I've been sitting on this news for a while, but today DC Comics announced my newest project: a four-issue Batman mini-series—with art by the great Rick Leonardi—called From the DC Vault: Death in the Family: Robin Lives! (Yes, I know that title is a mouthful, so let's just call it Robin Lives!).
Here's how DC describes the project:
In 1988, DC raised the revolutionary idea to let fans decide the fate of then-Robin Jason Todd by calling a 1-800 number and casting a vote. Originally, fans decided that Jason would pay the ultimate price at the hands of The Joker, but a new facsimile of the original Batman #428 was released in December of 2023, featuring an alternate ending in which Jason lives. Now, for the first time, readers will witness his plans for revenge against the Clown Prince of Crime.
"Continuing this classic, and controversial, story and following in the footsteps of Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo, two creators I greatly admire, has been both a challenge and a joy,” said DeMatteis. “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.”
Robin Lives! is on sale in July. Can't wait for you all to see it!
OK, this is insanely exciting! Two great creators together. PS a wee typo on Rick's name there, Mr D! Karlos
ReplyDeleteTypo will be corrected shortly, Karlos! And, yes, I'm very excited, too!
DeleteHello JM, I'm really excited for this miniseries, especially because it has a great writer and artist team. I liked Jason as Robin and always preferred if he had lived. A lot of modern comics tend to rewrite Robin Jason as being a jerk, arrogant, incompetent, and/or a psychopath. These portrayals have nothing to do with how Jason was actually written in the 1980s, he wasn't "the angry Robin" or some bad egg from the start. His death had nothing to do with some failure on his part or disobeying Batman, he never intended to confront the Joker alone and only wanted to rescue his mother but was betrayed. Jason was impulsive at times, but he was ultimately a good kid and a hero, who died trying to protect his mother and who Batman loved as a son. Please keep this in mind for Robin Lives!
ReplyDeleteJason is a complex, fascinating character and I'm treating him with great respect. Hope you enjoy the series!
DeleteDefinitely looking forward to July, thanks!
DeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteMaybe it will go over so well they will ask for a sequel, one where you write a reality where you did not kill off Vine and Steel.
ReplyDeleteI think we can all agree more people are interested in that, than this flash-in-the-pan bat-guy.
Quite frankly, I am a little worried people will stop caring about this…what is his name, flying-squirrel lad?…by the time this comic comes out.
You and Mignola deserve better than to be stuck on this 9th rate character (flying-fox Amigo?is that is?).
Well, maybe next time.
Jack
Actually, Flying Squirrel Lad is a big part of this new mini. Once again you have supernatural insights into my work!
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