Red Hood and the Outlaws, Volume 5: The Big Picture

Red Hood and the Outlaws (2011)

by James Tynion IV (Writer), Will Pfeifer (Writer), Joe Keatinge (Writer)

A warrior princess. A weapons master. A resurrected Robin. Starfire, Arsenal, and Red Hood — the Outlaws — have come by their heroism the hard way. They've been beaten down, cast out, even killed. That's what makes some of the most powerful criminals in the world, even the universe, underestimate them.

And that's a big mistake.

The terrorist mastermind called Ra's al Ghul, whose endless life has long been intertwined with the Red Hood's, is gunning for the power of a god. A secretive crimelord who built his enormous fortune by slaughtering wealthy families down to the last heir is preparing an ambush. And in the deeps of space, an indescribably deadly warlord is testing a weapon that could destroy all life on earth with a touch of a button. This madman — this Main Man — is known simply as Lobo.

But to Red Hood and the Outlaws, he's just the next challenge to take down…or die trying…

Writers James Tynion IV (BATMAN ETERNAL) and Will Pfeifer (TEEN TITANS) join a team of talented artists for RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS VOL. 5: THE BIG PICTURE—pitting the toughest team in the New 52 against their biggest foes to date!

Collecting: Red Hood and the Outlaws #27-31, DC Universe Presents #17-18

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Superheroes, Batman, Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2014

About the author

Prior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.

Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.

Reviews

[Jayson · Rating 3 out of 5]

(B) 73% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: Fine enough for killing time, it’s a so-so sideshow spread, though recondite from oversight: vestigial tales at its head.

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first issue of this trade belongs in volume 4. It was the colmination of the whole League of Assassins storyline. (Just imagine if DC had editors that actually paid attention to detail!) After that the story shifts to a story set in space that felt kind of like filler. This book again reminds me of how DC has turned into Wildstorm 2.0. All flash, no substance.

[Lost Planet Airman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason, Kori and Roy against Ra's al Ghul to wrap a hanging story line, then... Kori and Roy let Jason tag in Isabel -- normal (not counting measurements) but brave human from earlier stories -- and are off to a party island with an unexpected host. The Big Picture arc then lets Kori's ship get stolen from under everyone -- well, everyone but Roy, who is dragged along with alien mercs. Jason takes Kori on a ship-stealing caper that runs them into Frankenstein and Lobo Classic -- or is it? Discerning readers will notice that he isn't the same Lobo from the Villain's Month experience...
Finally, a Roy vs. Triads solo story and a Kori backstory.
Some good art, some so-so. Interesting stories but nothing gripping (they all try to do al little too much with too little). Just an "okay" collection in an "okay" title.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fifth volume of the Outlaws arrives from James Tynion IV and a host of artistic talents. Concluding the Ra's al Ghul arc, Red Hood, Arsenal, and Starfire are able to defeat the ages-old threat and garner a brief period of down time. Things pick up when an alien cadre steals Starfire's space ship - with Roy trapped aboard - and attempt to use it to deliver a weapons test. Jason and Kori must battle Frankenstein and take on the classic-look Lobo in order to prevent the Earth's destruction. The volume wraps up with looks at Arsenal and Starfire, collected from their DC Universe Presents appearances. Despite a personal interest in the adventures of Jason Todd, this volume fails to provide an engaging tale for the assembled characters. Once again Roy is relegated to comic-relief genius, Kori remains the volatile and misunderstood alien, and Jason finds his life used as a plaything by other characters. The muddled mix of sci-fi, technology, mysticism, and heroics has yet to find a comfortable balance, bogging down the overall theme of the tome. Tynion and company continue to look for the Big Picture, but continue to miss the forest for the trees.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not going to comment on the way that DC have collected this, because once again they prove that they're daft as hell by putting the finale and epilogue to the story that was in volume 4 in this book instead of the previous one. Sigh.

The titular Big Picture story is decent superhero fare if nothing spectacular, but I expect it was a nice way of easing Will Pfiefer back into comics before he took over Teen Titans. The two one-shots at the end of the book from DC Universe Presents are both okay, with the Arsenal one much better than the random Starfire one which seems to have a cliffhanger that I expect will never be picked up on anywhere.

If you're looking for lots of character work, this volume won't do it for you. If you just want Red Hood, Arsenal, and Starfire punching stuff, then this'll do you fine for now.

[Meagan (FranticVampireReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay. Having a different artist for every almost every comic in this volume really made it feel disjointed and it like the plot got lost somewhere along the way. I did really enjoy the comic at the end with Roy and Killer Croc teaming up again,somehow they have become my favorite unexpected friendship out of the DCU. This volume is getting 3 stars.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I'm really bias towards this book cause I am in love with Arsenal, but overall I feel as if the finale was.... In the fourth one. Like the previous book was a better ending than the fifth one. I mean, I don't really feel as satisfied as I should be but who am I kidding? Keep on continuing, I love this series wayyyy too much!

[Douglas Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, but didn't love it. Lot's of action, but I think I am just bored with space stories and aliens- I prefer more street level crime fighting. The last issue in this collection does have an Earthly setting, Hong Kong, to be exact, but features only Arsenal working solo without his teammates. I think I'll concentrate on some other titles before I finish the last two volumes in this series.

[Rowan's Bookshelf (Carleigh) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ranking the Big Picture at 3 stars, the League of Assassins wrap-up that for some reason is here instead of vol 4 is still a solid 4-4/5 stars.

A nice side story for the Outlaws. Roy gets accidentally kidnapped by aliens, who work for Lobo, who is trying to destroy Earth just because. Jason and Starfire work to catch up to the ship, take on Lobo, save the Earth, no big deal. Fluff and fun with some good Roy moments using his genius, and showing Starfire as a powerhouse.

[Jake Prest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better (even when there's an author change and everything)! In the Outlaws' latest adventure, they encounter Ra's al Ghul and his all-powerful League of Assassins. Will Jason, the one who was tossed into the Lazarus Pit, defeat the man who craves the Lazarus Pit and will do anything to protect it? Will Starfire and Arsenal stand by their best friend regardless of his recent memory loss? Will I ever stop asking questions? Find out in the newest installment of Red Hood and the Outlaws: The Big Picture!

Overall, a great series with intriguing characters, stellar art, and an awesome storyline. Count this review for both this volume and last volume.
Red Hood and the Outlaws is my favorite, and this series is by far underrated.

[Campo Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been really enjoying this series, Vol.4 was a little bit slow I had my issues with it.
But this one, this one here..... was pretty much the same thing. I don't understand the logic in finishing the last volume with another issue in this volume. though it made the last storyline make alot more sense after finding that stuff out. THAT'S WHY YOU PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE PUT IT AT THE END OF VOLUME 4!
Anyways the first bit is fun and exciting but the last like 25% was not needed. I feel bad for anyone who bought the last 2 issues in this as singles because they suck. overall this is more like a 2.5 but I really like redhood so I figured why not round up and make it a 3

[Abnel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The League of Assassin's/Ra's Al Ghul arc is definitely the best arc so far. I loved it. The follow up arcs, on the other hand, felt like a huge let down. I guess that we'll just have to wait for the gang to get into that much epic trouble again. It also didn't help that I just don't like Lobo as a character.

[Gökberk Kaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only reason i bought this was because of the cliffhanger from last volume. The conclusion of the Ra's Al Ghul story was pretty good i give you that. But there is this Big Picture storyline which is awful and wrong character development. And the last chapter is pretty confusing, i still havent understood when did it happen and how did it happen.
2.5 points

[Jacob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Public Library Copy.

Good lord, how does this book keep going? I only read library copies and the rotation of writers and artists still can't save it. It's simply not for me.

[K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Other volumes were better than this collection. The stories themselves were fine, but the organization threw you off a bit -- therefore, I only rated it two.

[Daniel Butcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of a random collection of stories. Some of them resolve to quickly.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series, I do. But this volume was not a good representation of it. There were some good moments. But mostly, this book was just okay.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why 2 stars? Lobo- I hate Lobo.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

another action packed installment in this awesome series. i absolutely loved the chaos and action throughout this volume. i adore Jason Todd and this volume was no exception.

[Ben Truong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This trade paperback picks up where the previous volume left off, collecting the next five issues (27–31) of the 2011 on-going series and DC Universe Presents #17–18.

Somewhat infuriating, the conclusion of the story arc, which was started and chronicled in Red Hood and the Outlaws: League of Assassins was placed in this trade paperback instead. It is followed by a one-shot where the Outlaws take a rest, but finding none. It is followed by the three-part story arc of "The Big Picture", where Starfire's spaceship is stolen with Roy Harper on it. It is up to Jason Todd and Starfire to rescue him. The DC Universe Presents issues are one-shots focused on Roy Harper and Starfire respectively.

While separately, these stories for the most part are fine on their own. However, put them together into one trade paperback and the results are much to be desired – it lacks cohesion and focus. Red Hood and the Outlaws: The Big Picture is a cluttered collection of science fiction, technology, mysticism, and heroics story with very little balance. While the previous trade paperbacks have a centralized character they focused on, this one is pulled in all three directions, which interrupts the flow of the trade paperback, but lacks focus and balance.

For the most part the writing seems somewhat good, albeit with too many authors. James Tynion IV writes most of the on-going series, with Will Pfeifer writing for the three-story arc of which this trade paperback is named after. Marc Andreyko and Joe Keatinge pens the one shot of Arsenal and Starfire respectively in DC Universe Presents. It is the art that is all over the place – there are just too many artists. With several degrees of interpretation and talent it makes the trade paperback seem directionless.

All in all, Red Hood and the Outlaws: The Big Picture is a somewhat good mix with many focuses – perhaps too many and ironically missed the big picture of what this trade paperback should be. Hopefully future trade paperback for this series has more focus and cohesion.

[Kat Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Hood, Starfire, and Arsenal are back to fight new foes, old nemeses, and save the world (again). The fifth volume of the Red Hood and Outlaws series provides with all new adventures for our favorite heroes.

It picks up right where the fourth one left off - with Red Hood, Starfire, and Arsenal facing off against Ra's al Ghul, who has recently assassinated all of the All Caste in his attempt to gain access and power over the Well of Sorrows. And despite all the hell he's been through, Red Hood is bound and determined not to give into his darkness, and more than willing to team up with his best friends and allies, Kori and Roy.

Several comics are involved in this one, my favorite being one where Red Hood and Starfire are on an island dealing with various bad guys and Arsenal is on their spaceship, tinkering with some robots, when their ship is hijacked by a trio of aliens. These guys work for Lobo, who's got access to a weapon that can vaporize life by creating a black hole and now he's set his sights on Earth. Poor Roy, who's stuck on the ship when it's taken, has to rely on his toys and being sneaky while the other two try to find him. There's a lot of shenanigans involved and Roy's really great with one liners along the way. I find him adorable despite his flaws, and I really love when he narrates because both he and Jason have the best goofy lines.

Starfire is fabulous, as always, just like she's always a badass. The boys have come to depend on her and her power a lot now, especially she's pretty much a walking nuke. I absolutely love that she's got her own sass now that she's been with them long enough to be comfortable handing sarcasm back to them. I also absolutely love that she's powerful and beautiful and I can't wait to read more from her, especially after that ending.

Also, this was the first book in the series that flowed smoothly and I understood completely what was going on. It seemed a lot more set up than the others, and not as much going on at once. So I appreciated that and give this one four stars.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

And we're back from the magic! Don't get me wrong, that whole Untitled/League of Assassins business was interesting... but I'm just not as into the mystical side of comic books. But this... this was some good old-fashioned butt-kicking as well as some sci-fi battles. Now this is what I expect from a team-up of Red Hood, Arsenal, and Starfire! But first... I really enjoyed the first part of this graphic novel that, again, showed us how strong Jason Todd is. He's a complicated character: not always good, but not necessarily bad. He's a member of the Bat Family who doesn't define himself by Gotham. He is, simply put, Jason Todd--he is what he needs to be in order to do the right thing, in order to help his friends, and in order to save the world from greater evils. I love shades of gray, and you don't get a character with more of those than with Jason Todd. Plus, he still has some of that Robin wise-cracking in him, which makes any issue all the more fun. Speaking of fun... Roy Harper! He, again, took center stage in this volume--and I am not complaining. His internal monologue (as well as what comes out of his mouth), makes any issue he's in beyond enjoyable. Despite being so broken, he is also so undeniably capable: he's a force to be reckoned with, even if it seems like he's not taking anything seriously. My favorite issue was "Roy's Night Out," in which we really got to see all of Roy's skills. Plus, there were some nice moments that made me chuckle out loud. Plus some great insight into his character. Plus some solid action. In short, it was kind of the perfect comic for that character. The last comic had me a little confused.... Was it a prequel looking into Starfire's past? Or was it happening in real-time? I wasn't sure... so I guess I'll just have to read the next book to find out. On to volume 6!

[Chris Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know why but the last issue of last volume’s arc is stuck on the front here. You can read my thoughts on that arc in my review of the previous volume. The ending happens and is an ending in all its un-notable glory.

The next issue is then Tynion’s last on the book where he ignores all his own unresolved plot threads to tie up one of Lobdell’s instead. We find out Isabel the flight attendant survived Death of the Family (yay). She and Jason have one last date together for closure as part of an Outlaws holiday that goes wrong and she leaves Jason, not happy to live with his lifestyle, but able to thankfully get her own happy ending. It’s a nice issue.

Then Will Pfeiffer writes the most boring filler arc I have ever read about aliens stealing Starfire’s spaceship with Roy on it and they are actually working for Lobo as part of a plot to destroy Earth. A load of rubbish not recommended at all.

There’s also two issues of DC Universe Presents here focusing on Arsenal and then Starfire by Joe Keatinge that are both alright and do some decent character work with the two. They also set up a conflict a fat triad Killer Croc rip off that may or may not be mentioned in the next volume…

All in all, not impressed with this volume.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those times that I wish I could give half stars. This was actually 3.5/5 and I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as Volume 1 or Volume 3 and liked it better than Volume 2 and Volume 4, but we work with the system we have.

I blame the high rating on my love for high fantasy, because the end to this arc struck me as a little high fantasy-esque, right down to the epic supernatural battle for the world.
That said, there were significant plot problems with the last two volumes and I didn't like the League of Assassins, Ra's Al Ghul thing at all. I love the idea of the All Caste (I may be the odd one out there, but I actually loved that addition to the New 52 reboot), but I wish they had kept it in line with the initial conflict with the untitled that you saw a little earlier in the series.

[Batgirl_ALT_21 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Red Hood & The Outlaws New 52 series has overall been a very pleasant read as it disperses equal story arcs amongst our 3 anti-heroes. That being said this volume did not meet my expectations and was rather a lackluster read at best. Volumes 3 & 4 heavily focused on Red Hood but volume 5 lost momentum and does not conclude the last major cliffhanger in volume 4. In addition, the miscommunication/argument that occurs between Arsenal & Starfire is not resolved whatsoever and the series desperately tries to carry on as if nothing happened. Overall, I am very pleased with the first 4 volumes but volume 5 left much to be desired. It felt more like a segway between large story arcs rather than a continuation...hence the low rating.

[Maiya · Rating 1 out of 5]

if i could rate this 0 stars, I would. the only possible argument why it /might/ receive one star is because rhato 27 is a solid conclusion to the ra's al ghul/all-caste saga. the rest just goes off the fucking cliff. rhato 28 is just a random unresolved plotline with isabel (who nobody asked to see again, not even jason really) and some random dude midas. the big picture trilogy was horrific. for reasons unknown to me and really anyone else who reads this volume, will pfieffer was hired and did an atrocious job. i was so lost the entire time. finally, the two random "dc universe presents" stories were totally just there to fluff up the size of the collection because there is no conceivable reason to add to shitty stories.

[Cale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a high 3. It's schizophrenic, with spirits and magic, intergalactic adventures, random cameos and one-off solo stories for two of its characters. It shouldn't work, considering how far ranging the stories are, but they do manage to hold together, almost entirely on the dialog and chemistry of the main characters. It starts off weird, with the first collected issue being the finale to the previous volume, before going off into space. The cameos and crossovers are somewhat logical (although Lobo's presence didn't quite work). But the art is effective and the storytelling is fairly consistent, especially considering how inconsistent the plot is. Better than expected.

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the end of the League of assassins arc, and the whole of The Big Picture arc, which is a fun little space romp. This is a little more light hearted than the rest as well. Overall, decent addition if a bit fractured for also having two side stories in it, about Kori's past and Roy going to China. I do enjoy Roy as he uses his humor to hide how smart he is. Also, his Roybots are just awesome.

[Michael Rivas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting at least half of this mag to be the completion of the previous. The ending was ok, it should have been longer. There was a small continuation of the storyline with Red, Starfire, Arsenal and Isabell and a portion with Arsenal and Lobo's crew but then there were some small portions, including lobo, that seemed like a filler to the mag. Not truly adding to the story at all. A let down.

[Roman Colombo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. The first issue should have been Vol 4’s last issue. There’s a fun Lobo story. And just a bunch of random one shot stuff. And too many writers. It feels like this happens with a lot of Vol 5s in The New 52.