well did they elect to kill Robin or not?
Yes. My understanding is that it actually was incredibly close, only a few dozen votes.
There is something extremely crass and a bit mean spirited about electing to kill an unpopular character by holding a popularity contest. What’s interesting is that Jason Todd’s controversial “lil’ stinker” personality was something that came in out of nowhere and was not how the character was initially introduced.
There are several really great stories, like the Teen Titans Zendia story arc, where Jason Todd was presented as not very physically impressive or powerful, but quick thinking and resourceful, who takes full advantage of the fact his enemies underestimated and ignored him (this was how he was presented in Moore’s Man Who Has Everything as well - people forget that Jason Todd saved the day in that one).
If a character isn’t working, or is widely disliked or controversial, the solution is not to give up, make them a part of a crass stunt. The solution differs from character to character, but it’s important to start with empathy. For instance, one way is to “get the audience on their side” by having them go through setbacks, so empathy gets the audience rooting for them (have their girlfriend or boyfriend leave them, have them lose their job, etc.)
I do dimly recall hearing that Jason Todd came back into the comics in some way. My knowledge of comics has a “cutoff point” so I can’t tell you any more, except that that’s one hell of a trick, considering there was a body. Other people can probably tell you more about that.
