Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A well-done story... a collection that could be better, October 10, 2001
To begin with, let's give massive kudos to DC Comics for having the guts to tell this story. It sent Batman down a path even more guilt-ridden than his previous one and eventually led to the creation of a real balancing force in Tim Drake, the current (and best) Robin. Although the gimmick of allowing readers to call in and vote for letting Jason Todd live or killing him off seems sort of callow, it did gain this story serious attention, attention that it deserved. However (and perhaps this is the DVD fan in me) I feel sort of a pang of guilt that we've never seen the alternate ending for this story, the one where Jason survived. DC had both endings ready to go to the printer, just waiting for the response to come in... is there any reason we couldn't have included that alternate chapter in this collection? Heck, even if they stuck an "Elseworlds" label on that chapter, it would be fine with me. Something to consider, DC, the next time this book goes to print.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Tragedy and a Legend Not to be Missed, June 13, 2006
It has been said that there are three milestones in the modern age of Batman:
1.The death of Thomas and Martha Wayne.
2.The alliance of Batman with the newly christened Robin, Dick Grayson.
3.The death of Robin II, Jason Todd.
Chip Kidd mentions in his book "Batman Collected" that the name Todd echoes in the German word "Tod" which means death. It is no irony that Jason Todd represents loss and tragedy in the DC universe and he is remembered as a boy who fought in a man's war against crime.
While many of the tragedies of Bat-lore are based on villains' origins, the impact of this story is heavily weighed upon a not-so-righteous Robin. Fan never bonded much with Jason, a hotheaded youth who grew up fending for himself on the streets of Gotham. His nature vs. nurture instinct left him with little sympathy for criminals. (He once pushed a rapist off a roof to his death.) This is not to say that all streetwise parentless children are juvenile delinquents but in the case of Jason Todd, Batman was unable to successfully channel his inner rage into the more positive goal of Robin.
"Death in the Family" unfolds as Jason goes off to Ethiopia in search of his long-lost mother. Bruce follows him and the two are caught up in a deadly battle of terrorists, betrayal, and the Joker. Despite Bruce's warnings, Jason's desire for truth blinds him from practical self-defense and he is lured into a trap before being beaten half to death by the Joker. Batman rushes to save him but it's too late and the Boy Wonder is finally annihilated in an exploding warehouse. The scene of a defeated Batman clutching Jason's bloodied body covered in tattered red and green rags is one of the most powerful iconic moments in all of DC's stories.
The Joker's influence in Iran is a bit far fetched and has annoyed fans for its almost ridiculous stereotypes, but it only serves to channel the story along. After Batman returns to Gotham and buries Jason's body he discovers that his archenemy is rising up in the ranks of foreign alliance. Superman has to intervene to prevent Batman from bringing the wrong vengeance down for Jason's death.
What made "Death in the Family" so powerful and a controversial best seller?
Answer: The fans.
DC allowed readers to call in by phone for two days to vote on Jason's outcome of the story: live or die. By a narrow margin in the ratings of fellow fans around the country, he was given thumbs down. I have heard in the world of the media, "There is no such thing as bad publicity". Hate mail did rain down on DC comics for doing this but the scenario just a small taste of how much of an influence the readers truly have on the outcome of a story.
The story telling is adequate but what makes "Death in the Family" so influential is its titanic tragedy. Robin has been a part of the Bat-mythos since 1940 and his relationship with Batman has always not only been that of a mentor and a student, but as a father and a son.
This book IS controversial but I believe DC knew they were taking a risk from the start. Those that read this story should be getting more out of it than a thrill or being disappointed if they don't like it. "Death in the Family" is a powerful reminder of the larger plan that works in the graphic novel market of a modern age audience. This story is one of the darkest of all dark stories, which says much for a serious hero like Batman whose origins are rooted in the death of his parents. The death of a surrogate son remains a stirring memorial in the Bat Cave where Jason's uniform hangs in a crystal case. The inscription reads, "In memory of Jason Todd. A good soldier."
If the story leaves you feeling downtrodden and depressed, I recommend reading "A Hero Reborn" next as an uplifting tale of how the mantle of Robin found worthy hands in Tim Drake, the third Boy Wonder and the current one to date. For another brooding but even more bewildering and thrilling story, "Under the Hood" is a recent work of fiction by Jud Winick. It brings about a question that has haunted Batman for over 16 years now: "What if Jason was never meant to die?"
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
a piece of Batman history, June 25, 2005
The book renders the tale in which the second Robin, Jason Todd, meets his end at the hands of a notorious villain. Understanding some of the current Batman storylines requires knowledge of this event.
The death in the family that the title describes molds the Batman character into what he is today; extremely reluctant to work with partners and overprotective of the two family members he still has.
Strangely, this event reminds me of why Batman is truly a hero. Only he must pay the price for his one-man war on crime; casualties are unacceptable. He is willing to sacrifice himself completely to the task of cleaning up and protecting Gotham, he is not arrogant or cruel enough to manipulate others to do his bidding, however. This is his burden, and no one elses'. I think it is more of necessity than choice that he does work with anyone else.
This book also reminds me of one of the things that most angered me about DC in this era; I wish they had just retired the second Robin because of his recklessness. In fact, that is what Bruce considers before Todd's life is cut short. So perhaps that complaint is overblown, but this will always remain Bruce Wayne's and Batman's, darkest day. Keep that in mind when you decide whether or not to get this.
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