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Bill Wray
Bill Wray is an artist known for his contributions to popular comic series. Fans will recognize his art from titles such as Batman and Hellboy junior.
Batman
Synopsis
Jason Todd, Batman's second Robin, chafes against his mentor's methodical approach and sets off on his own trail after learning his birth certificate names a mother he's never known — not the woman he grew up calling Mom. His search leads him to Ethiopia, where he crosses paths with aid worker Sheila Haywood, unaware she's being blackmailed by the Joker over stolen medical supplies.
Sheila ultimately hands Jason over to the Joker herself, who beats him savagely with a crowbar — a cliffhanger DC Comics famously left to a readers' phone-in vote on whether Robin would live or die. Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo's storyline became one of the most consequential in Batman history, permanently reshaping the character's world.
Genres
Characters
BatmanProtagonist
The JokerAntagonist
Jason ToddSupporting
Frequently asked questions
Does this Batman story require reading previous comics?
This particular run, often referred to as "A Death in the Family," is a pivotal moment in Batman's history and can be read as a standalone narrative. While it builds on established character relationships, the core conflict and its resolution are self-contained.
What makes this Batman comic significant?
This story is famous for allowing readers to vote on the fate of a major character, Jason Todd, the second Robin. This unprecedented interactive element had lasting consequences for the Batman mythos and remains a landmark event in comic book history.
Are there any animated adaptations of this storyline?
An interactive animated film titled "Batman: Death in the Family" was released, allowing viewers to make choices that alter the narrative outcome, mirroring the original comic's unique reader participation aspect.