Summary
Two of my absolute favorite characters in the DC Universe areBatmanandRed Hood . Therefore , it ’s no surprisal that Judd Winick ’s mythos - definingBatman : Under the Red Hoodstands as what I consider to be the greatest Batman story of all time . Yet , my obsession with this comic goes far beyond bare eccentric love ; it stems from what I see as the pinnacle of mirthful storytelling , interweave together profundity , emotion , and unforgettable narrative wrench .
There is truly nothing in comics that compares to what Winick achieved in UtRH , make this tarradiddle not only one of the best Batman tales of all time but also one of the greatest in the entire DCU .
I was still in the humble unproblematic school grades when the first issue of theBatman : Under the Red Hoodstory arcwas release in 2004 withBatman#635 . Hence , I did n’t get to experience the real - meter hype of the mirthful releases . It was n’t until my senior year of high shoal that I stumbled upon the animated picture adaptation of the comic , and with nothing else to do , I decided to give it a try .
An hour and fifteen minute subsequently , I found myself drive down to Barnes & Noble to pick up a copy of the trade softback — and from that moment on , I was never the same because I had establish my one honest love in lifespan – Jason Todd .
Judd Winick’s Narrative Resurrection of Jason Todd Was Legendary (& Nothing Has Ever Come Close to Topping It)
Batman#638 Main Cover by Matt Wagner
One of the definitive intellect whyUtRHstands as the greatest Batman story of all time lie in Winick ’s exceptional narration Resurrection of Christ of Jason Todd , a fiber long considered dead in comedian lore . Unlike distinctive retcons of character demise , Winick ’s approach was a masterstroke of storytelling ingenuity , seamlessly integratingJason Todd back into the master continuity in a manner that find like a natural forward motion of the quality ’s plot line rather than a rewriting . Hence , this bold reinvention was n’t just fresh and exciting , but it was also believable .
What makesWinick ’s Resurrection of Christ of Jason even more commendable is that he transformed a character largely hat by fans — who famously voted to kill him off in theA Death in the Familystoryline — into one of the most dear and popular figures in the DC Universe . This feat is nothing forgetful of unbelievable and odd , a will to Winick ’s particular execution and follow - through . There is truly nothing in comedian that compares to what Winick achieved inUtRH , making this story not only one of the good Batman tales of all time but also one of the greatest in the intact DCU .
From Batman to Superman , the Justice League , Sandman , the Watchmen , and more , these are the cracking DC Comics tarradiddle ever told .
Batman is confronted with a hidden face from the past: it’s the return of the vigilante Red Hood who appears to be Batman’s one-time partner Jason Todd, the same Jason Todd that died many years ago. But the Red Hood’s violent ways pit him against the Dark Knight in his hunt for the very person responsible for his death: The Joker. This volume collects Batman #635-641, #645-50 and Batman Annual #25.
Batman: Under the Red Hood Is Unparalleled in Its Exploration of Grief, Betrayal, and Revenge
Batman is present with a concealed fount from the past : it ’s the retort of the vigilante Red Hood who appear to be Batman ’s one - prison term partner Jason Todd , the same Jason Todd that died many years ago . But the Red Hood ’s violent ways pit him against the Dark Knight in his hunt for the very person responsible for for his death : The Joker . This volume collects Batman # 635 - 641 , # 645 - 50 and Batman Annual # 25 .
Under the Red Hooddelves into powerful theme like revenge , death , betrayal , and familial bond , but what resonates most with me is its exploration of grief . While some see the story as centered on revenge , I contend that grief is the emotion that sink in every interaction and substitution betweenRed Hood and Batman . Their grief is palpable and profoundly tragic . Bruce grieve the minor he buried and the agency he fail the young homo now oppose against him , creating a deep excited narrative that is both stalk and compelling .
Similarly , Jason grieve the life stolen from him and the Father-God who did n’t love him enough to kill his murderer . This grief is peculiarly affecting inBatman#650 , where Jason confronts Batman about not killing the Joker , tearfully arguing,“I’m not talking about killing Cobblepot and Scarecrow or Clayface , not Riddler or Dent … I ’m talking about him . Just him . And doing it because … Because he took me off from you . ”This line reveals a hurting little boy crying out to his beginner , who he find has abandoned and betrayed him , beautifully showcasing the depth and emotional complexness that Winick instills in his characters .
This odd quote is undoubtedly responsible for convert numerous Jason Todd doubter into die - hard devotee of Batman ’s second Robin .
Winick’s UtRH Had 1 of the Biggest Impacts on Batman Mythos (& Features Hard-Hitting Bat-Family Dynamics)
Batman#637 Main Cover by Matt Wagner
Winick’sUnder the Red Hoodis iconic for its monumental encroachment on the Batman mythos . It re-introduce acore Bat - Family memberand also offer the most illustrious narrative examination of Batman ’s “ No - killing ” ruler . For the most part , Batman ’s rule has never been so gratingly and comprehensively challenged by another character , specially one that presents a sane justification for exceptions . This engagement of ideologies was so skillfully explore that it even had me questioning why Batman did n’t kill the bad of the worst .
Winick ’s skill in reshape my thought of Batman through Red Hood ’s complex morality highlights his art in character maturation . By portraying them as amply flesh - out individuals with distinguishable opinions and moral compass , Winick not only delved into kinsfolk dynamics inUnder the Red Hoodbut also dress a precedent for future narratives . The on-going skirmish of ideologies between Bruce and Red Hood , evident in their interactions throughout the years , in particular in theRed Hood and the OutlawsRebirthseries , illustrates the heavy and enduring impact of Winick ’s storytelling on the develop family relationship between Jason and Bruce .
Under the Red HoodIs a Foundational Batman Comic with Unmatched Characterization and Dialogue
Batman#636 Main Cover by Matt Wagner
I personally believe thatUnder the Red Hooddeserves a post on the ' must - take ' list for anyone delving into the world of the Dark Knight . It stand as a foundational Batman comic that serves as a nifty jumping - in point for newcomers . The comic does a vivid job of reintroducing both new and old characters , including Alfred Pennyworth , Nightwing , Green Arrow , Jason Blood , and Zatanna , while also exploring the specter of Batgirl . This extensive cast of characters enriches the storytelling , offer up insights into their complex relationships and history within Gotham City ’s dark-skinned and mealy landscape .
One of UtRH ’s greatest strengths is its especial word-painting , particularly of Red Hood and Black Mask – my personal favorite scoundrel / antihero dynamic of all fourth dimension . The interplay between these characters , fueled by Winick ’s phenomenal dialogue and banter , is a significant factor that has fuel my obsession with this comedian . Red Hood ’s interactions with Black Mask are often downright hilarious , adding a welcome levity and sense of humor to the hard - hit taradiddle . In short , there is n’t a single look of this iconicBatmanandRed Hoodtale that I do n’t love ; it is , without a doubt , a true masterpiece .
Batman : Under the Red Hood TPis available now from DC Comics .
One of DC ’s most iconic heroes , Batman is the vigilante superhero image of billionaire Bruce Wayne . forge by tragedy with the death of his parents , Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world ’s leading martial artist , police detective , and tactician . Recruiting an entire family of ally and crony , Bruce wages warfare on evilness as the dark knight of his hometown , Gotham City .
Batman is confronted with a hidden face from the past: it’s the return of the vigilante Red Hood who appears to be Batman’s one-time partner Jason Todd, the same Jason Todd that died many years ago. But the Red Hood’s violent ways pit him against the Dark Knight in his hunt for the very person responsible for his death: The Joker. This volume collects Batman #635-641, #645-50 and Batman Annual #25.
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
