One of the most legendary yet controversial decisions in DC history was allowing fans to decideRobinJason Todd’s fate in the iconicBatman: A Death in the Familystoryline. While DC isn’t putting Robin’s life in the hands of readers this time, it appears the publisher is revisiting the infamous premise ofA Death in the Familywith Damian Wayne’s Robin—this time with new twists that could make it even more shocking.
The second, more outlandish possibility is that DC might indeed echo A Death in the Family—but not with Damian’s Robin.
Set to release on August 23, 2025,Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Javier Fernández’sBatman and Robin#20 cranks up the tension as Damian Wayne finds himself living up to the infamous"Boy Hostage"legacy after being kidnapped—likely by Batman’s newest nemesis, Memento.
While the kidnapper’s identity hasn’t been explicitly confirmed, all signs point to the sinister mastermind behind Gotham’s latest chaos. Adding to the stakes, Batman is far from his best, still grappling with the hallucinatory effects of Memento’s twisted concoctions. This raises the pressing question:can the Dark Knight keep it together long enough to save Robin before it’s too late?
Is DC About to Pull AnotherA Death in the FamilyStoryline with Robin?
Main Cover forBatman and Robin#20 (2025) – Art by Javier Fernández
For those who need a refresher, Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo’sBatman: A Death in the Family(1988) delivered one of the most controversial storylines in comic history. The narrative saw Jason Todd’s Robin held captive and brutallybeaten by the Joker before ultimately being killedin a warehouse explosion. This story remains especially heart-wrenching as it depicts Batman racing to save Jason, only to arrive too late and witness the devastating explosion that claimed the life of his son and crime-fighting partner. Based on DC’s solicitation forBatman and Robin#20 (2025), there are some unsettling parallels between this upcoming issue and the tragicA Death in the Familyarc.
The synopsis teases a storyline in which Robin is kidnapped, and Batman is in a desperate race against the clock to save him—instantly bringing to mind the events ofA Death in the Family. However, it’s the cover art for the issue that makes these parallels particularly unnerving. Javier Fernández’s main cover depicts a fiery, chaotic scene with Robin just out of Batman’s reach. The Dark Knight’s face is etched with palpable fear as he reaches for his son,mirroring the haunting imagery fromA Death in the FamilyandBatman: Under the Hood#14.The color palette, composition, and emotional intensity of the cover evoke an unmistakable sense of déjà vu.
While the scenes aren’t exact replicas, the similarities are undeniable, particularly the shared emphasis on Bruce’s sheer panic and desperation—a hallmark of all three narratives. These visual echoes, paired with the storyline of Batman fighting to rescue his kidnapped son,makeBatman and Robin#20 feel like a chilling callback toA Death in the Family.And while some may dismiss the idea of DC killing off Damian, it’s worth remembering that they’ve already done so once before. Furthermore, this currentBatman and Robinrun has exploredDamian retiring from his role as Robin—something his death would undoubtedly solidify.
Red Hood Joins theBatman and RobinNarrative: Is DC Teasing a Game-Changing Twist?
Panel Comes FromBatman: Under the Hood#14 – Art by Shane Davis
While there is a very real possibility that DC could be building toward the death of Robin, there are other potential outcomes to consider—one plausible and the other more speculative. The first and perhaps most likely scenario is that Damian’s kidnapping results in a debilitating injury that permanently retires him from the role of Robin. This would open the door for him to explore his newfound passion for the medical field. Even a temporary injury could give Damian enough time away from vigilantism to fully immerse himself inhis medical ambitions, potentially leading him to choose this path over his crime-fighting legacy.
The second, more outlandish possibility is that DC might indeed echoA Death in the Family—but not with Damian’s Robin. Instead, it could involve Red Hood. Jason Todd has just beenreintroduced into theBatman and Robinstoryline, and with Batman compromised, the responsibility of Damian’s rescue might fall to him. This raises the wild but intriguing possibility that Jason could sacrifice himself to save Damian, mirroring his own tragic past. Considering DC hasn’t been utilizing Jason heavily in recent storylines, his inclusion inBatmanandRobincould foreshadow plans to kill offRed Hoodin a way that pays homage to his original death.
Batman and Robin #20is available June 18, 2025, from DC Comics!
