| Batman: A Death In The Family |
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''Batman: A Death in the Family'' is a Batman Comic Book story arc first published in the late 1980s which gave fans the ability to influence the story through voting with a 900 Number . PUBLISHING DETAILS "A Death in the Family" ran in ''Batman'' #426-429, published in 1988 - 1989 . The story was credited to Jim Starlin (script), Jim Aparo (pencil), Mike DeCarlo (ink), Adrienne Roy (color), and John Costanza (lettering). Covers were illustrated by Mike Mignola . STORY LINE The story follows Jason Todd , the second Robin . In search of his biological mother, he travels to the Middle East where he becomes embroiled in Terrorism , Islamic Fundamentalism , and the machinations of the Joker . After a confrontation with the Joker, Todd is killed, prompting Batman to swear to avenge his death. Superman makes an appearance as a messenger from the President , trying to dissuade Batman from killing the Joker, who claims Diplomatic Immunity after being appointed the ambassador from Iran . The appointment, however, was a cover for the Joker's attempt to assassinate the entire General Assembly of the United Nations , which may or may not have been sanctioned by his superiors in the Iranian government. SIGNIFICANCE '', set up a 900-code one-dollar Hotline giving callers the ability to vote for or against Jason's death. Over 10,000 votes were cast, a narrow majority voted to kill Jason, and DC published "A Death in the Family" to massive Media attention. Though many people who didn't read the comics believed it to be Dick Grayson, the original Robin. The number to call to vote to kill Jason Todd was 1-900-720-2666. The story arc was panned by many as implausible, and some have accused Starlin's depiction of the Middle East as Racist . However, the depiction of Batman in a rare emotional state, the murder of a very famous character, and the phone-voting element have allowed "A Death in the Family" to remain a significant milestone in American comics. JASON TODD'S RESURRECTION See Also: Jason Todd In recent years, Jason Todd's importance had become less and less apparent until '''', where it was hinted that he was really alive. This was not confirmed however until ''Batman: Under the Hood'', where he returned as a villain to much controversy. Amusingly, considering his recent return, Denny O'Neil (editor of the Bat-comics at the time) states on the back cover of ''A Death in the Family'' trade paperback: "It would be a really sleazy stunt to bring him back". |
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