In honor of our Graphic Novel Symposium, we are profiling one the newest additions to our collection, Batman: A Death in the Family.
So how good is Batman: A Death in the Family? This 1988 Batman story was so good, it changed it changed the Marvel Universe FOREVER. Seriously. So how does a DC story change the fate of its rival comic company? Look no further than comic artist and writer Jim Starlin.
Jim Starlin took over writing the caped crusaders comic and soon realized that the new Robin, Jason Todd was hated by Batman fans. Lacking the charm, and likability of the original Robin, Dick Grayson, Todd was outspoken, opinionated, and defiant. Identifying this opportunity, Starlin penned the DC Classic, A Death in the Family.
The result of this book, and the sub sequential death of a major comic character, resulted in DC ending their partnership with Starlin. His DC tenure did not end because of a lack of critical success. A Death in the Family is considered Batman canon. His DC career ended because they could no longer sell the large stock of pajamas and other merchandise of the deceased character. Six months later, DC showed Starlin his walking papers.
Fresh of the critical success of Batman, Jim Starlin begins working at Marvel works on the Silver Surfer comic. After the success of Silver Surfer, he introduces a character that changes the MCU forever. Starlin writes the epic Infinity Gauntlet series and creates Marvel super-villain Thanos.
Nearly 30 years and a billion dollars in box office returns later, Marvel fans have DC Comics, unsold pajamas, and Jim Starlin to thank.
Click the link to see if Batman: A Death in the Family is on shelf at the library.
To hear Jim Starlin tell the story of Batman: A Death in the Family, his fallout with DC Comics, Thanos, and the Infinity Gauntlet, click here.