DC Comics Announces ‘DC Vault: Death In The Family: Robin Lives!’ Four-Issue Miniseries

Following on from revisiting the death of Jason Todd/Robin in the imaginary What if…? style story and “fauxsimile” edition Batman# 428, DC Comics have decided to continue the story that saw Todd escape the brutal death he was dealt at the hand of the Joker and those fans who phoned in to see him bumped off. And producing this miniseries, entitled DC Vault: Death in the Family: Robin Lives!, will be writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Rick Leonardi.

Speaking of revisisting this classic plotline, but giving a twist, DeMatteis said:

“Continuing this classic, and controversial, story and following in the footsteps of [Batman #428 creators] Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo, two creators I greatly admire, has been both a challenge and a joy. This is a great opportunity to tell a story that’s big on action, but also takes a very deep dive into the heads of our main characters as we ponder what would have happened if Jason Todd had survived The Joker’s brutal attack. And having a master like Rick Leonardi bringing it to life visually? I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Leonardi added:

“I’m hoping this series will give readers a look down the path not chosen; a glimpse of the alternative to the original fallout from Batman #428. After people read it, maybe this choice made back in the day will seem vindicated, or maybe we’ll see that it was a poor choice after all.”

I must say, it seems strange that they didn’t get Jim Starlin involved, but with Jim Aparo’s passing in 2005, he was never going to be included in the conversation. But, if we were to have two replacements it’s good to see they are both more than familiar with the era, having both been leading creators in the field at the time. That, and variant covers by Death in the Family‘s original cover artist, Mike Mignola, will really hit home with original fans, like me. His involvement is a great inclusion.

Look out for DC Vault: Death in the Family: Robin Lives! #1 on July 10th from DC Comics