“From the DC Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives”
Writers: J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Rick Leonardi
Color Artist: Rico Renzi
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Review by Sharna Jahangir
Note: This series originally belonged to our beloved late-editor, my friend and mentor Steve Ray, to speak on. We have recently lost him and are still healing. I worked with him for almost eight years, he would up the quality of my writing so much. We miss him dearly. I hope you are resting in power my dear friend.
Jason Todd is personally my favorite Robin. From his humor, to excitement and the young Robin, to the emotional moments when Jason comes back to Batman as Red Hood. It’s been three decades since the young ward was brutally taken away from Batman. When I heard he was voted to be offed, that never sat well with me, especially to go in such a twisted way. I was horrified as the little one did not deserve such an ending. When I heard DC was coming out with the 4-part miniseries of a “What if” scenario, I was intrigued and I think they’re doing an excellent job (I really hope they do not give us a dark ending).
The first issue ends with Bruce becoming more protective to Jason Todd than ever. Let’s see how the rest goes:
Nostalgia
These issues give a late 80s, early 90s style through writing, art, and text. The art seems heavily inspired by the original artist of Death in the Family, DC wants us to immerse that this universe is a possible take. Rick Leonardi is a great choice to carry out this miniseries. Both covers are compelling, and a taste for the eyes. The cover looks like it’s pulled straight out of the same timeline. As well, the lettering style gives that vibes as well, the font deserves a shout out to Taylor Esposito.
J.M. DeMatteis is also a fantastic choice as he was around in the industry when Jason Todd was Robin, being a writer for the Justice League International. He knows these characters deeply, Batman, Joker, Superman, and Robin. There is an essence that this series is from the same time, it’s very nostalgic.
Twists and Turns
DC is taking this to a level where we, as readers, are getting to analyze the behaviors and actions of our main heroes. Did Jason’s survival make any difference to how Batman develops as who he is as a person? Each Robin impacts Bruce Wayne’s growth, Dick Grayson inspires family and fatherhood; Jason Todd teaches him loss and the mistakes of letting evil go; Tim Drake teaches him to become more modern; Damian Wayne teaches him acceptance of who he is as a mentor.
“But I think there’s another…a deeper and far more important…reason you brought Dick and Jason into your life.” – Alfred
We can see From the DC Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives! is trying to tell us that Death in the Family may be a cannon event, at least some parts of the dark tale. I am not sure yet, it’s a feeling, and it hurts. Whether there is a brutal ending or not, we are seeing “is becoming Robin really the best destiny for an orphan?”
Conclusion
From the DC Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives #2 & #3 is a must read if you’re a fan of the Robins. The art is gorgeous and full of parallels from an earlier time. The story is full of moments that really pull you back, and delve into a what if that many of us fans are curious about. Is this a good timeline? Strongly recommended!
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
From The Dc Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives
