Episode 180 – Batman: A Death in the Family

The Comics Canon

Content warning: A minor is murdered.

In this episode, we examine one of the most popular Batman stories of all time: A Death in the Family from Batman #426-429 by Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo, published by DC Comics!

In 1988, DC established a pair of 900 numbers to allow readers to vote whether Jason Todd, the second Robin, would live or die. Spoiler alert: He dies. But that’s not even the most memorable part of this truly bizarre tale that features a cameo appearance by the Ayatollah Khomeini and sees the Joker go from international arms dealer to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations!

Can the Dark Knight Detective avenge the gruesome death of his teenage ward and stop the Clown Prince of Crime from killing a roomful of U.N. delegates? And is there any chance that this story achieves that diplomatic immunity known as ... The Comics Canon?

In This Episode:

· Visit Historic Crime Alley!

· What is Iran’s endgame, exactly?

· What does Superman sound like with his lungs full of gas?

· A Lonely Place of Dying

· Extraordinary on Hulu

· If Books Could Kill

· Direct Conversations: Talks With Fellow DC Comics Bronze Age Creators

· Fantastic Four: Full Circle by Alex Ross

Join us in two weeks as we extend our stay in Gotham to discuss Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert’s Batman and Son!

Until then: Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise! Rate us on Apple Podcasts! Send us an email! Hit us up on Twitter or Facebook!

And as always, thanks for listening!