and nearly 500,000 viewers called in.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=147–148}} O'Neil proposed a similar stunt involving one of the DC characters, which Kahn found intriguing.{{sfn|Pearson Uricchio|1991|p=18–32}}{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=148}}

O'Neil decided that Jason was "the logical candidate to be in peril", as he was unpopular and placing him in such a situation would have massive ramifications.{{sfn|Pearson Uricchio|1991|p=18–32}} He said: "We didn't want to waste it on anything minor. Whether [[Firestorm (comics)|Firestorm]]'s boots should be red or yellow ... This had to be important. Life or death stuff".{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=148}} Kahn added that they wanted to allow fans to have input in what to do with Jason, rather than "autocratically" writing him out and replacing him.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> The idea of having fans call to influence the creative process was a novel concept at the time, and DC's sales and marketing vice president Bruce Bristow described setting up the numbers as the most difficult part of the project. Sales manager John Pope began calling [[AT&T]] to secure the two 900 numbers on October 1, 1987; it took him until March 1988 to reserve them.{{sfn|F+W|1988|p=Cover, 3}}

Six months after Starlin proposed killing Jason, O'Neil asked him to start working on a potential story.<ref name="SyFy: Starlin"/> Starlin decided to have the [[Joker (character)|Joker]] murder Jason, inspired by ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]'' (1986), a [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]] by [[Frank Miller]] that featured Batman retiring after the Joker kills Robin.{{sfn|Franklin|2011|p=67-76}} Starlin wrote scripts for a six-issue story,<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> and the decision was made to combine the first four across two issues to speed up the story because fans were participating.{{sfn|F+W|1988|p=Cover, 3}} Aparo, inker [[Mike DeCarlo]], and colorist [[Adrienne Roy]] provided the art, and assistant editor [[Dan Raspler]] suggested [[Mike Mignola]] as the storyline's cover artist.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> ''Batman'' #427 features Batman arriving at a warehouse where Jason is imprisoned just as it explodes. On the back cover, an advertisement featured Batman carrying a severely wounded Jason. Readers were warned that Jason could die of his injuries, but that they could "prevent it with a telephone call". Two 900 numbers were given: one (1-(900) 720–2660) which would let Robin live, and another (1-(900) 720–2666) which would cause him to die. The numbers were activated for 35 hours in the United States and Canada from 9:00{{nbsp}}a.m. [[Eastern Standard Time]] on September 15, 1988.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=148}}<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/>

{{multiple images
| direction = horizontal
| align     = right
| image1    = Death_of_Robin_Alt.jpeg
| image2    = The Death of Jason Todd.jpg
| footer    = Artwork from the unpublished (left) and published (right) versions of ''Batman'' #428, showing the two planned scenarios. Because readers voted to kill Jason, the left page went unpublished. Art by Jim Aparo, Mike DeCarlo, and Adrienne Roy.
|alt1=Black and white comic book panels. The first panel depicts Batman exclaiming "Thank God!" in relief that Jason Todd is still alive, and the second and third panels (on the right) show him carrying the boy's body. The fourth panel, at the bottom of the page, depicts ruins in the aftermath of an explosion.
|alt2=Batman, a superhero wearing gray spandex and a blue cape, cowl, gauntlets, and boots, cradles the mangled, lifeless body of Jason Todd (Robin), who is covered in blood and wearing a tattered red, green, and yellow costume.
}}

Starlin and the artists prepared two versions of ''Batman'' #428, depending on the outcome.<ref name="SyFy: Starlin"/> As O'Neil stated: "It really could have gone either way. We prepared two choices of [[speech balloons|balloons]]. We had alternate panels. We had everything set up so that the two outcomes could be accomplished with a minimum of changes. We prepared for either situation".{{sfn|F+W|1988|p=Cover, 3}} Raspler explained that Aparo prepared three alternate pages and several panels with static images that could be easily rearranged.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> O'Neil voted to let Jason live, as he felt killing the character would complicate his job as an editor,{{sfn|F+W|1988|p=Cover, 3}} and Starlin was unable to vote because he was in Mexico at the time.<ref name="SyFy: Starlin"/> O'Neil and Raspler checked the results every 90 minutes.{{sfn|F+W|1988|p=Cover, 3}} DC executive editor and vice president [[Dick Giordano]] expected readers to vote in favor of Jason's survival; O'Neil believed they would vote for his death to see if DC would follow through.<ref name="13th: GettingRid"/>

The poll received 10,614 votes and 5,343 voted for Jason's death over 5,271 for his survival—a margin of just 72 votes.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/>{{sfn|F+W|1988|p=Cover, 3}} Although Kahn dispelled rumors that the process was rigged in favor of Jason's demise,<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> O'Neil said it was possible many votes favoring Jason's death came from a single person. He recalled hearing that "a lawyer programmed his [[Macintosh]] to dial the killing number every few minutes", but had no evidence.<ref name="13th: GettingRid"/> O'Neil canceled a party he planned to throw once the verdict was in and decided to keep the result secret until ''Batman'' #428 was shipped. O'Neil did not tell his wife, Starlin, or Aparo.{{sfn|F+W|1988|p=Cover, 3}} Starlin had expected Jason to die but was surprised by how close the vote was.<ref name="SyFy: Starlin"/> Production director [[Bob Rozakis]] supervised Roy as she finished coloring, and then had Steve Bove take the "real" ''Batman'' #428 to finish it in the secrecy of his basement.{{sfn|F+W|1988|p=Cover, 3}}

===Publication===
"A Death in the Family" was published when Batman was surging in popularity. Following the success of ''The Dark Knight Returns'' and the "[[Batman: Year One|Year One]]" (1987) storyline, monthly sales for ''Batman'' were at their highest level since the early 1970s, and [[Tim Burton]]'s ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' (1989) feature film was in production.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> DC announced "A Death in the Family" shortly after the release of the critically acclaimed graphic novel ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke]]'' in 1988; according to author Chris Sims, the ''Batman'' [[Comic book letter column|letter column]] immediately "broke out into debate" over whether Jason should live or die.<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp">{{cite web |last1=Sims |first1=Chris |title=That's What's Up: How Jason Todd Became One Of DC's Most Hated Characters |url=https://www.looper.com/98532/thats-whats-jason-todd-became-one-dcs-hated-characters/ |website=[[Looper (website)|Looper]] |access-date=June 10, 2021 |date=December 1, 2017 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611022632/https://www.looper.com/98532/thats-whats-jason-todd-became-one-dcs-hated-characters/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Batman'' #426, the first issue of "A Death in the Family", was released on August 23, 1988, and ''Batman'' #427, the second, was released two weeks later, on September 6.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> Fans voted to determine Jason's fate between September 15 and 16, and ''Batman'' #428, which featured Jason's death, was released on October 18.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> The storyline concluded with ''Batman'' #429, on November 29.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> The last two issues contained a guest appearance from [[Superman]].<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/>

After the first three issues of "A Death in the Family" sold out, DC compiled the storyline into a [[trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]] in time for the 1988 [[Christmas shopping season]]. The collection, ''Batman: A Death in the Family'', shipped on December 5, less than a week after ''Batman'' #429.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> A 2009 hardcover reprint included Wolfman, Pérez, and Aparo's 1989 sequel storyline, "[[Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying|A Lonely Place of Dying]]", which introduced Jason's successor [[Tim Drake]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Batman A Death in the Family|date=2009|publisher=[[DC Comics]]|edition=HC (2009 DC Library)|url=https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19338280|access-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724030733/http://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19338280|archive-date=2017-07-24|url-status=live}}</ref> A hardcover deluxe edition was published in April 2021.<ref name="Beat: DeluxeEdition"/>

For many years, the version of ''Batman'' #428 in which Jason lives remained unpublished, though the pages remained housed in DC's archives in [[Burbank, California]].<ref name="Poly: Tragic"/> ''Batman Annual'' #25, published in March 2006, used one of the alternate pages Aparo had prepared;<ref name="Beat: DeluxeEdition"/> some panels were released by [[Les Daniels]] in his book ''Batman: The Complete History'' (1999) and by ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' journalist Susana Polo in 2020.<ref name="Poly: Tragic">{{cite web |last1=Polo |first1=Susana |title=The most tragic moment in Batman's history almost looked like this |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/10/21168055/batman-robin-jason-todd-die-poll-live-unpublished-pages |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=June 12, 2021 |date=March 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609172803/https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/10/21168055/batman-robin-jason-todd-die-poll-live-unpublished-pages |url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2020, the ''[[DC Daily]]'' web show unveiled all of the pages to the public for the first time,<ref name="Beat: FinallyReveals">{{cite web |last1=Grunenwald |first1=Joe |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/batman-a-death-in-the-family-alternate-art-jason-lives/ |title=DC finally reveals the alternate Batman: A Death in the Family art in which Jason Todd lived |website=[[Comics Beat|The Beat]] |access-date=June 20, 2021 |date=March 27, 2020 |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625050819/https://www.comicsbeat.com/batman-a-death-in-the-family-alternate-art-jason-lives/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and the artwork was published in the 2021 deluxe edition.<ref name="Beat: DeluxeEdition">{{cite web |last1=Grunenwald |first1=Joe |title=New Batman: A Death in the Family hardcover to include full alternate artwork in which Jason Todd lived |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/batman-a-death-in-the-family-deluxe-edition-alternate-artwork-jason-todd-lives/ |website=[[Comics Beat|The Beat]] |access-date=June 20, 2021 |date=November 13, 2020 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303094110/https://www.comicsbeat.com/batman-a-death-in-the-family-deluxe-edition-alternate-artwork-jason-todd-lives/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A physical fauxsimile issue of the alternate pages, including the original advertisements and letters column, was published on December 12, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NYCC 2023: Robin Lives: DC Goes To The Vault For Batman 428 "Fauxsimile" Edition! |url=https://www.dc.com/blog/2023/10/13/nycc-2023-robin-lives-dc-goes-to-the-vault-for-batman-428-fauxsimile-edition |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=DC |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Synopsis==
While eavesdropping on a child pornography ring and awaiting police backup in [[Gotham City]], Jason Todd (Robin) ignores Batman's orders and attacks the criminals. Batman chastises Jason and asks if he considers crimefighting a game; Jason replies that life is a game. At [[Wayne Manor]], Batman decides Jason is emotionally unstable and relieves him of his duties as Robin; an enraged Jason storms off. Meanwhile, the Joker escapes from [[Arkham Asylum]]. Batman discovers that he has obtained a nuclear weapon and plans to sell it to terrorists, and tracks him to [[Lebanese Civil War|war-torn Lebanon]].

Walking through his old neighborhood, Jason meets a friend of his late parents, who gives him his father's old documents. Jason discovers that his mother's name on his [[birth certificate]] is blotted out. Her first initial is "S", not "C" as in Catherine Todd, the woman he knew as his mother. Jason concludes that Catherine was his stepmother and decides to search for his biological mother. He uses the [[Batcomputer]] to track three possible individuals to the Middle East and Africa. Jason travels to Lebanon, where he and Batman reunite. The two foil an attempt by terrorists to destroy [[Tel Aviv]] using the nuclear missile purchased from the Joker. Batman agrees to help Jason find his mother, and Jason interrogates his first suspect, [[Mossad]] agent Sharmin Rosen. His next suspect, Batman's old acquaintance [[Lady Shiva]], says she is not Jason's mother after she is administered a [[truth serum]] by the duo.

Batman and Jason travel to [[Ethiopia]] and confirm that Jason's mother is Sheila Haywood, an aid worker; Jason has an emotional reunion with her. However, the Joker discovers that Sheila had performed illegal surgeries on teenagers in Gotham and has been blacklisted as a medical practitioner. He blackmails her into giving him the medical supplies her agency has stockpiled in a warehouse. He sells them on the black market and stocks the warehouse with [[Joker venom]], which will kill thousands of people. Jason witnesses the Joker blackmail Sheila, so he reveals his identity as Robin to her and offers to help. Shelia rebuffs him, as she has been embezzling from the aid agency; in an attempt to cover this up, she hands Jason over to the Joker. The Joker beats Jason with a crowbar and restrains him and Sheila in the warehouse with a time bomb. Jason throws himself on the bomb to protect Sheila as the warehouse explodes. Batman arrives too late to save them, and Jason and Sheila die from their injuries.

Traumatized, Batman takes Jason and Sheila's remains to Gotham and holds a burial with [[Alfred Pennyworth]], [[James Gordon (character)|Commissioner James Gordon]], and [[Barbara Gordon]]. Batman blames himself for Jason's death and resolves to carry on alone, rejecting Alfred's suggestion to involve Dick Grayson, the first Robin. [[Ayatollah Khomeini]] approaches the Joker and offers him a role in the [[Iranian government]]. The Joker leaves a warehouse containing the corpses of his henchmen and the address of the [[UN Headquarters]] for Batman. As Batman waits outside the UN building, Superman appears and tries to convince Batman to leave. The Joker is [[Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations|Iran's representative to the UN]] and will be giving a speech on the floor of the [[United Nations General Assembly|General Assembly]], and any confrontation between Batman and him could start a [[diplomatic incident]].

During his speech, the Joker attempts to poison the chamber with Joker venom, but Superman intercepts it. Batman pursues the Joker onto a helicopter sent by his sponsors. During the resulting struggle, one of the Joker's henchmen opens fire with a machine gun and shoots the pilot, crashing the helicopter into the sea. Superman saves Batman, but the Joker disappears. Batman laments that everything between him and the Joker ends unresolved.

==Reception==
===Initial===
[[File:Dennis O'Neil (7885471094).jpg|upright|thumb|Editor [[Dennis O'Neil]] (''pictured in 2012'') proposed that DC allow fans to decide if Jason was to die.|alt=Dennis O'Neil, a bald man wearing sunglasses, a plaid blue shirt, and a gray vest, smiles at the camera.]]
The first three chapters of "A Death in the Family" sold out quickly,<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> and according to Starlin, the storyline was DC's bestselling comic of 1988.<ref name="DC80s: Starlin">{{cite web |last1=Belkin |first1=Mark |title=Jim Starlin talks with Mark Belkin about DC in the 80s |url=http://www.dcinthe80s.com/2018/04/jim-starlin-talks-with-us-about-dc-in.html |website=DC in the 80s |access-date=July 13, 2021 |date=April 26, 2018 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714185333/http://www.dcinthe80s.com/2018/04/jim-starlin-talks-with-us-about-dc-in.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The storyline drew coverage in news outlets including ''[[USA Today]]'', [[Reuters]], and the ''[[Deseret News]]''.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=149}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Holy Popcorn! Readers Zap Boy Wonder |url=https://www.deseret.com/1988/10/27/18782079/holy-popcorn-readers-zap-boy-wonder |website=[[Deseret News]] |access-date=June 26, 2021 |date=October 27, 1988 |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627025955/https://www.deseret.com/1988/10/27/18782079/holy-popcorn-readers-zap-boy-wonder |url-status=live}}</ref> Many reports did not mention that Jason was not the original Robin.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=149}} As an editor at [[Marvel Comics]], O'Neil had received angry mail from fans when characters such as [[Jean Grey|Phoenix]] and [[Elektra (character)|Elektra]] were killed, so he was prepared for reader backlash to Jason's death. However, "A Death in the Family" created much more controversy, as Robin was one of DC's most iconic characters and the Marvel deaths had occurred during a period of recession in comics.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=149}}

O'Neil spent the days following ''Batman'' #428's publication "doing nothing but talking on the radio. I thought it would get us some ink here and there and maybe a couple of radio interviews. I had no idea—nor did anyone else—it would have the effect it did".{{sfn|Pearson Uricchio|1991|p=18–32}} After three days, Peggy May, DC's [[publicity manager]], ordered O'Neil to stop talking to the media. She also barred anyone from discussing the story on television. Though initially confused, O'Neil came to appreciate May's order because he did not want the public to see him as "the guy who killed Robin".{{sfn|Pearson Uricchio|1991|p=18–32}} Assistant editor Dan Raspler was chastised by DC's then-executive vice president [[Paul Levitz]] for referring to "A Death in the Family" as a "stunt" in an interview.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/>

Jason's death divided fans at the time.<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp"/> Many readers celebrated, some hoping it meant that Dick could become Robin again. Others lamented how bloodthirsty comic book readers were.<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp"/><ref name="GR+: Revisiting">{{cite web |last1=Calamia |first1=Kat |title=Revisiting Batman's 'a Death in the Family' controversial fan vote |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/revisiting-batmans-a-death-in-the-family-controversial-fan-vote/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=July 13, 2021 |date=May 26, 2020 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713203614/https://www.gamesradar.com/revisiting-batmans-a-death-in-the-family-controversial-fan-vote/ |url-status=live}}</ref> O'Neil and the ''Batman'' team received [[hate mail]] and angry phone calls; according to O'Neil, the calls ranged from {{"'}}You bastard', to tearful grandmothers saying, 'My grandchild loved Robin and I don't know what to tell him.{{'"}}{{sfn|Pearson Uricchio|1991|p=18–32}} Frank Miller was critical, calling the story "the most cynical thing [DC] has ever done ... fans can call in to put the axe to a little boy's head. To me the whole killing of Robin thing was probably the ugliest thing I've seen in comics".{{sfn|Pearson Uricchio|1991|p=33–46}} [[NPR]] cultural critic [[Glen Weldon]] found the criticism ironic, as it was Miller who came up with the idea of the Joker killing Jason in ''The Dark Knight Returns''.{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=150}}

===Retrospective===
Critics have agreed with the decision to kill Jason in retrospect.<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp" />{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=150}}<ref name="IGN: Review">{{cite web |last1=Goldstein |first1=Hilary |title=Batman: A Death in the Family Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/09/batman-a-death-in-the-family-review |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=July 25, 2021 |date=June 9, 2005 |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630021133/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/09/batman-a-death-in-the-family-review |url-status=live}}</ref> Sims wrote that killing Jason was "unquestionably the right decision" and made for a far better story.<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp" /> He opined that allowing the Joker to defeat Batman enhanced both characters: the Joker became "a deadly threat{{nbsp}}... whose actions have lasting consequences", while Batman had "a motivating loss at a time when new readers were coming in".<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp" /> Hilary Goldstein of ''[[IGN]]'' and Jamie Hailstone of ''[[Den of Geek]]'' praised the story's handling of Jason's death for its emotion and portraying the dangers of superheroics.<ref name="IGN: Review"/><ref name="DoG: Review">{{cite web |last1=Hailstone |first1=Jamie |title=Batman: A Death In The Family |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/batman-a-death-in-the-family/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |access-date=July 25, 2021 |date=November 24, 2008 |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628194357/https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/batman-a-death-in-the-family/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Retrospective reviewers have faulted "A Death in the Family" for its plot.<ref name="IGN: Review"/><ref name="DoG: Review"/><ref name="SR: Weirder">{{cite web |last1=Prefore |first1=Charles |title=The Death of Robin Was Weirder Than You Think |url=https://screenrant.com/death-robin-batman-jason-todd-weird/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=July 25, 2021 |date=June 21, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710204530/https://screenrant.com/death-robin-batman-jason-todd-weird/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Hailstone described "A Death in the Family" as "the ultimate 80s epic": "brasher than ''[[Top Gun]]'', louder than [[Hulk Hogan]] and more implausible than ''[[The A-Team]]''".<ref name="DoG: Review"/> Both Hailstone and Goldstein found the plot hard to believe,<ref name="IGN: Review"/><ref name="DoG: Review"/> and Hailstone said that it veers into nonsense when the Joker is appointed as an ambassador.<ref name="DoG: Review"/> Charles Prefore, writing for ''[[Screen Rant]]'', said the story "can't decide if it wants to be fun or dark"; while Jason's torture and death at the hands of the Joker is quite somber, elements like the "globetrotting nature of the story" and the Joker becoming an ambassador for Iran are evocative of the goofy [[Silver Age of Comic Books]]. Prefore said the story's grim moments, which caused "A Death in the Family" to gain a reputation as one of the darkest Batman stories, overshadow the rest of its outlandishness.<ref name="SR: Weirder"/>

"A Death in the Family" remains a popular story among readers,<ref name="GR+: Revisiting"/> and despite their reservations over the plot, critics still deemed it worth reading.<ref name="IGN: Review"/><ref name="DoG: Review"/><ref name="SR: Weirder"/> Hailstone called the story a "guilty pleasure" that, while not as groundbreaking as "Year One" or ''[[Batman: Son of the Demon]]'' (1987), was entertaining nonetheless,<ref name="DoG: Review"/> and Prefore summarized it as "a good read if you don't mind all the strangeness".<ref name="SR: Weirder"/> Publications ranking it among the best Batman stories include ''IGN'' and ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' in 2014,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yehl |first1=Joshua |last2=Goldstein |first2=Hilary |title=The 25 Greatest Batman Graphic Novels |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels?page=2 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912202220/http://www.ign.com/articles/the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels?page=2 |archive-date=September 12, 2017 |date=April 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Serafino |first1=Jason |title=The 25 Best Batman Comics Of All Time |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2014/05/the-25-best-batman-comics-of-all-time |website=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]] |access-date=July 25, 2021 |date=May 1, 2014 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126003632/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2014/05/the-25-best-batman-comics-of-all-time/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' and ''Screen Rant'' in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lydon |first1=Pierce |title=Best Batman stories of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-batman-stories/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=July 25, 2021 |date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409154149/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-batman-stories/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lealos |first1=Shawn S. |title=14 Of Batman's Best Comic Book Arcs Of All Time, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/dc-comic-books-batman-bruce-wayne-best-comic-book-storylines-arc-a-death-in-the-family-jason-todd/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=July 25, 2021 |date=May 24, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209141928/https://screenrant.com/dc-comic-books-batman-bruce-wayne-best-comic-book-storylines-arc-a-death-in-the-family-jason-todd/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Sean T. Collins of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' ranked it among the 15 Batman stories he considered "essential" to understanding the character, praising Aparo's art and how Starlin characterizes the Joker.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Collins |first1=Sean T. |title=The Dark Knight Reads: 15 Essential Batman Graphic Novels |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-lists/the-dark-knight-reads-fifteen-essential-batman-graphic-novels-21918/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=July 25, 2021 |date=July 23, 2012 |archive-date=May 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510172755/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-lists/the-dark-knight-reads-fifteen-essential-batman-graphic-novels-21918/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Analysis==
Despite Robin's status as one of the most famous sidekicks in comic book history, there has been little literary analysis of "A Death in the Family".{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=189}} According to literary critic Kwasu Tembo, it is generally only discussed "as either a case study within a broader discussion of Batman's ethics, or as a case study of DC's editorial decisions and socio-historical engagement with its readership".{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=203}} The story's message is that Batman cannot save everyone,<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp" /> and it portrays Jason as a [[tragic hero|tragic]] figure whose sympathetic journey ends in death.{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=201}} Tembo contended that the death leaves the reader to ponder Jason's nature as "Batman's greatest failure, as an orphan betrayed, and/or as a careless and overzealous lost boy who reaped what he had so impulsively and thoughtlessly sown".{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=202}}

Tembo theorized that Jason's death, as voted for by readers, "can be more thoroughly understood as a complex form of [[scapegoating]]", comparable to a public execution.{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=190}} Jason was unpopular because he struggled to live up to the standard of his predecessor Dick, which made him a "bad" Robin.{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=196}} This created jealousy among readers, who concluded that Jason was unfit to be Robin.{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=207}} Citing [[René Girard]]'s theory of [[mimetic desire]], Tembo wrote that O'Neil's decision to let fans determine Jason's fate created a "mimetic crisis" because readers "could now not only influence [Jason's] existence in the story world, but in being given this power, compete against him".{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=207, 209}} Readers instead saw themselves as more fit to be Batman's partner; by voting to kill Jason, they thought they were helping Batman.{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=209}} Tembo noted the closeness of the vote indicated fans may not have despised Jason as much as commonly believed. Fans who voted to save Jason may have voted to preserve the classic status quo, or because they found the Joker murdering a child during an emotional period in his life unsettling.{{sfn|Tembo|2021|p=190}}

=== Depiction of the Middle East and Islam ===
{{see also|Islamophobia in the United States}}
[[File:Joker_as_Iranian_Ambassador.jpg|thumb|right|As an Iranian ambassador, the Joker wears a traditional Arab headdress and robes although Iran is not an Arab country.{{sfn|Dar|2010|p=102}} Art by Jim Aparo, Mike DeCarlo, and Adrienne Roy.]]
Written in the aftermath of the [[Iran–Contra affair]], "A Death in the Family" reflects American attitudes towards the Middle East in the 1980s, and has been criticized as inaccurate and relying on racist caricatures.<ref name="Inverse: Darkest">{{cite web |last1=Baker |first1=Chrishaun |title=34 years ago, DC's darkest Batman story redefined death for superheroes |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/batman-death-in-the-family-anniversary |website=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]] |access-date=June 24, 2024 |date=August 11, 2022}}</ref> Starlin writes Batman as speaking Farsi, the [[Persian language]], in [[Beirut]] (where [[Arabic]] is actually the commonly spoken language), and the Joker dons a traditional [[keffiyeh|Arab headdress]] and robes as the Iranian ambassador, although Iran is not an Arab country.{{sfn|Dar|2010|p=102}} ''[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]'' described the Joker's alliance with Khomeini as "the culmination of an embarrassing series of storytelling gaffs that flattens the complexities of Middle Eastern turmoil into a homogenous caricature of racial stereotypes".<ref name="Inverse: Darkest"/>

Several writers have described the portrayal of Arab terrorists as [[Islamophobia|Islamophobic]]. They are depicted as [[Anti-Americanism|anti-American]], [[Criticism of Israel|anti-Israel]] fanatics who seek to violently take over the [[Western world]].{{sfn|Dar|2010|p=101}}{{sfn|Shaheen|1994|p=123}} They are referred to as "bandits-in-bedsheets" and depicted as unshaved and always holding weapons, while Jamal, the terrorist leader, is overweight and perpetually sneering. In a 1991 study of Arab terrorist depictions in comic books, [[Jack Shaheen]] wrote that "A Death in the Family" conflates Arabs, Muslims and terrorists, and equates them to the Joker, an insane supervillain. Jehanzeb Dar and Shaheen cited the Joker's speech to the General Assembly as a particularly egregious example of Islamophobia.{{sfn|Shaheen|1994|p=124}} Before he attempts to poison the chamber, the Joker gloats:

{{blockquote|I am proud to speak for the great Islamic Republic of Iran. That country's current leaders and I have a lot in common. Insanity and a great love of FISH. But unfortunately we share a mutual problem. We get NO RESPECT. Everyone thinks of Iran as [[Iran and state-sponsored terrorism|the home of the TERRORIST ZEALOT]]! They say even worse things about ME, would you believe? We've both suffered unkind ABUSE AND BELITTLEMENT! WELL, WE AREN'T GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!! You'll no longer be allowed to kick us around. In fact, you aren't going to be able to kick ANYONE around ever again!|source=The Joker, ''Batman'' #429}}

Dar described the Joker's speech as blatant Islamophobia disguised as humor.{{sfn|Dar|2010|p=102}} Shaheen and Dar argued "A Death in the Family" promotes the idea of "Them vs. Us", pitting the Arab and Western worlds against each other as diametrically opposed in values.{{sfn|Dar|2010|p=102}}{{sfn|Shaheen|1994|p=124}} Dar said that {{nowrap|"[Starlin]'s}} and [DC]'s disregard for cultural, religious, and political accuracy simply points to a crude and racist generalization: Arabs, Iranians, and Muslims are all the 'same' and 'hate' the West".{{sfn|Dar|2010|p=102}}

==Legacy==
"A Death in the Family" was part of the American comic book industry's trend towards "grim and gritty" comics in the late 1980s,{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=150}}<ref name="GR+: Revisiting" /> and is remembered as one of DC's most controversial storylines.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Webber |first1=Tim |title=25 Controversial Changes That Left The DC Universe (And Fans) Shook |url=https://www.cbr.com/controversial-dc-comics-character-changes/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=July 13, 2021 |date=August 18, 2018 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714004614/https://www.cbr.com/controversial-dc-comics-character-changes/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Leroy |first1=Kath |title=DC: 10 Controversial Stories That Angered Fans |url=https://www.cbr.com/dc-controversial-stories-that-angered-fans/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=July 13, 2021 |date=June 24, 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714004617/https://www.cbr.com/dc-controversial-stories-that-angered-fans/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Snellgrove of ''[[Looper (website)|Looper]]'' described the scenes depicting Jason's torture and death—with the Joker covered in his blood— as "one of the most disturbing moments in the publisher's long history".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Snellgrove |first1=Chris |title=The Most Disturbing Moments In DC Comics History |url=https://www.looper.com/45506/disturbing-moments-dc-comics-history/ |website=[[Looper (website)|Looper]] |access-date=July 13, 2021 |date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031203935/https://www.looper.com/45506/disturbing-moments-dc-comics-history/ |url-status=live}}</ref> DC editors took the lessons they learned from the controversy and used media coverage for publicity when killing off major characters in the future,{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=149–150}} such as Superman in "[[The Death of Superman]]" (1992–1993).{{sfn|Weldon|2016|p=192}}

Although "A Death in the Family" sold well, it harmed Starlin's standing at DC. DC's licensing department was infuriated over the death because of the amount of merchandise—such as lunchboxes and pajamas—that bore Robin's likeness. According to Starlin, "everybody got mad, and they needed somebody to blame—so I got blamed".<ref name="DC80s: Starlin"/> Work quickly declined for him, and within six months he departed DC and returned to Marvel Comics, where he wrote ''[[The Infinity Gauntlet]]'' (1991).<ref name="SyFy: Starlin" />

===Effect on future stories===
"A Death in the Family" is regarded as one of the most important Batman comics for its effect on future Batman stories.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parker |first1=Jamie |title=Batman: 10 Most Important Stories (In The Comics) |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-most-important-dc-comic-stories/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=July 12, 2021 |date=December 26, 2020 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712213431/https://www.cbr.com/batman-most-important-dc-comic-stories/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saavedra |first1=John |title=The 25 Most Important Batman Stories Ever Told, A CBR Ranking |url=https://www.cbr.com/most-important-batman-stories/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=July 12, 2021 |date=April 27, 2018 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712213430/https://www.cbr.com/most-important-batman-stories/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The story altered the DC Universe: instead of killing anonymous bystanders, the Joker murdered a core character in the Batman fiction.{{sfn|Manning|2011|p=108}} Alongside ''The Killing Joke'' (which featured Barbara Gordon, [[Batgirl]], being shot in the stomach and paralyzed) and the success of the 1989 ''Batman'' film, "A Death in the Family" pushed the Batman [[mythos]] in a darker direction.<ref name="Beat: OralHistory"/> It portrayed Batman as more violent and emotional following Jason's death, and for the next decade of comic book [[Canon (fiction)|canon]], he was haunted by his failure to save him.<ref name="CBR: Flashback"/> Conway felt that the storyline allowed for "the entrance of the real 'Dark Knight', the idea of Batman as the pitiless enforcer of Gotham".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Volo |first1=Kevin |title=Episode 38: Jason Todd with Gerry Conway Interview |url=http://heroesvillainsandsidekicks.com/episode-37-jason-todd-gerry-conway-onterview/ |website=The Heroes, Villains and Sidekicks Show |access-date=June 22, 2021 |date=June 18, 2017 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203715/http://heroesvillainsandsidekicks.com/episode-37-jason-todd-gerry-conway-onterview/ |url-status=live}}</ref> When the DC Universe continuity was rebooted during DC's 2011 [[New 52]] initiative, the events of "A Death in the Family" were left intact because DC editors deemed it too important.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Vaneta |title=Harras, Berganza: DCnU Will Keep Much of DC History Intact |url=http://www.newsarama.com/7812-harras-berganza-dcnu-will-keep-much-of-dc-history-intact.html |website=[[Newsarama]] |access-date=July 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219155519/http://www.newsarama.com/7812-harras-berganza-dcnu-will-keep-much-of-dc-history-intact.html |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |date=June 15, 2011}}</ref>

Jason was likely to be replaced as Robin regardless of his survival.<ref name="CBR: Legends539">{{cite web |last1=Cronin |first1=Brian |title=Comic Book Legends Revealed #539 |url=https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-legends-revealed-539/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=June 20, 2021 |date=September 4, 2015 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202037/https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-legends-revealed-539/ |url-status=live}}</ref> O'Neil wanted to wait a year for a successor, but DC management demanded a new Robin immediately. O'Neil and Wolfman began developing the character of [[Tim Drake]], who debuted in the 1989 storyline "A Lonely Place of Dying" by Wolfman, Pérez, and Aparo. O'Neil arranged for a nuanced introduction that explained why Batman would need a new sidekick after Jason's death, and Tim was designed to appeal to both Jason's fans and detractors.<ref name="Newsarama: Drake">{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Vaneta |title=Why They Endure: Pros On Tim Drake's Rise Up the Bat-Ranks |url=http://www.newsarama.com/7111-why-they-endure-pros-on-tim-drake-s-rise-up-the-bat-ranks.html |website=[[Newsarama]] |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504100614/http://www.newsarama.com/7111-why-they-endure-pros-on-tim-drake-s-rise-up-the-bat-ranks.html |archive-date=May 4, 2013 |date=February 24, 2011}}</ref> Tim proved popular and starred in several limited series and a 1993–2009 [[ongoing series]],<ref name="Newsarama: Drake"/><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |title=Robin (1993-2009) |url=https://www.comixology.com/Robin-1993-2009/comics-series/344 |via=[[ComiXology]] |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715165151/https://www.comixology.com/Robin-1993-2009/comics-series/344 |url-status=dead}}</ref> until he was replaced by [[Damian Wayne]] in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Buxton|first1=Marc|title=From Dick to Damian: A History of Robin, Batman's Superstar Sidekick |url=https://www.cbr.com/from-dick-to-damian-a-history-of-robin-batmans-superstar-sidekick/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=July 15, 2021 |date=December 27, 2015 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715210921/https://www.cbr.com/from-dick-to-damian-a-history-of-robin-batmans-superstar-sidekick/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Damian shared Jason's willingness to go against Batman's wishes and use lethal force;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Danny |title=Robin War: 5 Reasons Why Jason Todd Is The Better Robin (& 5 It's Damian Wayne) |url=https://www.cbr.com/dc-comics-batman-robin-jason-todd-damian-wayne-best-worst/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=July 15, 2021 |date=December 6, 2019 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711042003/https://www.cbr.com/dc-comics-batman-robin-jason-todd-damian-wayne-best-worst/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Grant Morrison]] and [[Frazer Irving]]'s ''[[Batman and Robin (comic book)|Batman and Robin]]'' #13 (2010) featured a scene in which Damian beat the Joker with a crowbar, paralleling Jason's murder.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sims |first1=Chris |title=Roundtable Review: 'Batman and Robin' #13 |url=https://comicsalliance.com/roundtable-review-batman-and-robin-13/ |website=[[ComicsAlliance]]|access-date=July 15, 2021 |date=July 8, 2010 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715210921/https://comicsalliance.com/roundtable-review-batman-and-robin-13/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Jason's death was one of the few [[comic book death]]s that remained unreversed. Unlike traditional comic book deaths, Jason's was intended to stay permanent; at the time of "A Death in the Family{{"'}}s publication, O'Neil said that "it would be a really sleazy stunt to bring him back".{{sfn|Taylor|2008|p=14}} A popular [[aphorism]] among comic book fans was that in comics, no characters stayed dead except [[Bucky Barnes]], [[Uncle Ben]], and Jason.<ref name="Empire: NoOne">{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Owen|title=No One Stays Dead In Comics: 16 Superhero Deaths And How Long They Lasted |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/comic-book-deaths/|website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|access-date=June 21, 2021 |date=May 9, 2014 |archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521120930/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/comic-book-deaths/ |url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|Marvel would revive Bucky in 2004 as the [[Bucky Barnes#Winter Soldier|Winter Soldier]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/05/bucky-winter-soldier-history.html|publisher=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|title=SUPERHEROES UPDATED MAR. 19, 2021 The Story Behind Bucky's Groundbreaking Comic-Book Reinvention As the Winter Soldier|author=Riesman, Abraham|date=March 19, 2021|accessdate=December 29, 2021|archivedate=May 7, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507115755/https://www.vulture.com/2016/05/bucky-winter-soldier-history.html}}</ref>}} Jason's revival was first teased in the "[[Batman: Hush|Hush]]" (2002–2003) storyline by [[Jeph Loeb]] and [[Jim Lee]], which features [[Clayface]] impersonating an undead Jason to taunt Batman.<ref name="CBR: Flashback"/> After writer [[Judd Winick]] read "Hush", he wondered why DC never revived Jason.<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp"/> Winick and artist [[Doug Mahnke]]'s 2004–2006 storyline "[[Batman: Under the Hood|Under the Hood]]" revived him as the murderous vigilante [[Red Hood]]; the in-universe explanation for Jason's revival was that he was restored to life after [[Superboy-Prime]] punched the wall of a [[pocket dimension]].<ref name="CBR: Flashback">{{cite web|last1=Eason|first1=Brian K.|title=DC Flashback: The Life and Death and Life of Jason Todd |url=https://www.cbr.com/dc-flashback-the-life-and-death-and-life-of-jason-todd/|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|access-date=June 22, 2021 |date=June 11, 2007 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203004/https://www.cbr.com/dc-flashback-the-life-and-death-and-life-of-jason-todd/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Jason eventually re-joined Batman's supporting cast as an "on-again, off-again ally",<ref name="Looper: WhatsUp"/> and starred in the series ''[[Red Hood and the Outlaws]]'' (2011–2021).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Esposito |first1=Joey |title=Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 Exclusive Preview |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/17/red-hood-and-the-outlaws-1-exclusive-preview |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=July 12, 2021 |date=September 16, 2011 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712213430/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/17/red-hood-and-the-outlaws-1-exclusive-preview |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite his resurrection, in 2020 journalist Susana Polo noted Jason was still most famous for dying in "A Death in the Family".<ref name="Poly: Tragic"/>

===In other media===
[[Bruce Timm]] and [[Paul Dini]] considered adapting "A Death in the Family" for ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' (1992–1995), but decided it was too violent. Instead, they omitted the Jason character and incorporated some of his characteristics in Tim when the series was rebranded as ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' (1997–1999).<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Robin Rising: How the Boy Wonder's Character Evolved|date=2004|people=Altieri, Kevin; Dini, Paul; Kirkland, Boyd; Radomski, Eric; Riba, Dan; Timm, Bruce|medium=Interview with ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' staff|publisher=[[Warner Bros.]]}} Event occurs from 6:04–6:35.</ref> The story was eventually adapted in the comic book sequel ''[[Batman: The Adventures Continue]]'' (2020), written by Dini and [[Alan Burnett]] and penciled by [[Ty Templeton]]. In the ''Adventures Continue'' adaptation, the Joker and [[Harley Quinn]] kidnap Jason, and the Joker beats him with a crowbar with intent to kill him. Harley objects to killing a child and finds Batman, who arrives as the warehouse is engulfed in flames due to [[hydrogen tank]]s. A wounded Jason begs for Batman to kill the Joker, but Batman instead tries to save him; Jason attempts to stop Batman but knocks over more hydrogen tanks, causing the explosion and his apparent death.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sawan |first1=Amer |title=Batman Reveals What the Animated Series Joker Did to Jason Todd |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-animated-series-joker-jason-todd/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=July 5, 2021 |date=September 14, 2020 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629090457/https://www.cbr.com/batman-animated-series-joker-jason-todd/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Elements from "A Death in the Family" were incorporated in the 2010 [[DC Universe Animated Original Movies]] film ''[[Batman: Under the Red Hood]]'', an adaptation of "Under the Hood" directed by [[Brandon Vietti]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Cindy |title=Batman: Under the Red Hood Blu-ray Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/07/08/batman-under-the-red-hood-blu-ray-review |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=July 5, 2021 |date=July 8, 2010 |archive-date=April 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406202123/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/07/08/batman-under-the-red-hood-blu-ray-review |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Beat: MovieInterview">{{cite web |last1=Dar |first1=Taimur |title=Interview: Finding heart in horror with the Batman: Death in the Family cast/crew |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-batman-death-in-the-family-cast-crew/ |website=[[Comics Beat|The Beat]] |access-date=July 5, 2021 |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120025223/https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-batman-death-in-the-family-cast-crew/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In the film, [[Ra's al Ghul]] ([[Jason Isaacs]]) hires the Joker ([[John DiMaggio]]) to distract Batman ([[Bruce Greenwood]]) and Jason ([[Jensen Ackles]]) while he destroys Europe's financial districts. They follow the Joker to Bosnia, where he kills Jason in similar fashion to "A Death in the Family".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rector |first1=Seth |title=Batman: Under The Red Hood - 10 Biggest Differences Between The Comic & Movie |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-under-the-red-hood-comic-movie-differences/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=July 5, 2021 |date=September 7, 2020 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183603/https://screenrant.com/batman-under-the-red-hood-comic-movie-differences/ |url-status=live}}</ref> An [[interactive film]] adaptation, ''[[Batman: Death in the Family]]'', was released in 2020. The film is a sequel to ''Under the Red Hood'', Vietti again directing. The cast of ''Red Hood'' returned to reprise their roles, with the exception of [[Vincent Martella]], who replaced Ackles.<ref name="Beat: MovieInterview"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Motamayor |first1=Rafael |title=The first choose-your-own-adventure Batman movie made the wrong decisions |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/10/21557502/batman-death-in-the-family-interactive-movie-review |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=July 5, 2021 |date=November 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182926/https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/10/21557502/batman-death-in-the-family-interactive-movie-review |url-status=live}}</ref> Similar to the voting system from the comic, the film allows viewers to determine if Jason lives or dies, leading to different scenarios that see him become Red Hood, [[Hush (character)|Hush]], or [[Red Robin (identity)|Red Robin]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trumbore |first1=Dave |title='Batman: Death in the Family' Review: The Interactive Film Is WB Animation's Most Ambitious in Years |url=https://collider.com/batman-death-in-the-family-movie-review/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=July 5, 2021 |date=October 14, 2020 |archive-date=May 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531174010/https://collider.com/batman-death-in-the-family-movie-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

"A Death in the Family" is referenced in the [[DC Extended Universe]] (DCEU), a [[shared universe]] of [[superhero film]]s based on DC characters. ''[[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice]]'' (2016) features a damaged Robin suit on display in the Batcave,<ref name="DS: BvSEasterEgg">{{cite web |last1=Chapman |first1=Tom |title=Batman v Superman Easter egg reveals Robin's brutal manner of death |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a34712648/batman-v-superman-easter-egg-robin/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=November 18, 2020 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185819/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a34712648/batman-v-superman-easter-egg-robin/ |url-status=live}}</ref> while ''[[Suicide Squad (2016 film)|Suicide Squad]]'' (2016) reveals that [[Harley Quinn (DC Extended Universe)|Harley Quinn]] ([[Margot Robbie]]) helped the [[Joker (DC Extended Universe)|Joker]] ([[Jared Leto]]) murder him.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grant |first1=Stacey |title=Did You Catch Harley Quinn's Connection To Robin In Suicide Squad? |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2915858/suicide-squad-robin-harley-quinn-joker-jason-todd-easter-egg/ |website=[[MTV]] |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=August 8, 2016 |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009115930/http://www.mtv.com/news/2915858/suicide-squad-robin-harley-quinn-joker-jason-todd-easter-egg/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Zack Snyder's Justice League]]'' (the 2021 [[director's cut]] of ''[[Justice League (film)|Justice League]]'' (2017)) features a scene in which the Joker mocks [[Bruce Wayne (DC Extended Universe)|Batman]] ([[Ben Affleck]]) for Robin's death.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Breznican |first1=Anthony |title=Zack Snyder Explains That Enigmatic Justice League Ending |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/03/zack-snynder-justice-league-ending-explained |website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=March 18, 2021 |archive-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319175530/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/03/zack-snynder-justice-league-ending-explained?mbid=social_twitter |url-status=live}}</ref> Though [[Warner Bros.]] and ''Suicide Squad'' director [[David Ayer]] stated that the dead Robin was Jason,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grebey |first1=James |title=A 'Suicide Squad' Easter egg may answer one of the biggest questions from 'Batman v Superman' |url=https://www.insider.com/suicide-squad-harley-quinn-kill-robin-2016-8 |website=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=June 29, 2021 |date=August 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name="CB: BvSIdentity"/> ''Batman v Superman'' director [[Zack Snyder]] later said he had intended it to be Dick, unlike "A Death in the Family".<ref name="CB: BvSIdentity">{{cite web |last1=Ridgely |first1=Charlie |title='Batman v Superman' Director Zack Snyder Confirms Identity of Robin in the Film |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/batman-v-superman-robin-dick-grayson-zack-snyder/ |website=ComicBook.com |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=November 18, 2018 |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325190818/https://comicbook.com/dc/news/batman-v-superman-robin-dick-grayson-zack-snyder/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Snyder had planned to explore Robin's death in detail in his ''Justice League'' sequels before their cancellation.<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Connell |first1=Sean |title=Joker And Robin Would Have Had A 'Good Fight' In Zack Snyder's Justice League Sequel And Now I Want It |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2564691/joker-and-robin-would-have-had-a-good-fight-in-zack-snyders-justice-league-sequel-and-now-we-want-it |website=[[CinemaBlend]] |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=March 22, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185342/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2564691/joker-and-robin-would-have-had-a-good-fight-in-zack-snyders-justice-league-sequel-and-now-we-want-it |url-status=live}}</ref> Before the release of ''Zack Snyder's Justice League'', Snyder proposed a comic book prequel to ''Batman v Superman'' that depicted Robin's death, but DC turned it down.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oKPL8zTaaQ |title=SnyderCutBR <nowiki>|</nowiki> Entrevista Zack Snyder (Completa) |date=February 17, 2021 |last=Guilherme |first=Andre |work=SnyderCutBR • Liga da Justiça de Zack Snyder |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

In "Emperor Joker", a 2010 episode of ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' (2008–2011), a [[fourth wall]]-breaking [[Bat-Mite]] ([[Paul Reubens]]) references "A Death in the Family" and the 900 number, and Batman is briefly seen cradling a dead Robin.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nadel|first1=Nick|title="A Death in the Family" Gets the "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" Treatment|url=http://comicsalliance.com/a-death-in-the-family-gets-the-batman-the-brave-and-the-bold/|website=[[ComicsAlliance]]|date=October 26, 2010|access-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801062148/http://comicsalliance.com/a-death-in-the-family-gets-the-batman-the-brave-and-the-bold/|archive-date=2017-08-01|url-status=live}}</ref> Jason's portrayal in the video game ''[[Batman: Arkham Knight]]'' (2015) was inspired by "A Death in the Family".<ref name="IGN: TitansPoll"/> The [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe]] and [[HBO Max]] [[streaming television]] series ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'' (2018–2023) features Jason as a central character portrayed by [[Curran Walters]]. After the [[Titans (season 2)|second season]] episode "Deathstroke" (2019) ended on a [[cliffhanger]] with [[Deathstroke]] ([[Esai Morales]]) attempting to kill Jason, DC Universe held a poll in which fans could vote to determine Jason's fate. The poll was only intended as a reference to "A Death in the Family" and had no effect on the series,<ref name="IGN: TitansPoll">{{cite web |last1=Schedeen |first1=Jesse |title=Titans Poll Reveals How Many Fans Still Want Jason Todd's Robin Dead |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/10/titans-season-2-robin-jason-todd-dead-fan-poll-vote |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=October 10, 2019 |archive-date=May 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531132418/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/10/titans-season-2-robin-jason-todd-dead-fan-poll-vote |url-status=live}}</ref> but elements from "A Death in the Family" were incorporated in the [[Titans (season 3)|third season]] of ''Titans'', which premiered in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Venable |first1=Nick |title=Titans Season 3 First Trailer Immediately References The Joker's Arrival For A Death In The Family Arc |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2569120/titans-season-3-first-trailer-references-the-joker-arrival-a-death-in-the-family-arc-batman-hbo-max |website=[[CinemaBlend]] |access-date=July 3, 2021 |date=June 17, 2021 |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704005146/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2569120/titans-season-3-first-trailer-references-the-joker-arrival-a-death-in-the-family-arc-batman-hbo-max |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Works cited===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book |last1=Dar |first1=Jehanzeb |editor1-last=Kincheloe |editor1-first=Joe L. |editor2-last=Steinberg |editor2-first=Shirley R. |editor3-last=Stonebanks |editor3-first=Christopher D. |chapter=Holy Islamophobia, Batman! Demonization of Muslims and Arabs in Mainstream American Comic Books |title=Teaching against Islamophobia |series=Counterpoints |date=2010 |volume=346 |jstor=42980513|isbn=978-1433103360|pages=99–110 |publisher=[[Peter Lang (publisher)|Peter Lang]] |location=[[Switzerland]]}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Franklin |first1=Chris |title=Dead on Demand: Jason Todd, the Second Robin |journal=[[Back Issue!]] |date=May 2011 |volume=1 |issue=48 |pages=67–76 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]] |location=[[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]] |issn=1932-6904}}
* {{cite journal |title=How, why, and when Robin died: A year to the life or death of Robin, or How Jason's fate was decided in more than 365 days. |journal=[[Comics Buyer's Guide]] |date=30 December 1988 |volume=1 |issue=789 |pages=Cover, 3 |publisher=[[F+W]] |location=[[New York City]] |issn=0745-4570 |ref={{SfnRef|F+W|1988}}}}
* {{cite book |last1=Manning |first1=Matthew K. |title=The Joker: A Visual History of the Clown Prince of Crime |year=2011 |publisher=[[Universe Publishing]] |isbn=978-0-7893-2247-0 |location=[[Milan]]}}
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Pearson |editor1-first=Roberta E. |editor2-last=Uricchio |editor2-first=William |title=The Many Lives of The Batman: Critical Approaches to a Superhero and His Media |date=1991 |publisher=BFI Publishing |location=[[London]] |isbn=0415903475 |pages=18–32 |ref={{SfnRef|Pearson Uricchio|1991}}}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Shaheen |first1=Jack G. |editor1-last=Browne |editor1-first=Ray B. |title=Arab images in American comic books |journal=[[The Journal of Popular Culture]] |date=1994 |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=123–133 |publisher=[[Wiley-Blackwell]] |location=[[Hoboken, New Jersey|Hoboken]] |doi=10.1111/j.0022-3840.1994.2801_123.x |issn=0022-3840}}
* {{cite book |last1=Taylor |first1=Robert Brian |editor1-last=O'Neil |editor1-first=Dennis |editor2-last=Wilson |editor2-first=Leah |title=Batman Unauthorized: Vigilantes, Jokers, and Heroes in Gotham City |date=February 9, 2008 |publisher=[[BenBella Books|Smart Pop]] |location=[[Dallas, Texas|Dallas]] |isbn=978-1933771304 |pages=7–15 |chapter=Keeping It Real in Gotham}}
* {{cite book |last1=Tembo |first1=Kwasu |editor1-last=Andrew |editor1-first=Lucy |editor2-last=Saunders |editor2-first=Samuel |title=The Detective's Companion in Crime Fiction: A Study in Sidekicks |date=July 25, 2021 |publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]] |location=[[London]] |isbn=978-3-030-74989-7 |pages=189–213 |chapter=72 Votes: Theorizing the Scapegoat Sidekick in Batman: A Death in the Family|doi=10.1007/978-3-030-74989-7_10|s2cid=238023732}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Thompson |first1=Kim |title=Watching the Detectives: An Interview with Max Allan Collins |journal=[[Amazing Heroes]] |publisher=[[Fantagraphics Books]] |location=[[Seattle]] |date=June 15, 1987 |volume=1 |issue=119 |pages=23–41 |issn=0745-6506}}
* {{cite book |last1=Weldon |first1=Glen |title=The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture |date=2016 |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |location=[[New York City]] |isbn=978-1-4767-5669-1}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* {{Official website}}

{{Batman publications}}
{{Jim Starlin}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Batman: A Death In The Family}}
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