Why are there two versions of Batman #428, one published and one unpublished? Because back in 1988 when DC was planning the story 'Death in the Family' in which Jason Todd is ultimately killed by the Joker, the publisher allowed fans to vote on which ending would be published by calling a 900 number to cast their ballot.
"Thirty-Five years ago, 'A Death in the Family' was one of the darkest hours in Batman’s crime-fighting career, made even more harrowing by letting fans decide Jason’s fate," explains DC's announcement. "Fans dialed into a 900 number to vote if Jason Todd should live or die. From a total of 10,614 votes, fans decided that Jason should succumb to his injuries by a narrow 72-vote margin of 5,343 votes to 5,271."
Now, fans will get a glimpse at the actual unpublished alternate ending created by Batman's then creative team of writer Jim Starlin, artist Jim Aparo, colorist Adrienne Roy, inker Mike DeCarlo, and letterer John Costanza.
Batman #428 'Faux-simile' edition goes on sale December 12.