Joker’s death rewrites Robin lore in the darkest way possible

0
Joker’s death rewrites Robin lore in the darkest way possible

Warning: Contains potential spoilers for From the DC Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives #3!DC rewrite A death in the family Study, revealing that Jason Todd’s brutal death at the hands of the Joker In 1988 could be the best possible result for the second RobinHow far worse fates lurk beyond death. However, the true extent of Jason’s new, darker fate has yet to fully unfold, giving fans plenty to speculate about.

The preview for JM DeMatteis, Rick Leonardi and Rico Renzi’s From the DC Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives #3 opens with a literal bang. On the first page, the clown prince of crime lies sprawled on the floor, a bullet wound in his forehead and his eyes lifeless. The next page shows Jason Todd, still in his Robin uniform, holding a gun, his expression one of disbelief as he struggles to process his actions. Batman, immediately shocked, asks, “Jason, what did you do?” The scene leaves no doubt—Jason Todd is the one responsible for killing the Joker.

Jason Todd’s Robin Kills the Joker In of these DC Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives #3

“It was a turning point. The moment when Jason Todd was truly born and Robin was buried forever.” – Jason’s therapist in Robin lives #3


From the DC Vault Death in the Family Robin Lives 1 Main Cover Solicits: Batman hauling Joker with a black and red image of Jason Todd's Robin behind them.

Despite the excitement among Jason Todd fans over the Joker’s death, they may want to hold back on their applause. According to the story of Jason’s therapist, the fate of the Boy Wonder is anything but a happy ending. The therapist, told from a future perspective, provides a sobering view of the aftermath of Robin’s actions. She quotes Jason’s own troubling reminiscence, iii He reveals that he can’t even remember how he got to the point of killing the Joker. Jason describes the experience as if he was in a disorientation “Fugue State,” Emphasize the depth of his turmoil and freeing mental state.

Jason then admits to killing the Joker “broken” Him, but he describes the break as “The best thing that happened to [him].” While Jason speaks positively about his experience, his words raise significant red flags about his mental state, suggesting an unsettling level of instability. This concern is echoed by his therapist, who recounts, “‘The best thing?’ Debatable. But it was a turning point. The moment when Jason Todd was truly born and Robin was buried forever. The preview sets an ominous tone, hinting at a potentially even more tragic outcome for Jason than what was seen in the original A death in the family (1988) Storyline.

Robin lives #3 Teases the Consequences of Robin Killing Joker (Hint: There’s a Lot)

Robin lives Is ready to be a brutal repeat Batman #424 (1988)


Comic book cover: Batman and the Joker fight with a grinning Robin in the background.

The confirmation that Jason killed the Joker raises a lot of questions, especially about what drove him to pull the trigger, especially since the Boy Wonder himself can’t remember how things got to this point. Fortunately, the number 3 is to focus on unraveling this mystery. Jason’s therapist explains that to understand this pivotal moment in Jason’s life, it is essential to first examine the days leading up to the incident. so, It seems that issue #3 started with Joker’s death and will now delve into the key events leading up to it.

Another major question from this reveal is what the consequences of Robin killing the Joker will be. The most intriguing consequences to speculate about are how the act will affect the relationship of Jason and Bruce and who Jason will become as a person, especially since the therapist indicates that Robin was “buried” That day. Consider Bruce’s reaction when he thinks Robin has killed Felipe Garzonas—a rapist who fell to his death in Batman #424 (1988)—It is likely that a significant emotional divide will form between them, with Bruce potentially taking the Robin mantle away. From Jason.

Taking the Robin mantle away from him could potentially lead Jason to strike out on his own and pursue a vigilante life independent of Batman, much like Dick Grayson did when Bruce similarly took the Robin mantle away from him. However, given Jason’s trauma and fragile mental state, it is unlikely that he will thrive as Dick. instead, Jason could have a grim fate, either killing himself or adopting a persona that leans more towards villain or anti-hero rather than traditional hero. Therefore, the twist in Robin Lives could be that Jason Todd is always destined to die and/or become the Red Hood.

Robin lives Proves that Jason Todd’s Robin is always destined to die

Jason Todd Surviving the Joker in the A death in the familyTorline is a far greater tragedy than him dying


Robin not wearing his mask while Batman cradles dead Jason Todd DC

In a way, when Jason’s therapist says, “Robin was buried forever,” It effectively confirms that Jason Todd’s Robin dies. Although this is likely meant metaphorically, it is particularly significant because it represents Robin’s death in an entirely new way. In A Death in the family (1988), Robin died a hero, trying to save his mother despite her betrayal. However, in Robin lives (2024), it is implied that Robin’s death occurs when Jason kills the Joker. at this point, Jason becomes something that Robin is not – a murderer – making it impossible for the two identities to coexist.And thus leading to the death of Jason Todd’s Robin.

‘Robin Lives’ demonstrates that one’s death can occur through the act of killing another.

Robin’s metaphorical death overshadows the literal one, emphasizing the deep tragedy of Jason’s continued existence while grappling with the repercussions of his choice to kill the Joker. This symbolic death is especially poignant because it signals the potential dissolution of Batman and Robin’s partnership. In addition to potentially losing his relationship with Bruce, Jason may also face the severe loss of being stripped of the mantle that once gave him a sense of “Magic.” most cordially, He will be left to endure trauma that no child should ever have to face.

Jason Todd just proved why Batman’s ‘no kill’ rule is for the best

Panels come from Judd Winick’s Batman: Under the Red Hood

Judd Winick’s Batman: Under the Red Hood Marked the return of Jason Todd as a rising crime lord with a vendetta against Batman and a mission to rid Gotham of its worst criminals. The storyline was one of the first to put Bruce’s ‘no kill’ rule under intense scrutiny, presenting a case that fans could rally behind when it came to justifying killings. however, Robin lives Suggests there may be more to Batman’s ‘no kill’ rule than merely currying favor with the GCPD and showing mercy. This rule can also serve to protect Batman And be Robins of losing oneself, as Robin lives Demonstrates that one’s death can occur through the act of killing another.

From the DC Vault: Death in the Family – Robin Lives #3 is available now from DC Comics.

Leave A Reply