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Red Hood and the Outlaws (2011)
Red Hood and the Outlaws, Volume 3: Death of the Family
The Joker has returned! A year ago, the Joker had his own face removed and vanished from Gotham City--or so Batman and his allies thought. Surfacing once more, the Clown Prince goes after each member of the Bat-Family and systematically takes them down, leading to a final confrontation that will change the lives of the Dark Knight and his allies forever!
Collecting: Red Hood and the Outlaws #0, 15-18; Teen Titans #16, Batman #17.
Collecting: Red Hood and the Outlaws #0, 15-18; Teen Titans #16, Batman #17.
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2013
41 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Scott Lobdell
1,620 books230 followersScott Lobdell (born 1960) is an American comic book writer.
He is mostly known for his work throughout the 1990s on Marvel Comics' X-Men-related titles specifically Uncanny X-Men, the main title itself, and the spin-off series that he conceived with artist Chris Bachalo, Generation X. Generation X focused on a number of young mutant students who attempted to become superheroes in their own right at a separate school with the guidance of veteran X-related characters Banshee and Emma Frost. He also had writing stints on Marvel's Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix mini-series with artist Gene Ha. He wrote the script to Stan Lee's Mosaic and an upcoming film from POW Entertainment featuring Ringo Starr. He also participated in the Marvel Comics and Image Comics (from Jim Lee's WildStorm) crossover mini-series WildC.A.T.s/X-Men.
He is mostly known for his work throughout the 1990s on Marvel Comics' X-Men-related titles specifically Uncanny X-Men, the main title itself, and the spin-off series that he conceived with artist Chris Bachalo, Generation X. Generation X focused on a number of young mutant students who attempted to become superheroes in their own right at a separate school with the guidance of veteran X-related characters Banshee and Emma Frost. He also had writing stints on Marvel's Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix mini-series with artist Gene Ha. He wrote the script to Stan Lee's Mosaic and an upcoming film from POW Entertainment featuring Ringo Starr. He also participated in the Marvel Comics and Image Comics (from Jim Lee's WildStorm) crossover mini-series WildC.A.T.s/X-Men.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
February 3, 2022
(B+) 77% | Good
Notes: Nonsense notwithstanding, its retcon counts in large amounts: fixing what follows with flavor, flow and filial feeling.
Notes: Nonsense notwithstanding, its retcon counts in large amounts: fixing what follows with flavor, flow and filial feeling.
November 27, 2013
I received this digital ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have recently discovered that I hate reading digital comic books. I guess I need to feel the paper under my finger to truly enjoy a graphic novel. I started seeing a therapist to try to get over it, but apparently he thinks I have other more pressing issues to work out.
*snort*
Anyway, despite having to read this on my computer, I absolutely loved it! Am I the only one who thinks this is a great title?
It can't be possible!
If there's one thing that I know for sure, it's that I have incredible taste.
In everything.
I'm also delusional, but that's irrelevant to this conversation.
So.
With those factors firmly in place, it only goes to figure that if I loved this, then you will too.
See how simple that was?
Fine. Whatever. Make up your own mind.
But you should know that there's a very touching bro-hug at the end of this between Bruce and Jason...
Just sayin'.
March 17, 2016
**3.5 stars**
Only if Lobdell didn't write this it would've been better tbh.
Only if Lobdell didn't write this it would've been better tbh.
February 17, 2015
At series launch, what set this title apart from everything else in the new 52 was its trademark humour. Now, at volume 3, that humour has been completely removed (arguably for effect, because this volume has a direct tie-in to the events of the somber "Death of the Family" event).
I think RHATO is the victim of too many artists. At series launch, the artwork was very fine and very consistent, but at this point in the series, there are so many filler pages drawn by so many hands that the the whole thing feels watered down and inconsistent, especially since there is no unity to the storyboarding. It all feels as if it was cut and pasted together at the last minute.
Crossing over with Teen Titans, we do get to see a different side of Arsenal, though his character feels manipulated and contorted to fit the need of a filler story. Why we couldn't have seen Starfire take the leadership role is beyond me, especially since the previous storyline in this series landed her squarely in that role... In this volume Starfire is once again demoted to her role as eye-candy.
The major surprise for me was that they could develop Jason even more than they already had, and they do it well. Pitting him against Joker forces him to work backwards through his life and we get to see a lot more of his troubled past,especially his limited time with his mother and father. There is a little bit of (shaky, difficult to swallow) Joker ret-con thrown in as well which gives the Joker a much more sinister, puppet-masterey role in the creation of Jason Todd as Robin and throws more light on Joker's obsession with Batman.
So the good balances out the bad with this volume. Worth the read, but be warned, this series feels like it is going downhill at an alarming pace.
3/5
I think RHATO is the victim of too many artists. At series launch, the artwork was very fine and very consistent, but at this point in the series, there are so many filler pages drawn by so many hands that the the whole thing feels watered down and inconsistent, especially since there is no unity to the storyboarding. It all feels as if it was cut and pasted together at the last minute.
Crossing over with Teen Titans, we do get to see a different side of Arsenal, though his character feels manipulated and contorted to fit the need of a filler story. Why we couldn't have seen Starfire take the leadership role is beyond me, especially since the previous storyline in this series landed her squarely in that role... In this volume Starfire is once again demoted to her role as eye-candy.
The major surprise for me was that they could develop Jason even more than they already had, and they do it well. Pitting him against Joker forces him to work backwards through his life and we get to see a lot more of his troubled past,especially his limited time with his mother and father. There is a little bit of (shaky, difficult to swallow) Joker ret-con thrown in as well which gives the Joker a much more sinister, puppet-masterey role in the creation of Jason Todd as Robin and throws more light on Joker's obsession with Batman.
So the good balances out the bad with this volume. Worth the read, but be warned, this series feels like it is going downhill at an alarming pace.
3/5
August 3, 2022
Made me sad🥲 10/10
August 9, 2013
Read as digital ARC.
You know a comic is great when it brings tears to your eyes. I basically love any opportunity to learn more about Jason Todd, and as a hardcore Teen Titans tv show fan, I'll take any Starfire I can get. Seeing Arsenal in a context other than the Young Justice tv show was also super interesting.
I'm loving the whole "Death of the Family" arc. Red Hood's perspective is full of bat-bonding and great lines.
You know a comic is great when it brings tears to your eyes. I basically love any opportunity to learn more about Jason Todd, and as a hardcore Teen Titans tv show fan, I'll take any Starfire I can get. Seeing Arsenal in a context other than the Young Justice tv show was also super interesting.
I'm loving the whole "Death of the Family" arc. Red Hood's perspective is full of bat-bonding and great lines.
April 22, 2024
I’m glad I stuck around for this arc. This has what I want in Batman adjacent comic books. I want the bat family to interact and be a family for them to help heal each other’s traumas. The final scene with Jason and Bruce was what I was waiting for.
August 25, 2017
More Death of the Family backstory and little snippets here, as well as some aftermath. I have read the collected story, but now I think I shall have to go to the library and find all the titles and read them. Except for Batgirl, that one shall be MINE!!! LOL
I love the relationships portrayed here, between Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Kori, Damien Wayne, Alfred, Bruce Wayne and Roy. Highly recommend at least this volume to any batman fans, just for the tie in value.
I like Starfire here better than in her stand alone too. I have always seen her as kinda edgy, and the have that to a T here. And, now I totally have to read Teen Titans to figure out Eclipse.
One star deducted for too many side plots being started and taken nowhere, although the conclusion of those will be later I am sure.
I love the relationships portrayed here, between Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Kori, Damien Wayne, Alfred, Bruce Wayne and Roy. Highly recommend at least this volume to any batman fans, just for the tie in value.
I like Starfire here better than in her stand alone too. I have always seen her as kinda edgy, and the have that to a T here. And, now I totally have to read Teen Titans to figure out Eclipse.
One star deducted for too many side plots being started and taken nowhere, although the conclusion of those will be later I am sure.
May 13, 2018
J'suis déçue. Avec le passif Red Hood / Joker je m'attendais à mieux pour Death of the family. Clairement c'est le tie-in que j'ai le moins aimé avec Nightwing. Les deux dernières issues étaient mieux que le début. Je vais quand même laisser sa chance à la série qui est généralement fun dans le style "plein d'action et d'explosions".
August 30, 2024
Better than the previous volume. I skipped the Death of the Family issue since I’ve read it like 3 times before. But I think I’ll stop here in this series. It’s fun, but I don’t feel super interested in any of these characters. I’m really trying to grind through the all the New 52 I’m interested in trying so I can finally move on. (I’ll never catch up. 🙃)
April 2, 2021
3.5 Stars
April 27, 2021
The last four panels...nobody talk to me.
April 12, 2022
i’m a sucker for any jason and bruce reconciliation. them hugging after jason woke up from the toxins absolutely broke me.
July 25, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
I enjoy the parts where Jason is back in Gotham (and Roy throwing a ball around with Damian), but man I just don't like the retcon of his back story and it's bringing down this series for me
I enjoy the parts where Jason is back in Gotham (and Roy throwing a ball around with Damian), but man I just don't like the retcon of his back story and it's bringing down this series for me
September 3, 2014
With every issue that I read of
Red Hood and the Outlaws
, I find new reasons to enjoy it. It gets increasingly apparent to me that Lobdell is really working hard to commit his run to the idea of death and rebirth for Jason Todd, as this collection really focuses on Jason's relationship to the other members of the Bat-family. Red Hood's post-Batman #17 epilogue issue is without a doubt the most emotional of those I've read, and its follow-ups dismiss all but Bruce and Jason from the scene in order to really get a picture of their relationship now that the Joker has been defeated, for now.
STORY AND SCRIPT
With a wide range of artists contributing to this volume, Lobdell's plotting provides just the anchor that the story needs. As with the other Death of the Family volumes, we get a picture of what happens to Jason Todd during his personal run-in with the Joker prior to the ultimate showdown with Batman in Batman #17. It isn't remarkably different than the others--maybe a little better than Robin's, but not as good as Batgirl's--but it crosses over with Teen Titans and, while Jason and Tim are sorting out the Joker's psychopathic machinations, Starfire and Arsenal show some of the leadership they picked up during their battles on Tamaran as they help Wonder Girl, Kid Flash and others deal with some Joker-caused menace in Gotham City. This sidebar really worked as character development for Arsenal, especially after Starfire's character gained a lot of ethos during her central role in Vol. 2, 'The Starfire' . Arsenal hasn't gotten a central role in a story yet, but he takes charge during the team-up with the Teen Titans in a believable and welcome way.
But this story is about Jason, and this is where the story really stands out. From the aftermath of the Joker's attack on Isabel to the two-issue follow-up after Batman #17, Jason develops as an anti-hero and provides a lot of introspection with regard to his place in the Bat-family. By the end of the volume, his re-introduction to the Joker is everything it's supposed to be.
PENCILS AND ARTWORK
There's a lot going on here with regard to artwork, as a wide range of artists contribute a lot of artwork. The absence of Kenneth Rocafort does change the tone a bit, but Brett Booth brings a similar realism to his issues and while Timothy Green II has a simpler, more juvenile style, it doesn't derail the story by any means. And the final issue's pencils from Tyler Kirkham match up perfectly with the tone with which Lobdell approaches the problematic relationship between Batman and Red Hood. In the end, each artist's work contributes a fresh look to each of the many arcs that this collection contains.
CONCLUSION
Of the collections unified by the Death of the Family crossover mega-event, this one does the most on a character level, which is doubly appropriate as Jason Todd has been victimized by the Joker more than any other Gotham crimefighter. We get a sincere look at the Red Hood with just the right amount of help from Starfire and Arsenal, and by the end of this collection, we're as invested in him as we are in any member of the Bat-family. Red Hood and the Outlaws is a title on the rise as the second year of DC's New 52 moves towards its conclusion.
STORY AND SCRIPT
With a wide range of artists contributing to this volume, Lobdell's plotting provides just the anchor that the story needs. As with the other Death of the Family volumes, we get a picture of what happens to Jason Todd during his personal run-in with the Joker prior to the ultimate showdown with Batman in Batman #17. It isn't remarkably different than the others--maybe a little better than Robin's, but not as good as Batgirl's--but it crosses over with Teen Titans and, while Jason and Tim are sorting out the Joker's psychopathic machinations, Starfire and Arsenal show some of the leadership they picked up during their battles on Tamaran as they help Wonder Girl, Kid Flash and others deal with some Joker-caused menace in Gotham City. This sidebar really worked as character development for Arsenal, especially after Starfire's character gained a lot of ethos during her central role in Vol. 2, 'The Starfire' . Arsenal hasn't gotten a central role in a story yet, but he takes charge during the team-up with the Teen Titans in a believable and welcome way.
But this story is about Jason, and this is where the story really stands out. From the aftermath of the Joker's attack on Isabel to the two-issue follow-up after Batman #17, Jason develops as an anti-hero and provides a lot of introspection with regard to his place in the Bat-family. By the end of the volume, his re-introduction to the Joker is everything it's supposed to be.
PENCILS AND ARTWORK
There's a lot going on here with regard to artwork, as a wide range of artists contribute a lot of artwork. The absence of Kenneth Rocafort does change the tone a bit, but Brett Booth brings a similar realism to his issues and while Timothy Green II has a simpler, more juvenile style, it doesn't derail the story by any means. And the final issue's pencils from Tyler Kirkham match up perfectly with the tone with which Lobdell approaches the problematic relationship between Batman and Red Hood. In the end, each artist's work contributes a fresh look to each of the many arcs that this collection contains.
CONCLUSION
Of the collections unified by the Death of the Family crossover mega-event, this one does the most on a character level, which is doubly appropriate as Jason Todd has been victimized by the Joker more than any other Gotham crimefighter. We get a sincere look at the Red Hood with just the right amount of help from Starfire and Arsenal, and by the end of this collection, we're as invested in him as we are in any member of the Bat-family. Red Hood and the Outlaws is a title on the rise as the second year of DC's New 52 moves towards its conclusion.
December 4, 2013
Freaking, freaking, awesome! First of all I had never even heard of this character before starting the new 52 and jumped in here with Vol. 3 because I'm reading all the 'Death in the Family' volumes to get a feel for how DC weaves a story through the different series. This volume is perfect for a Red Hood newbie because it starts off with Todd's background story! The whole thing from his childhood, his stint as Robin, his "death", his connections with Joker and his coming to be Red Hood. Great! I feel like I know him already and I like him, A. LOT. Further in the book we get a briefer dose of Roy Harper's background but not enough for me to connect with him. Starfire I didn't get to connect with at all during the book, she plays a big part, both the Outlaws do actually, but you're supposed to know who they are by this time and I didn't get any vibes that made me like either of them. So while this book leaves me 100% wanting to read Vol. 4, I have to know what happens to Todd now!, I'm not sure yet whether I will read this series. Hood's torture session with the Joker is incredibly intense and from the books I've read so far in this crossover, I've got to say he suffered the worst at his hands. This is dark, dark stuff folks! Halfway through the volume Archer and Starfire, looking for Red Hood, meet up with the Teen Titans as they are looking for Red Robin. I'm not a TT fan, except of the cartoon show which I always enjoyed with Raven being my favourite. So we get two issues of the Outlaws and the Teen Titans working together to stop a mess Joker has left behind on the homeless people for them to deal with. None of this endeared the Outlaws or the Teen Titans to me and I'm not particularly looking forward to my read of the TT volume of Death in the Family now but ... we'll see. Three random sightings: Hugo Strange, a new Teen Titan member and the Suicide Squad. The final climax with Joker, Red Robin and Red Hood is priceless. Amazing dark page-turning stuff that precedes the usual issue #17 showdown with the whole family gathered to dine with the Joker. Again this has been cut just little bit different. The final issue once everything is over with the Joker is brilliant and leaves everything in the lurch for Todd. What will happen next?
Where does this leave me now? This cliff-hanging ending has me putting Red Hood V4 in my basket for pre-order already, after reading that volume I'll decide whether to continue the series or not. (I already bought 1-3!) This volume also left me with no particular interest in the Teen Titans of which I already had none. However, this is the second time in the Batman run that the Suicide Squad has turned up and I'm wondering who the heck they are plus this volume alluded to a lot of interesting things that have happened in Batman, Inc and Detective Comics giving me a little spark of interest. I always loved Detective Comics as a kid ... read 70s/80s.
Where does this leave me now? This cliff-hanging ending has me putting Red Hood V4 in my basket for pre-order already, after reading that volume I'll decide whether to continue the series or not. (I already bought 1-3!) This volume also left me with no particular interest in the Teen Titans of which I already had none. However, this is the second time in the Batman run that the Suicide Squad has turned up and I'm wondering who the heck they are plus this volume alluded to a lot of interesting things that have happened in Batman, Inc and Detective Comics giving me a little spark of interest. I always loved Detective Comics as a kid ... read 70s/80s.
May 7, 2014
Another solid addition to the Death of the Family story arc. This is one of my favourite series at the moment and this volume helps secure that place.
We kick off right where the last volume ended. With Jason surrounded by GCPD officers as he holds his kind of girlfriend overdosed body. All thanks to our creepy friend Joker. This book had some really big game changes in terms of Jason's backstory. Spinning a whole new light into his path into becoming who he is today. I loved how we got to really see inside Jason's head as he is forced to face all his past demons. It's the first time we really see Red Hoods character broken and exposed, we get a glimpse at the man he tries to hide away.
This book has made me love Red Hood even more. A great addition to the DOTF arc, maybe even my favourite so far. There are some great stories building in amongst these stories as well. One of which I'm really looking forward to involving Deathstroke. If you enjoy anything Batman then this will be up you ally. Even though Red Hood stands alone on his own merits.
We kick off right where the last volume ended. With Jason surrounded by GCPD officers as he holds his kind of girlfriend overdosed body. All thanks to our creepy friend Joker. This book had some really big game changes in terms of Jason's backstory. Spinning a whole new light into his path into becoming who he is today. I loved how we got to really see inside Jason's head as he is forced to face all his past demons. It's the first time we really see Red Hoods character broken and exposed, we get a glimpse at the man he tries to hide away.
This book has made me love Red Hood even more. A great addition to the DOTF arc, maybe even my favourite so far. There are some great stories building in amongst these stories as well. One of which I'm really looking forward to involving Deathstroke. If you enjoy anything Batman then this will be up you ally. Even though Red Hood stands alone on his own merits.
January 2, 2014
Joker's back!!! And this time, he's gunning for Batman and his entire connection of allies and friends, including Robin, Red Robin, Batgirl, and even Red Hood! Spanning across the entire Batman universe, Joker's plan to finally reach Batman's moral values has made Red Hood's life HELL. To be honest, the entire plot is messed up like a horror film, but it is AMAZING! Joker's entire character is purely depicted as his original menacing form, and the art is great as well. Red Hood's latest adventure within the 'Death of the Family' storyline features appearances by the Teen Titans, Nightwing, Deathstroke (for some reason), even a cameo by Dr. Hugo Strange!
April 5, 2016
5 stars
Very good comic. Glad to learn more about Jason Todd. Also nice to see the Bat Family again. Wonder what the Joker's real identity is.
Can't wait to read more Red and the Outlaws comics!!!
Very good comic. Glad to learn more about Jason Todd. Also nice to see the Bat Family again. Wonder what the Joker's real identity is.
Can't wait to read more Red and the Outlaws comics!!!
April 22, 2019
this is by far my absolutely favourite volume in this series so far i absolutely adore Jason Todd formerly the second robin and now the Red Hood i loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone. this series is definitely worth collecting to add to your collection.
June 25, 2015
The more Red Hood and the less Outlaws the better.
July 5, 2021
Honestly one of the most heart breaking batfamily story. Loved it overall, especially the family dynamics. Can’t wait for more.
October 22, 2022
The book starts with issue 0 which helps clarify exactly where we are with Jason in the reboot.
We learn about Jason’s useless parents and his time on the street after his dad’s been arrested and mum’s overdosed. This bit of the issue drags, feeling like its just filling up pages with woe once we’ve already got the picture quickly.
Jason finds himself at Leslie Thompkins’ clinic. He tries to rob the place and is stopped by Batman. Leslie persuades him to take the boy in rather than arrest him though. I miss the iconic introduction to Jason of stealing the Batmobile’s tires but I understand the desire to change it to something less ridiculous.
Bruce taking Jason in with the intention of revealing his identity and offering him the vacant role of Robin is nice in its simplicity - no need for Jason to stumble into the Batcave by accident one night. It no doubt adds to Bruce’s guilt over Jason’s death that he basically recruited Jason rather than adopted him.
Jason then becomes Robin but becomes more and more brutal until Bruce benches him on monitor duty. This change to Jason’s past makes sense for his current characterisation but takes away the tragedy of Jason being a good kid, ruined by being killed by the Joker.
Jason then discovers his mum is alive and tracks her down without Bruce only for it to be a Joker trap. Joker then beats him with a crowbar and blows him up as is tradition. The core beats of Death in the Family are retained while the story itself, and all the most interesting parts, are erased. Jason is then resurrected in a Lazarus Pit.
The last few pages make the issue really interesting though as Joker takes over the narrative to reveal he manipulated all of Jason’s life to make him Robin just to kill him. It’s fascinating seeing Joker fit the pieces of the story we’ve just read together with himself as the shadowy glue holding it all together we never noticed.
We then return to the present for the rest of the book for a largely uninspiring Death of the Family crossover.
Jason has to fight off Harvey Bullock and the GCPD in just a towel after they find Isabel OD’d in his room (last volume’s clifhanger) but finds he just ends up captured by Joker. Joker starts to reveal to Jason how he manipulated his life from the start but Jason refuses to believe him.
Starfire and Arsenal team up with Lobdell’s Teen Titans, crossing over with that equally questionable book while Joker tries to force Jason and Tim to fight to the death for their respective fathers’ lives. Roy is once again impressively competent and does quite well out of this book. Nobody else really does though.
In the aftermath of Death of the Family, Jason says his goodbyes at Wayne Manor. The point of the crossover event was to tear the Batfamily apart but Lobdell flips the script having this be when Jason is finally sort of accepted back into the family.
Lobdell excels at writing sort wholesome scenes such as Roy bonding with Damian and teaching him to play catch (tragically only an issue before Damian’s death), and Bruce telling Jason that neither he nor Joker made him.
There is a brief acknowledgment of Nightwing and Starfire’s history too though it doesn’t add much context yet.
The final stinger that Joker left a final trap in Jason’s helmet hits hard and Lobdell’s (first) run on the book ends with Jason facing his demons while recovering with Bruce at his bedside and was a sweet issue.
It was amusing seeing the book try to fit the reveal from Batman Incorporated that Jason was Wingman into its narrative and it failed to make sense in continuity at all. If he was Wingman-ing before Death of the Family then why wasn’t he on good terms with Bruce and surprised Batman vouched for him with Superman just before the crossover? Yet the book seems to suggest it has already happened. There’s also the fact Damian is alive in Death of the Family but dies in Batman Inc. The continuity between The New 52 and Morrison’s Batman is a complete joke.
All in all, a mostly ok book with some good moments.
We learn about Jason’s useless parents and his time on the street after his dad’s been arrested and mum’s overdosed. This bit of the issue drags, feeling like its just filling up pages with woe once we’ve already got the picture quickly.
Jason finds himself at Leslie Thompkins’ clinic. He tries to rob the place and is stopped by Batman. Leslie persuades him to take the boy in rather than arrest him though. I miss the iconic introduction to Jason of stealing the Batmobile’s tires but I understand the desire to change it to something less ridiculous.
Bruce taking Jason in with the intention of revealing his identity and offering him the vacant role of Robin is nice in its simplicity - no need for Jason to stumble into the Batcave by accident one night. It no doubt adds to Bruce’s guilt over Jason’s death that he basically recruited Jason rather than adopted him.
Jason then becomes Robin but becomes more and more brutal until Bruce benches him on monitor duty. This change to Jason’s past makes sense for his current characterisation but takes away the tragedy of Jason being a good kid, ruined by being killed by the Joker.
Jason then discovers his mum is alive and tracks her down without Bruce only for it to be a Joker trap. Joker then beats him with a crowbar and blows him up as is tradition. The core beats of Death in the Family are retained while the story itself, and all the most interesting parts, are erased. Jason is then resurrected in a Lazarus Pit.
The last few pages make the issue really interesting though as Joker takes over the narrative to reveal he manipulated all of Jason’s life to make him Robin just to kill him. It’s fascinating seeing Joker fit the pieces of the story we’ve just read together with himself as the shadowy glue holding it all together we never noticed.
We then return to the present for the rest of the book for a largely uninspiring Death of the Family crossover.
Jason has to fight off Harvey Bullock and the GCPD in just a towel after they find Isabel OD’d in his room (last volume’s clifhanger) but finds he just ends up captured by Joker. Joker starts to reveal to Jason how he manipulated his life from the start but Jason refuses to believe him.
Starfire and Arsenal team up with Lobdell’s Teen Titans, crossing over with that equally questionable book while Joker tries to force Jason and Tim to fight to the death for their respective fathers’ lives. Roy is once again impressively competent and does quite well out of this book. Nobody else really does though.
In the aftermath of Death of the Family, Jason says his goodbyes at Wayne Manor. The point of the crossover event was to tear the Batfamily apart but Lobdell flips the script having this be when Jason is finally sort of accepted back into the family.
Lobdell excels at writing sort wholesome scenes such as Roy bonding with Damian and teaching him to play catch (tragically only an issue before Damian’s death), and Bruce telling Jason that neither he nor Joker made him.
There is a brief acknowledgment of Nightwing and Starfire’s history too though it doesn’t add much context yet.
The final stinger that Joker left a final trap in Jason’s helmet hits hard and Lobdell’s (first) run on the book ends with Jason facing his demons while recovering with Bruce at his bedside and was a sweet issue.
It was amusing seeing the book try to fit the reveal from Batman Incorporated that Jason was Wingman into its narrative and it failed to make sense in continuity at all. If he was Wingman-ing before Death of the Family then why wasn’t he on good terms with Bruce and surprised Batman vouched for him with Superman just before the crossover? Yet the book seems to suggest it has already happened. There’s also the fact Damian is alive in Death of the Family but dies in Batman Inc. The continuity between The New 52 and Morrison’s Batman is a complete joke.
All in all, a mostly ok book with some good moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2018
This trade paperback picks up where the previous volume left off, collecting the next four issues (15–18) of the 2011 on-going series, the Zero Month Event (Red Hood and the Outlaws #0), Teen Titans (Vol. 4) #16, and Batman (Vol. 2) #17.
Red Hood and the Outlaws: Death of the Family shifts its focus back to Jason Todd and is entirely filled with crossover events – in fact three: Death of the Family, Requiem, and Zero Month. Normally, I would loathe these crossover events in these trade paperbacks – to the point where I call them intrusions, but these issues provided have a common theme – the relationship between the Joker and Jason Todd, which gives cohesion throughout the trade paperback with the outlier being with the Requiem issue.
The Zero Month tie-in (Red Hood and the Outlaws #0) retells the origin story of Jason Todd. For the most part it is the same with the original with two glaring exceptions. The first was that Todd didn't steal the tires from the Batmobile, but stole medicine from the Free Clinic that Leslie Thompkins. The second and most egregious of the differences is that The Joker had a hand in making Jason Todd as Robin and then killing him to get to Batman. The idea to put this issue in this trade paperback instead of the previous one made more sense as the previous volume was centered on Starfire and this one is centered on Jason Todd and the Joker.
The Death of the Family event would have suffered greatly had the publishers hadn't included Teen Titans (Vol. 4) #16 and Batman (Vol. 2) #17. These two issues were critical in making the story line (Red Hood and the Outlaws #15–17) make sense. Although we don't know how Tim Drake as Red Robin was captured along with Jason Todd as Red Hood, I think the narrative flowed better without seeing how Drake was captured. I really love the interaction between the two, which hopefully we see more often. The issue with Bruce Wayne (Red Hood and the Outlaws #17) was really heart-warming and touching and Batman #17 makes a rather good closure to the event.
The Requiem tie-in was a tad jarring. Had I haven't known that Damian Wayne died and how he died (Batman, Inc. (Vol. 2) #8), his death would have been a total surprise. The issue itself was written well – one of the better stories that Scott Lobdell was written lately. Although this issue was the outlier of the trade paperback, it didn’t feel too intrusive or rather at all.
Lobdell's text seemed to be weakening, but I that it's probably excusable, because of all the tie-in events that he had to write for and not really writing his own story. It is the art that I seem to have a problem with Timothy Green II, Ken Lashley, Greg Capullo (Batman #17), Tyler Kirkham, Ardian Syaf, Brett Booth, Ig Guara Barros – I think that's all of them! It's just too many artists shoved into one trade paperback, which makes the art flow uneven.
Notable cameos include Tim Drake as Red Robin along with his Teen Titans, his family Bruce Wayne has a heart-to-heart with Jason Todd, Damian Wayne bonds with Roy Harper over football, and Dick Grayson made a tiny cameo that if you blink you'll miss it, and finally the Joker, who in this case could be considered a deuteragonist.
All in all, Red Hood and the Outlaws: Death of the Family is a somewhat good examination between Jason Todd and the Joker, but I can't wait to get back to the on-going story.
Red Hood and the Outlaws: Death of the Family shifts its focus back to Jason Todd and is entirely filled with crossover events – in fact three: Death of the Family, Requiem, and Zero Month. Normally, I would loathe these crossover events in these trade paperbacks – to the point where I call them intrusions, but these issues provided have a common theme – the relationship between the Joker and Jason Todd, which gives cohesion throughout the trade paperback with the outlier being with the Requiem issue.
The Zero Month tie-in (Red Hood and the Outlaws #0) retells the origin story of Jason Todd. For the most part it is the same with the original with two glaring exceptions. The first was that Todd didn't steal the tires from the Batmobile, but stole medicine from the Free Clinic that Leslie Thompkins. The second and most egregious of the differences is that The Joker had a hand in making Jason Todd as Robin and then killing him to get to Batman. The idea to put this issue in this trade paperback instead of the previous one made more sense as the previous volume was centered on Starfire and this one is centered on Jason Todd and the Joker.
The Death of the Family event would have suffered greatly had the publishers hadn't included Teen Titans (Vol. 4) #16 and Batman (Vol. 2) #17. These two issues were critical in making the story line (Red Hood and the Outlaws #15–17) make sense. Although we don't know how Tim Drake as Red Robin was captured along with Jason Todd as Red Hood, I think the narrative flowed better without seeing how Drake was captured. I really love the interaction between the two, which hopefully we see more often. The issue with Bruce Wayne (Red Hood and the Outlaws #17) was really heart-warming and touching and Batman #17 makes a rather good closure to the event.
The Requiem tie-in was a tad jarring. Had I haven't known that Damian Wayne died and how he died (Batman, Inc. (Vol. 2) #8), his death would have been a total surprise. The issue itself was written well – one of the better stories that Scott Lobdell was written lately. Although this issue was the outlier of the trade paperback, it didn’t feel too intrusive or rather at all.
Lobdell's text seemed to be weakening, but I that it's probably excusable, because of all the tie-in events that he had to write for and not really writing his own story. It is the art that I seem to have a problem with Timothy Green II, Ken Lashley, Greg Capullo (Batman #17), Tyler Kirkham, Ardian Syaf, Brett Booth, Ig Guara Barros – I think that's all of them! It's just too many artists shoved into one trade paperback, which makes the art flow uneven.
Notable cameos include Tim Drake as Red Robin along with his Teen Titans, his family Bruce Wayne has a heart-to-heart with Jason Todd, Damian Wayne bonds with Roy Harper over football, and Dick Grayson made a tiny cameo that if you blink you'll miss it, and finally the Joker, who in this case could be considered a deuteragonist.
All in all, Red Hood and the Outlaws: Death of the Family is a somewhat good examination between Jason Todd and the Joker, but I can't wait to get back to the on-going story.
July 1, 2018
This was an excellent read. The "Death of the Family" story arc is one of the best Joker story lines--downright horrifying in its scope and motive, making it quintessentially Joker. Red Hood's part in the story was downright chilling. Did Joker manipulate his life so heavily? Or was that story just part of Joker's craziness? But still.... He did seemingly know a lot.... The idea that a madman could be intelligent enough to orchestrate something like that is what makes the Joker such a terrifying villain. He's not just crazy, he's smart--and that's the reason why he's one of Batman's most formidable foes. While all of the "Death in the Family" issues show that fact, the ones focusing on Jason especially did. Plus, we also got some nice Teen Titans action as well as some nice moments with Roy and Kori and... yeah... you've got one excellently written, suspenseful story: one that is driven as much by action as it is character. I especially liked that this story was a catalyst for Jason's development beyond the the rage he's been feeling. I like that he's going to reconnect with the Bat Family, and, in doing so, reconnect with a better part of himself. The other characters' parts in this story line didn't do nearly as much with the character development as Jason's has. Scott Lobdell really used this as a turning point with this character, and I'm excited to see what's in store next for Jason, the person, and not Jason, the antihero. Seriously, that last comic--with Bruce waiting by Jason's bedside until he woke up, and then the two of them literally hugging it out: That's what I've been waiting for. The timing was perfect, the execution was perfect, and the end result was--you guessed it--perfect. I can't wait to see what's coming next. (Though, as a side note: I've noticed in reading some of the off-shoots of the Bat Family that I don't have as strong a memory of the Teen Titans graphic novels as I do the others. I really enjoyed reading them, but I'm thinking that, perhaps, that take on the Teen Titans was so "broken" in its approach--not really a team as much as a group of people forced together by circumstance who eventually learned to work together--that it wasn't really Teen Titans. It was... good, but maybe not as memorable as I felt when first reading it. I don't know. Especially toward the end it got a little weird, so.... Of course, my memory isn't quite as strong with the Batgirl comics either, so maybe it's personal preference, or maybe it's just the New 52 not quite getting things right.... I can't really say, just thought it was something interesting to point out whenever I look back over these reviews.)
October 25, 2019
Gry z Jokerem nigdy nie są oczywiste i zazwyczaj złoczyńca ma przygotowany tak plan, aby wyprzedać naszych bohaterów o kilka kroków dalej. Nie inaczej jest teraz. Red Hood/Jason Todd to syn marnotrawny Batmana, którego Joker uważa za własną, osobistą kreację, która powinna zostać martwa. Ożywiony za sprawą jamy Lazarusa, ćwiczony przez tajemniczą staruszkę, rusza na przeciw zbrodni, z którą się nie patyczkuje. Jason bije lub strzela by zabić lub okaleczyć. Towarzysząca mu dwójka banitów jest niewiele lepsza. Starfire, kosmitka, która uczy się ludzkich zachowań czy Roy Harper aka Arsenal, bawiący się w Green Arrowa tylko, że w nieco innych kolorach. Ten ostatni ma też zaskakująco dużo wspólnego z Killer Crockiem. Mimo niektórych głupotek zaprezentowane nam osoby to postacie z krwi i kości.
Jason znika, a jego przyjaciele ruszają do Gotham, aby uratować go przed Jokerem, ale sprawy na miejscu przyjmują inny obrót. Muszą łączyć siły z Teen Titans aby ratować ludność cywilną przed toksycznym działaniem gazu Jokera. Mamy tutaj efektowny team up, gdzie Arsenal współpracuje z Bunkrem czy Starfire leci gdzieś w towarzystwie Solstice. Wygląda to ładnie. Ale gwoździem programu jest zeszyt obrazujący niewolę Red Robina i Red Hooda, którzy chcąc nie chcąc muszą podjąć misterną grę, zarzuconą im przez Jokera. Szaleniec chce aby byli poplecznicy Batmana wyrżnęli się nawzajem. Finał historii będzie dość zaskakujący.
O zeszycie wyjętego ze stronic Batmana wspomnę tylko z obowiązku, bo DC wciska go we wszystkie przygody swoich nietoperzych przyjaciół. Potem mamy bodajże dwa najlepsze zeszyty pokazujące co się działo po wydarzeniach z eventu Śmierć rodziny. Wizyta w rezydencji Wayne'ów to bardzo sentymentalne przeżycie, pełne niuansów i ważnych rozmów. Sielankę niszczy jednak ostatni punkcik planu Jokera, który został wymierzony w Jasona Todda. Jego podróż do wnętrza siebie stanowi potężne katharsis, które kończy tom rysując relację Todd-Bruce w całkowicie innych barwach. Nie ukrywam, że tu czułem emocje i dlatego stąd tak wysoka ocena. Naprawdę warto.
Jason znika, a jego przyjaciele ruszają do Gotham, aby uratować go przed Jokerem, ale sprawy na miejscu przyjmują inny obrót. Muszą łączyć siły z Teen Titans aby ratować ludność cywilną przed toksycznym działaniem gazu Jokera. Mamy tutaj efektowny team up, gdzie Arsenal współpracuje z Bunkrem czy Starfire leci gdzieś w towarzystwie Solstice. Wygląda to ładnie. Ale gwoździem programu jest zeszyt obrazujący niewolę Red Robina i Red Hooda, którzy chcąc nie chcąc muszą podjąć misterną grę, zarzuconą im przez Jokera. Szaleniec chce aby byli poplecznicy Batmana wyrżnęli się nawzajem. Finał historii będzie dość zaskakujący.
O zeszycie wyjętego ze stronic Batmana wspomnę tylko z obowiązku, bo DC wciska go we wszystkie przygody swoich nietoperzych przyjaciół. Potem mamy bodajże dwa najlepsze zeszyty pokazujące co się działo po wydarzeniach z eventu Śmierć rodziny. Wizyta w rezydencji Wayne'ów to bardzo sentymentalne przeżycie, pełne niuansów i ważnych rozmów. Sielankę niszczy jednak ostatni punkcik planu Jokera, który został wymierzony w Jasona Todda. Jego podróż do wnętrza siebie stanowi potężne katharsis, które kończy tom rysując relację Todd-Bruce w całkowicie innych barwach. Nie ukrywam, że tu czułem emocje i dlatego stąd tak wysoka ocena. Naprawdę warto.
May 20, 2019
3.5 stars
I think this is my least favorite volume of this series so far. It felt like it was all over the place. Everything felt jumbled and disconnected. I think the disconnect might have come from the clashing art styles. The Death of the Family comic run was a huge departure from the rest of the RHATO comics art style. I also noticed that Jason’s inner monologue felt a little stilted. Like it wasn’t completely thought out. It really pulled me out of the story.
I don’t like how the Death of the Family arc feels like it was forced into this series. I know it was a necessary plot point, but I think it could have been better. Or maybe done in a way that feels like it actually fit into this particular series. This series isn’t nearly as dark as this story arc made it seem. So, overall I’m giving this a solid three and a half out of five stars.
I think this is my least favorite volume of this series so far. It felt like it was all over the place. Everything felt jumbled and disconnected. I think the disconnect might have come from the clashing art styles. The Death of the Family comic run was a huge departure from the rest of the RHATO comics art style. I also noticed that Jason’s inner monologue felt a little stilted. Like it wasn’t completely thought out. It really pulled me out of the story.
I don’t like how the Death of the Family arc feels like it was forced into this series. I know it was a necessary plot point, but I think it could have been better. Or maybe done in a way that feels like it actually fit into this particular series. This series isn’t nearly as dark as this story arc made it seem. So, overall I’m giving this a solid three and a half out of five stars.
May 16, 2019
This is probably my favourite out of any Red Hood and the Outlaws volume. There was a lot of fan service involved in this (If you didn't secretly want Jason and the Batfamily to legitimately hash out their drama, you're the minority), but I thought the writing was actually pretty tight . The Joker is as scary as we've ever seen him. You saw some real emotional growth, lots of action, fast-paced plot. I actually thought the whole "Death of the Family" arc across the Batman-related titles was pretty strong.
March 11, 2022
Finally something that I actually really like out of this series! Just had to have it focus almost entirely on Jason and the Batfam NOT beating the crap out of him!
There is an issue that focuses on Roy and Kori trying to reach Jason to save him, ending up helping the Teen Titans save Joker victims. It's okay, whatever
But I loved the aftermath with the rest of the Batfam. I vaguely remember not really liking Death of the Family? But him and Bruce sort of reconciling, realizing Jason has to let go of his past, and that good things are happening with Robin now. It's nice to see him maybe move on this time? With help from his friends. It worked out with Tim before!
There is an issue that focuses on Roy and Kori trying to reach Jason to save him, ending up helping the Teen Titans save Joker victims. It's okay, whatever
But I loved the aftermath with the rest of the Batfam. I vaguely remember not really liking Death of the Family? But him and Bruce sort of reconciling, realizing Jason has to let go of his past, and that good things are happening with Robin now. It's nice to see him maybe move on this time? With help from his friends. It worked out with Tim before!
January 21, 2023
Wow, now that is 1 emotional roller-coaster experience. The ending brought me near tears and I love the extra mile that the writters/illustrators have gone to bring Red Hood to life. There were so many intense moments in this book for Jason Todd but I think my favorites was when he conversed with Red Robin, Robin, Alfred, and Bruce (at the end). Damn this story and the threat of the Joker really keeps you reeling. This was certainly a wonderful book that highlights the trauma, pain, and internal strength to continue that Red Hood has carried with him all these years. An amazing read and one that I am proud to have in my collection. It hit me hard in the feels for sure 🥹❤️🦇.
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