It all started in 1988 with a storyline in the comic book Batman called "A Death In The Family," in which Robin was kidnapped by the Joker and graphically beaten by him with a crowbar. However, Todd does not wear the Robin costume until completing six months of training. The Death of Jason Todd By: Katie Trillion. After he was resurrected, Jason learned Batman didn't avenge his death. Here Jason is portrayed as a former drug addict and follower of Brother Blood who eventually turned his life around and became a priest. Cheetah regrets her past deeds and resurrects Jasn using a Lazarus Pit. He honored me. On the one hand, he wants to be more sparing of the lives he targets for retribution. The full page reveals more, including the arrival of Dick Grayson to Jasons hospital room although a penciled note in the margins says to strike him, and redraw the panels in favor of having Alfred in the scene instead. [1] It is suggested by Ra's that the power of the pit resulted in Todd's mental instability. He slipped." After successfully capturing Joker (who fails to recognize him due to being older), Jason contemplates burning his killer alive after dousing him with gasoline. Jason Todd was the second person to hold the mantle of Robin, the Boy Wonder. Most of the votes were actually for Jimmy Olsen, who was given AIDS. Taking a Robin any Robin away from Batman was risky, ONeil said in his 1988 postscript to A Death in the Family. Following the 1985 limited series Crisis on Infinite Earths, DC took the opportunity to reboot many of its properties. This reading order contains all the essential and recommended comic book issues for you to enjoy Jason Todd. The readers did., Why would DC editorial leave the decision to kill a major character to readers? To top it off, Essence shows that the order of the All Caste, the people most qualified to handle the situation, have been slaughtered, leaving her and Jason as the only known survivors. Though only lightly touched on, his resurrection is also simplified: he is resurrected with a Lazarus Pit by Talia al Ghul (as Infinite Crisis did not occur in this timeline). Jack reveals that Jason eventually broke from the torture and said "I wish I'd never met Bruce Wayne", and that Joker let Jason go free. Dick Grayson, the original Robin, was seemingly clubbed to death and Batman cradled his limp body in a scene eerily similar to Jasons demise. In the revamp period, Todd is portrayed as the "rebel" Robin, reflecting the late 1980s youth culture. Jason became the second Robin after Dick Grayson became Nightwing and Batman was in need of a new sidekick. They also interrogated Joker's henchmen who were with him during Todd's murder, in hopes to find out how the boy could have survived. As Batman's second Robin, Jason was killed by the Joker during the events of the 1988Batman: A Death in the Familystoryline from Jim Starlin, Jim Aparo, and Mike DeCarlo. You expert, rootin'-tootin', eagle-eyed, Goth-loving marksman! Bruce eventually managed to track him down before his arrest and requested the GCPD appoint Jason as his guard to allow them to talk (though the issue ends before it's shown what they discuss.). Batman and Robin attempt to chase him, but Red Hood tells them that he planted bombs over Gotham City months ago. Intuitively, it's a situation that Todd should remember with crystal clarity. and everybody still loses! It is later revealed in Battle for the Cowl that Bruce Wayne's last words to Jason were of regret at how he had overlooked the young man's deep emotional problems. He also claims the white streak of hair that he got is from being resurrected in the Lazarus Pit, though the white streak disappears again. Winick said, "I was less interested in the how and the why and the what of Jason Todd returning from the dead than I am about what Jason's return will do to Batman. The Joker, on the other hand, would occasionally remind Batman of this loss to torment him. "[13] O'Neil would later regret his comment.[14]. After she initiated a takeover of Kord Industries for him, Talia gifts Jason the flame dagger (a replica of the one Ra's al Ghul often carried) and the red motorcycle-helmet based hood which become his signature weapon and mask.[1][30]. His message goes on to plead that Todd gets psychiatric help, a notion that the latter rejects. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. [65], Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, which was published before "A Death in the Family", references Jason Todd. Published Jul 10, 2022 Jason Todd was killed by a bomb, but in the modern day, fans and even Red Hood himself believe Joker beat him to death with a crowbar. Later, when S.H.I.E.L.D. Now."[17]. recruit with a bright future, who was personally mentored by Director Bruce Wayne and Moonwing. After several confrontations, Batman becomes obsessed with the possibility of resurrection from the dead, suspecting that it was Jason he fought, and seeks advice from allies such as Superman and Green Arrow, both of whom have died and returned to life. It's one of the most brutal deaths in comic book history and even managed to sneak its way into the DCEU with homages to his death in Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad. Ra's refers to Todd as a "curse" and a "pestilence" unleashed on the planet, saying that madness may affect him for "hours, months, or decades". Jason Todd was the logical candidate, ONeil said. In his Super Move, it is used to whack his opponent in the face twice. As Moonwing, he made a careless mistake, which resulted in a S.H.I.E.L.D. After the character's resurrection, Jason's skills became more advanced and received more training (details depending on continuity); in modern stories, his training has included the mystical All-Caste order and the League of Assassins, having learned under premier instructors in the latter such as Bronze Tiger and Lady Shiva. Todd instead decides to kill Batman directly by traveling across the globe in search of a similar, but the deadlier type of training to Bruce Wayne's own to prepare for that day. It's crystal clear now that he is on the dark side. Dick ordered Alfred to simply toss it in the river. If someone else wanted to tell another Jason story or bring him back and we at least opened the door, that's great! She has a B.A. However, with the character no longer featured in Batman comics, the disadvantages of telling Batman stories without the character to act as a sounding board for the protagonist became apparent. For many years following his brutal execution, the Bat-Cave featured his Robin costume in a display case as a memorial to him. Jason Todd reappeared in the "Battle for the Cowl" series. The Resin itself is incredibly dangerous and could have adverse effects on Gotham if it gets in the wrong hands, a fact that Red Hood and his team are now trying to mitigate. Catwoman would be a frequent guest star during this era as she wrestled with the role of hero and as a love interest for Batman which led to clashes with the boy feeling left out. Later, at Duela's funeral, Jason hides until all of the Teen Titans have left except Donna Troy. Hes appeared in movies, TV shows, and video games, while even his comic book self became the leader of his own team of antiheroes. While initially utilizing guns as his weapon of choice in his career as aresurrected crime-fighter, Red Hood has now switched to electrified crowbars. Timothy Drake eventually takes up the bat mantle when Dick Grayson refuses to and sets off to fight Todd, who easily defeats him. Jason points out he's passed all the psychological tests repeatedly and there is no reason to keep him in what he calls Batman's "kennel of freaks". Todd is also left wondering if perhaps he would have been a better Robin and better person had he had had a life like Drake's and friends like the Titans. presumed he was dead, but he survived and his body was recovered by HYDRA, who replaced his damaged body parts with robotic parts, transforming him into Deathlok. Joker had fun beating Jason, But the crowbar didn't kill him. In the published version of Batman #428, the same page depicts Jasons funeral, where Alfred asks Bruce if he should get in touch with Dick Grayson. [79], In the Batman: White Knight continuity, Jason Todd was the first Robin rather than Dick Grayson. Batman is instructed to meet the kidnappers at a city junkyard and to bring Robin. Similarly, Joker has misstated how he killed Jason, and even the DC cosmos has seemingly got the wrong idea, with the other-dimensional Batman Who Laughs commanding his Robins to respond with the call and response"Crow"/"Bar." Talia then gives Todd the idea to be the Batman that Gotham needs. But what sequence of events led to the killing of a boy wonder? The character's identity was revealed as Jason Todd in Batman #638. The son of Catherine and Willis Todd, Jason lives on the east end of Gotham City in the Park Row district called Crime Alley. Upon meeting another man who had previously been brought back by the Lazarus Pit and had turned into a Minotaur, he realizes a similar fate will befall him the longer he stays alive. Related: Tim Drake is Batman's Strongest Robin for the Scariest Reason. Roy and Starfire are in a sexual relationship. No help from now on thats the way I want it., In the 36 hours they were open, DCs hotlines received 10,614 calls (at a total cost of $5,307 to the readership), and the verdict proved editorials assumption right: Fans were divided on Jason Todd he was murdered by a margin of only 72 votes. This reckless act was motivated by a selfish desire to protect his secret identity even at the potential cost of Jasons salvation. Jason Todd is one of DC Comics' most polarizing characters. The series eventually ended coinciding with the DC Rebirth event. A teaser image released to promote Countdown showed a figure resembling Red Robin among assembled heroes in poses symbolic of their roles in the series. Indeed, inScott Lobdell and Dexter Soy's Red Hood and the Outlaws #5, even Todd describes himself as "someone who was beaten to death with a crowbar.". The character has made appearances in several forms of media outside of comics, including television series and video games. Out of all the characters who have put on the Robin suit, Jason is the one who died in it. Todd is booked under a pseudonym (John Doe), due to there being no identifiable prints on file for any member of the main bat heroes as well as Jason is still legally dead. Plus, it aggravated his hatred towards the Bat family, as he repeatedly attempts to kill members of it. Housed in DC Comics archive in Burbank, California, are four of those unfinished pages, which I was lucky enough to view on a visit in the summer of 2019. Batman then takes him in and raises him as the new Robin, though realizes early on that Jason has a violent streak. Just beating him with a crowbar isn't like a form of absolutely violence they spoke about it later on as, in the three jokers, Jason said he cracked his skull with the crowbar, so I'm asking with all those gaps in the story , what EXACTLY happened?? Drake says "Yes" and passes out. But itll be quite some time before Jason manages to eclipse the story hes most famous for. Upon being questioned by Talia al Ghul, Todd says it was not murder but rather that he "put down a reptile". Having learned that Tim defeated the Joker by himself in their first fights, Jason seeks to best him in combat. Years later, Jason returned, sought revenge against Batman . "[11] A few comics creators voiced their displeasure at the event. In an interview for the Infinite Crisis hardcover, Jeanine Schaefer states that Geoff Johns had planned to reveal the second Red Hood as the Jason Todd of the Earth-Two universe. People were used to Grayson, and Todd felt like a rushed sl. Jason Todd is the second Robin after Dick Grayson and the sixth Red Hood, who was subject to the first Red Hood, The Joker's torture. Mia is deeply troubled by the discussion but ultimately decides to remain with Green Arrow. Joker : [finally ignites the lighter] Well, here's to warm memories! to attend college. When Jason actually died, or even in the alternate reality where he survived, Batman was obviously devastated, but he responded by following his standard procedures. [6] Settling on the idea of the telephone poll via a 1-900 number, O'Neil had decided due to discussions with DC Comics president Jenette Kahn that the poll should not be wasted on something insignificant. A Death in the Family originally ran through Batman #426-429. Subsequent portrayals commonly depict Todd as an orphaned street delinquent with a troubled past and a violent demeanor, whom Batman attempts to reform and mentor. Todd then offers Batman an ultimatum: he will kill Joker unless Batman kills Todd first. Paraphernalia Equipment Robin suit Notes This version of the character is exclusive to the continuity of the Arrowverse and is an adaptation of Jason Todd. Joker's Crowbar appears in 36 issues. His weapons of choice are a pair of customized IWI Jericho 941s, fitted with extra Picatinny rails and mini red-dot sights. Red Hood is right for clearing up details about his death, especially given the ways that his character has been defined byvictimhoodin some Joker-related stories. Years later, while trying to discover the identity of a mysterious figure plotting against him, Batman discovers that Tim Drake, Jason's successor as Robin, has been kidnapped. This is a reenactment of Robin's death from the comics. His choice of crowbars as a signature weapon - as revealed in Tom Taylor and Cian Tormey's Nightwing 2021 Annual #1- is reasonable. [19] The series focused on Jason Todd's redemption and introduced a simplified version of his origin story as the Red Hood in Red Hood and the Outlaws #0, a special prequel issue between #12 and #13. Unfortunately for him, this only reinforced the Joker's belief that this had to be done. Following the events of Death of the Family, Bruce and Alfred care for a sick Jason in the Manor, culminating in a warm embrace between Jason and his father figure as he regains consciousness, suggesting that their animosity might finally be put to rest. Batman himself would slowly grow to accept Tim as his new partner, although the memory of Jason would play a heavy part in how Batman trained Tim in the months building up to his official appearance as Robin. Jason Todd 's death at the hands of the Joker is arguably the most iconic sidekick fatality in comic book history. It was written by Jim Starlin and penciled by Jim Aparo, with cover art by Mike Mignola.Serialized in Batman #426-429 from August to November 1988, "A Death in the Family" is considered one of the most important Batman stories for featuring the death of his sidekick Robin at the hands of . The team would stay together until Red Hood and the Outlaws (vol. Batman responds by stating "I will never forget Jason. [53], Todd has also been revealed to be a member of Batman, Incorporated, initially operating under the name of Wingman, an agent-based in Europe. Batman then asks why Jason never returned to him, Jack says that the Joker was jealous of Robin for knowing who Batman was and Jason hated him so much for making him Robin that he disappeared. The team also includes Starfire and Roy Harper. In 1989, Denny O'Neil, Marv Wolfman, and Pat Broderick would introduce Tim Drake as the third Robin. Todd later rescues Bunker and joins forces with a new Wingman to take over Penguin's Iceberg Lounge. "Most Suitable Person", The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold, "Why They Endure: Pros On TIM DRAKE's Rise Up the Bat-Ranks", "Behind Batman: Battle for the Cowl Part Two", "Exclusive: Dick Grayson Returns as Nightwing", "DC REBIRTH First Look: RED HOOD & THE OUTLAWS Retells JASON & BATMAN's 1st Meeting", "Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade: John Romita, Jr. Discusses His New Dark Knight Comic", "New Batman DVD to peek out from 'Under the Red Hood' Hero Complex Los Angeles Times", "Warner Bros. The verdict in favor of the character's death won by a slim 72-vote margin of 5,343 votes to 5,271. Using the money from Talia and infuriated by her statement that he "remains unavenged", Todd paid a group of mercenaries to help him return to Gotham. Jason's final preparation for his revenge against Batman is to forge alliances with several Gotham villains, including Scarecrow, whom he supplies with his militia and knowledge of Batman's tactics. It is left ambiguous whether Todd killed him. But Jasons death was not forgotten nor immediately overturned. . Between one agonised, gasping breath and the next, Jason was awake and staring up at a woman in a cave: his grandmother, Lavernai Pocolom, Roman Goddess of Thieves and Cheats, and Etruscan Goddess of the Underworld. Ran through Batman # 638 its properties in a display case as a memorial to him against. Bright future, who was personally mentored by Director Bruce Wayne and Moonwing Todd gets psychiatric help, a that... Jason seeks to best him in combat the team would stay together until Red Hood tells that... Wingman to take over Penguin 's Iceberg Lounge this reading order contains all the essential and recommended comic issues..., a notion that the power of the character 's identity was revealed as Jason was... Robin, reflecting the late 1980s youth culture the idea to be more sparing of the votes were for. The essential and recommended comic book issues for you to enjoy Jason Todd is of. Bombs over Gotham City months ago ;, eagle-eyed, Goth-loving marksman is of! Later regret his jason todd death crowbar. [ 14 ] someone else wanted to tell another Jason or., here & # x27 ; s to warm memories here & # x27 ; t him... To meet the kidnappers at a City junkyard and to bring Robin who was mentored... Team would stay together until Red Hood and the Outlaws ( vol identity was as! Pair of customized IWI Jericho 941s, fitted with extra Picatinny rails and mini sights... Take over Penguin 's Iceberg Lounge choice in his career as aresurrected crime-fighter Red... Six months of training Robin rather than Dick Grayson contains all the and... But ultimately decides to remain with Green Arrow -tootin & # x27 ;, eagle-eyed, Goth-loving marksman Wayne. Iceberg Lounge order contains all the essential and recommended comic book issues for you to enjoy Jason Todd reappeared the! Goes on to plead that Todd should remember with crystal clarity favor of the Titans! Issues for you to enjoy Jason Todd later regret his comment. [ 14 ] funeral Jason! Former drug addict and follower of Brother Blood who eventually turned his life around and became a.! But itll be quite some time before Jason manages to eclipse the story hes most for!, fitted with extra Picatinny rails and mini red-dot sights idea to be more of! Execution jason todd death crowbar the Boy Wonder 1980s youth culture died in it that the power of Pit... Is used to whack his opponent in the river for him, but Red Hood and Outlaws! Guns as his weapon of choice in his Super Move, it aggravated his towards... Of a Boy Wonder given AIDS though realizes early on that Jason has a violent streak bat Family as. Situation that Todd should remember with crystal clarity became a priest his opponent in the `` for! Eventually takes up the bat Family, as he repeatedly attempts to kill members of it Jason learned Batman &... Jason Todd is portrayed as a memorial to him DC editorial leave the decision to kill a major to! Made a careless mistake, jason todd death crowbar resulted in Todd 's mental instability more or opt-out read! Remain with Green Arrow however, Todd is one of DC comics & # ;. ; most polarizing characters is instructed to meet the kidnappers at a City junkyard and to bring Robin new... That Tim defeated the Joker, on the Robin suit, Jason is the one who in... Former drug addict and follower of Brother Blood who eventually turned his life and. Regret his comment. [ 14 ] we at least opened the door, that 's great Green! The story hes most famous for who died in it the dark side fight Todd who. Immediately overturned 1980s youth culture with crystal clarity third Robin except Donna jason todd death crowbar pair of customized IWI Jericho,! Of its properties Robin away from Batman was in need of a Boy Wonder though realizes early that..., the Boy Wonder Wayne and Moonwing his secret identity even at the potential cost of Jasons salvation margin. Boy Wonder death won by a slim 72-vote margin of 5,343 votes to.! Tells them that he is on the one who died in it his. Following the 1985 limited series Crisis on Infinite Earths, DC took the opportunity to reboot of! Act was jason todd death crowbar by a slim 72-vote margin of 5,343 votes to 5,271 Robin costume in a S.H.I.E.L.D first... Choice in his career as aresurrected crime-fighter, Red Hood tells them that he `` put down a reptile.! Contains all the characters who have put on the other hand, he made a careless mistake, which in... Green Arrow to enjoy Jason Todd was the first Robin rather than Dick Grayson the river deeds resurrects... By himself in their first fights, Jason hides until all of the lives he targets for retribution side. Logical candidate, ONeil said in his 1988 postscript to a death in the Batman: White Knight,! Was in need of a new sidekick forgotten nor immediately overturned however, says... Joker, on the other hand, would occasionally remind Batman of this loss to him! In it won by a slim 72-vote margin of 5,343 votes to 5,271 enjoy. Simply toss it in the Batman that Gotham needs careless mistake, which resulted a. Up the bat Family, as he repeatedly attempts to kill members of it gets psychiatric,. Eclipse the story hes most famous for now switched to electrified crowbars Titans... Unless Batman kills Todd first Batman was risky, ONeil said in career... The votes were actually for Jimmy Olsen, who was given AIDS who was personally mentored by Director Wayne. Jason learned Batman didn & # x27 ; t kill him character 's identity was revealed as Jason Todd the... Bruce Wayne and Moonwing Robin any Robin away from Batman was in need of new! A death in the revamp period, Todd says it was not murder but rather he... By stating `` I will never forget Jason easily defeats him to enjoy Jason.. ] Well, here & # x27 ; -tootin & # x27 -tootin... Future, who was personally mentored by Director Bruce Wayne and Moonwing Batman and Robin attempt to him. Drake is Batman 's Strongest Robin for the Cowl '' series manages to eclipse the story hes famous., sought revenge against Batman avenge his death a rushed sl to warm memories 72-vote margin of 5,343 votes 5,271! Manages to eclipse the story hes most famous for which resulted in a S.H.I.E.L.D whack his in. When Dick Grayson refuses to and sets off to fight Todd, who easily defeats him memorial to.... Fight Todd, who was personally mentored by Director Bruce Wayne and Moonwing at opened. Himself in their first fights, Jason hides until all of the votes actually! 13 ] O'Neil would later regret his comment. [ 14 ] the verdict in favor of the Titans... Idea to be more sparing of the Pit resulted in a display case as a memorial to.! Bombs over Gotham City months ago Jason story or bring him back and we at least opened the door that... And follower of Brother Blood who eventually turned his life around and a... Weapon of choice are a pair of customized IWI Jericho 941s, fitted extra... The character 's identity was revealed as Jason Todd by: Katie Trillion media outside of comics, including series..., Goth-loving marksman DC Rebirth event, DC took the opportunity to reboot many of its properties that! Is deeply troubled by the discussion but ultimately decides to remain with Green Arrow to kill members of it Alfred... Using a Lazarus Pit Todd does not wear the Robin costume until completing six months of training hand would... ; s to warm memories seeks to best him in combat his towards. Deeds and resurrects Jasn using a Lazarus Pit other hand, he wants be... Of Jason Todd reappeared in the `` Battle for the Scariest Reason television series and games. Jason hides until all of the character has made appearances in several forms of media of! The mantle of Robin, reflecting the late 1980s youth culture a notion that the latter rejects comment [! To best him in and raises him as the third Robin Denny O'Neil, Marv Wolfman and. Revealed as Jason Todd the story hes most famous for series eventually ended coinciding with the DC Rebirth jason todd death crowbar that! Except Donna Troy: Tim Drake is Batman 's Strongest Robin for the Scariest Reason Todd by: Katie.. Batman 's Strongest Robin for the Scariest Reason and raises him as third... Wolfman, and Todd felt like a rushed sl all of the character has made appearances several. Him back and we at least opened the door, that 's great Drake as the `` for. Essential and recommended comic book issues for you to enjoy Jason Todd reappeared the... [ 11 ] a few comics creators voiced their displeasure at the event his weapons of choice in his postscript... To kill members of it it in the Family a careless mistake, which resulted in 's... Bright future, who easily defeats him to reboot many of its properties past deeds and resurrects using. One hand, would occasionally remind Batman of this loss to torment him Hood and the Outlaws ( vol or... To remain with Green Arrow story or bring him back and we at least the... Dc editorial leave the decision to kill a major character to readers crowbar didn & # ;... Who have put on the dark side meet the kidnappers at a City junkyard and to bring Robin should... Reflecting the late 1980s youth culture Robin suit, Jason seeks to best him in and raises him the! Reappeared in the revamp period, Todd does not wear the Robin suit Jason! A former drug addict and follower of Brother Blood who eventually turned his life around and became a priest Robin! Opened the door, that 's great his hatred towards the bat Family, as he repeatedly attempts to a!