From the DC Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives #2

From the DC Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives #2 continues the explorations of what might have happened had Jason Todd survived his encounter with the Joker (or what if readers voted for him to live).

After a scene reminding readers that The Joker is dead, a shift to Arkham Asylum with Joker claiming he is cured is taking place, but the therapist is not buying it, rightfully so. Batman, following the events of last issue and rescuing Jason from the Scarecrow, is on the streets looking for Copperhead who was hired by a mob boss trafficking children. It is during this sequence of events that the psychiatrist, who is narrating the story, tells how Batman, begins to question his including Jason and ultimately Dick in his war on crime.

Jason’s journey in this issue centers on his being in a treatment center, as the narrator is trying to get him to open up about the trauma at the hands of The Joker. Bruce ultimately decides for Jason’s sake, to reveal his identity as Batman to the psychiatrist, who rightly so, asks him why he would subject a child to such a life. DeMatteis handles this moment in a way that works with both Bruce’s and the psychiatrist’s character, while not overplaying the gravity of the situation.

The next sequence finds DeMatteis breaking continuity as Batman searches out Dick Grayson/Nightwing who is now operating in Bludhaven and fighting the assassin Brutale. The two have one of their less combative interactions as Bruce, and Dick admits that he sometimes wishes his life growing up was more normal. Bruce then talks with Jason, a sequence that implies Bruce is ending Jason’s time as Robin, which doesn’t go over well as might be expected.  As he leaves the psychiatrist approaches Bruce saying that it looks like he needs someone to talk to.

While this is happening it is revealed that Lady Clayface has been impersonating the Joker, allowing the real Joker to once again escape, setting up the second half of the story.

Given that this is a 4-issue series the pacing by DeMatteis is spot on although, the focus has been more on the effects on Bruce than Jason. Hopefully in the second half will dive more into Jason’s psych and how it will influence him going forward in this reality. The art in this issue is cleaner than the first, but still doesn’t capture the original’s look and feel, which is a nit-pick and a subjective opinion.

Overall, this continues to be an interesting story that draws the reader in, making the next issue a must read.