Dead Sidekicks All Grown Up
I started collecting comics in 1989, as the hype for Tim Burton’s Batman was ramping up and a month or two after DC Comics killed Jason Todd, the second Robin, in an event that scored major media attention. So it’s little surprise I started my comics collection with Batman, a book I’ve bought off and on for the last sixteen years. When it looked like Jeph Loeb had revived Todd as a villain in his “Hush” storyline, I was pretty excited. I thought it was an interesting change in the status quo for the character, and a way to have Jason’s death have a lasting impact beyond Batman morosely staring at a memorial in the Batcave every few issues. So, of course, within a few issues it turned out to be a hoax. I thought that was the cheap way out, and Lord did I get into some arguments with my brother over that one.
At any rate, Judd Winick took over the book about a year later, and has brought Jason Todd back for real as an antagonist – someone who’s willing to use deadly force against criminals and anyone who gets in his way. Loads of character conflict and an examination of the “why Batman doesn’t kill” question, which is well-mined but interesting territory. I just read issue #647, the latest chapter in the storyline. It kind of ties into DC’s ongoing Infinite Crisis crossover event, but it stands on its own pretty well. Definitely some of the most readable Batman comics I can remember in years.
About Dave Thomer
Born and raised in Philadelphia. Studied philosophy at Fordham University in the Bronx, where I made many great friends and met my wonderful wife. We moved back to Philadelphia, where I studied philosophy some more and became a teacher. Online and off, I'm looking for ways that we can be better citizens and build stronger communities.
Sunday, December 4th 2005 at 6:52 am |
Maybe you can answer me this as I’m not a superhero comic afficionado. How goes Batman recruit these new Robins whenever the latest one gets offed? Does he keep Robin Eggs around and just bust out a new one?
Seriously, I can just imagine the want ad in the classifieds:
HELP WANTED. High-risk private security firm seeks new executive assistant. Must be willing to face danger and fight the good fight. Specialized equipment and transport provided; mileage and uniforms paid. Must pass background check and physical fitness test. Leave application at Wayne Manor.
Sunday, December 4th 2005 at 1:02 pm |
Robin #1 – Bruce Wayne was in the audience the night Dick Grayson’s parents were killed by criminals. He adopted Dick and offered him the chance to fight criminals.
Robin #2 – Shortly after Dick Grayson stopped being Robin, a street kid named Jason Todd tried to steal the tires off the Batmobile. Batman was impressed by the kid’s toughness and decided to give him a home. He was killed by the Joker while searching for his real mother.
Robin #3 – A young boy named Tim Drake was in the audience the night Dick’s parents were killed. He saw Batman come in and try to rescue/help Dick and became fascinated by Batman. He eventually figured out Bruce and Batman’s identity. After Jason was killed, Tim noticed Batman becoming more reckless and dangerous. He tried to get Dick to go back to being Robin. Instead, Bruce agreed to train Tim as the new Robin and gave him the full-pants costume that the character has had for the last ten years or so.
Robin #4 – While Tim was taking a break from the role, Bruce decided to offer the job to Tim’s girlfriend Stephanie, who was the daughter of a criminal named the Cluemaster and had been trying to fight crime in the role of the Spoiler. Steph was killed in a story that makes Pattie’s eyesbug out if you talk about it, so I won’t mention that here.
Sunday, December 4th 2005 at 6:24 pm |
Surprisingly, I’m enjoying the current Jason Todd story as well. Probably because they smartly did not begin the story with his resurrection. For now, that remains a mystery.
I haven’t enjoyed Batman this much since the first 11 parts of the “Hush” storyline.