Batman #156: Robin Dies at Dawn

Quick answer

Batman #156: Robin Dies at Dawn stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1963-06-30 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Ace the Bat-Hound, Alfred Pennyworth, Batman, Nightwing (Dick Grayson) and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

Batman and Robin fight an enormous stone idol! Batman finds himself on a mysterious Planet with no memory or explanation of how he got there, He is without his utility belt and all his supplies Batman walks the planet with slightly disturbed that he is alone on the planet. Soon Batman discovers an ancient abandoned city surrounded by strange plant life that may be alive and grabs at him. Batman is then helped by Robin (Dick Grayson) who helps save him. Batman asks how he got there something Robin does not answer. As the two roam the planet Batman is sure he is being watched by human eyes they then see a strange four armed statue that is in fact alive and chases the Dynamic Duo. Batman and Robin use a tree trunk to swing over to the other side of a chasm and plan on having the creature put his foot on the other side crush the edge with his own tremendous weight. Robin then pelts the creature with rocks in an attempt to cross the chasm much to Batman’s protest the creature then grabs a boulder and crosses the chasm but crushes the edge and falls into the pit the boulder it was holding strikes Robin killing him. Batman mourns the death of Robin and buries him. Batman continues to walk the planet by himself in a weakened and saddened state. Batman still is sure eyes are watching him but sees a strange reptilian alien creature; Batman not wanting to live let the creature attack him…

Characters listed for this issue

A

Ace the Bat-HoundOpen this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Alfred PennyworthThe man who raised Batman. Ex-SAS, current butler, permanent father figure. The only one who…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

B

BatmanOpen this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Nightwing (Dick Grayson)The first Robin, all grown up. Acrobat, detective, leader. The best of Batman without the da…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

D

Doctor HurtOpen this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Commissioner Gordon (James Gordon)The one good cop in a corrupt city. Keeps the GCPD running and the Bat-Signal lit. Never los…VIEW APPEARANCES ›