The “faux-simile” edition of DC’s Batman #428 is on its way back to the printers.
DC has announced that Batman #428: Robin Lives! is heading back for a second printing following its initial release on Tuesday, December 12. The comic features the alternate, previously unreleased version of 1988’s Batman #428 where Jason Todd/Robin survives his fateful encounter with the Clown Prince of Crime. The second printing arrives in participating comic shops on Tuesday, January 30 — complete with a new black-and-white cover based on Mike Mignola and Anthony Tollin’s original, plus a variant cover featuring interior artwork by Jim Aparo.
Check out the covers for the second printing of Batman #428: Robin Lives! below:
What lead to Robin’s death in Batman #428?
Jason Todd became the second Robin in 1983, succeeding Dick Grayson as Batman’s sidekick. Within a few years, however, the new Boy Wonder had become increasingly unpopular with readers due to his rebellious and impulsive nature. Unsure what to do with the character, DC decided to put it to a vote. Readers were able to call one of two 900 numbers depending on whether they wanted Jason to live or die.
In total, 10,614 votes were cast. Ultimately, the votes in favor of killing Jason outnumbered those if favor of keeping him alive by a slim margin of 72. Notably, DC editor Dennis O’Neil suspected that many of the votes in favor of Jason’s death actually came from one person, though he was unable to prove this.
Jason met his demise at the hands of the Joker in Batman #428 by Jim Starlin, Aparo, and Mike DeCarlo — the penultimate entry in the “A Death in the Family” story arc. Due to the nature of the poll, however, two versions of the book were produced. DC kept the one where Jason lives under lock and key for many years. The publisher occasionally offered glimpses at the alternate ending before finally publishing it in its entirety this month.
In the interim, though, the death of Jason Todd proved to be highly controversial. Despite how unpopular Jason was, DC received widespread backlash for killing such an iconic character like Robin. That said, Jason’s death did set the stage for his eventual resurrection as the fan-favorite vigilante Red Hood.
Batman #428: Robin Lives! is on sale now from DC. The second printing arrives on January 30, 2024.
