Story: "Did Robin Die Tonight?" (22 Pages)

Credits:

Max Allan Collins (plot, script)
Chris Warner (pencils)
Mike DeCarlo (inks)
Adrienne Roy (colors)
Todd Klein (letters)
Dennis O'Neil (edits)

Feature Character:

Batman

Supporting Characters:

Robin I
Alfred Pennyworth
Vicki Vale
James Gordon
Jason Todd (first post-Crisis appearance)

Villains:

Joker
Ma Gunn

Comment: This is the post-Crisis version of the events that caused Dick Grayson to give up the Robin mantle (and hence become Nightwing soon after) and also the introduction of the post-Crisis version of Jason Todd. The time between the end of Dick's career as Robin and Batman first encountering Jason has been reduced to 'several weeks'.

Synopsis:

In a rooftop confrontation, the Joker manages to shoot Robin before making a getaway attempt. The media thinks that the young hero is dead, but although he has survived, Batman forbids him to become Robin again.

The anniversary of the death of Batman's parents arrives some weeks later, and he makes his annual visit to Crime Alley to pay his respects. The alley is remarkably quiet - it seems word of this regular visit has got around the criminal fraternity. Despite this, Batman discovers that a young kid called Jason Todd has stolen the tyres from the Batmobile. Retrieving his property, Batman is persuaded not to hand Todd over to the police or social services. Instead, Jason is taken to Fay Gunn's School For Boys where, once Batman has left, he meets a hostile reception.