Red Hood

Red Hood and the Outlaws #0

/ / Comics

red-hood-and-the-outlaws-new-52-0-coverJason Todd‘s origin (before he became the Red Hood) is the focus of Red Hood and the Outlaws #0. In the first-half of the comic writer Scott Lobdell fills in Todd’s past before he became Robin making slight tweaks to the character’s origins most notably removing the character’s post-Crisis on Infinite Earth‘s first meeting with Batman (by stealing the tires off the Batmobile).

Given the amount of backstory about Todd and his parents we’re given very little time to deal with his days as Robin – only four pages (and half of those focus specifically on “A Death in the Family” and the character’s death). The character’s resurrection is suggested but no detail is given (other than the mention of a Lazarus Pit) and his entire history as the Red Hood is ignored giving the zero issue a very incomplete feel.

Most troubling of all is the back-up story presented by the Joker (the super-genius Christopher Nolan version who relies on impossibly complex plans) where he states he is completely responsible for Todd’s history. It’s best ignored and forgotten. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $2.99]

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #12

/ / Comics

red-hood-and-the-outlaws-new-52-12-coverI haven’t been the biggest fan of writer Scott Lobdell taking the Outlaws into space in Red Hood and the Outlaws‘ current arc. In fact last month’s issue was the lowest point of the series so far. Thankfully, things pick up here as the Essence back-up story has been dropped and Arsenal takes center stage in a somewhat ill-conceived rescue attempt.

Even though the current arc centers around exploring Starfire‘s past this issue is presented, almost exclusively, from Roy’s point of view. We also see that Arsenal and Starfire’s relationship has gotten more serious than either of them expected.

The logic of Arsenal getting himself captured, tortured, and telling his captors all about his days in space not withstanding, the story utilizes the comic’s offbeat sense of humor well. I’m pretty sure I’m going to hate whatever the hell the “Thirteen” is which is ominously mentioned at one point, but, at least the comic has gotten back on its feet after a horrible mis-step last month. I’m also happy to see Timothy Green II has taken over as artist for the title (even if some of the art here looks a little rushed). Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Batman and Robin #12

/ / Comics

batman-and-robin-new-52-12-coverThe Bat Boys come out to play as Gotham finds itself under siege from the threat of the new villain Termius. While Batman goes all Iron Man to fight the armored dying madman obsessed with destroying Batman and Gotham before he draw his last breath Damian gets assistance from the former Robins as Nightwing, Red Robin, and even the Red Hood, show up to stop Terminus’ hired mercenaries and odd mutated creatures.

Okay, Batman and Robin #12 isn’t great, and there are a couple truly groan worthy moments, but it’s certainly high on action (even if it never bothers to explain the reasons behind Terminus’ obsession with destroying Batman and Gotham).

I like seeing the Robins together in this issue and if DC is looking for another Bat-title to replace one of the underperforming New 52 books may I suggest something along the lines of Robin Team-Up (featuring Robins current and past teaming up for short arcs – which would allow for the inclusion of Stephanie Brown, too). Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #11

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red-hood-and-the-outlaws-11-coverThe team’s outer space adventure continues as Starfire shares with Arsenal and the Red Hood her conflicted feelings for saving a people who sentenced her to a lifetime of slavery. A little more of Kori’s backstory is filled in here along with Starfire’s complicated relationship with her sister (which looks to have big implications for next month’s issue).

There’s really nothing all that interesting about watching these three characters walk around a spaceship and have awkward conversations with one another. Arsenal and Starfire share one nice moment (and it seems apparent that writer Scott Lobdell has decided to put some distance between Jason and Kori, at least for the time being), but Jason’s awkward date problems and the aftermath of a battle we aren’t shown aren’t enough to sell me on this issue.

We also get the continuation of the back-up story featuring Essence hunting down the Untitled (which can’t finish quickly enough for me). Pass.

[DC, $2.99]

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #10

/ / Comics

red-hood-and-the-outlaws-10-coverKori is approached by Orn, a former comrade, who enlists the princess’ help to save her homeworld. Soon Arsenal, Red Hood, and Jason’s date for the evening find themselves on Tamarian battle cruiser with Starfire preparing for war.

Although the story introduces the new arc I’ll admit to being a little lost as Starfire’s choice to return home (to save a people who enslaved her) doesn’t really sit well with the New 52 version of the character. We get short reunions with Starfire and members of the ship’s crew (with more revelations for the heroine’s past to come), but “the Blight,” the invading alien force, is pretty damn generic.

The issue also begins an ongoing back-up story of Essence and a man with a “Life Hammer” hunting the Untitled (who he may, or may not, once been a part of – clarity is not this issue’s strong suit).

Although it has some fun moments (including Jason’s date), the latest issue is by far the weakest of the series so far. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $2.99]

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