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Red Hood and the Outlaws (2016)
Red Hood: Outlaw, Vol. 1: Requiem for an Archer
Banished from Gotham City and estranged from the Outlaws, Red Hood takes up residence in Appleton, a town that’s a secret haven for criminals. And when he gets his hands on a crowbar and starts handing out some bloody justice, it really stirs up the hornet’s nest...Now rogue players in the Underlife decide to team to take him down. Collects Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual #2 and RED HOOD: OUTLAW #26-31 and a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes artwork.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2019
18 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Scott Lobdell
1,625 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 24, 2019
"You're the one who started it."
Woha! I'm loving it!
However, consider all the exclaiming, F-bombs-dropping and screaming I'd done during the reading progress, this volume doesn't do much good to my sanity anyway. XD
First thing, I really am not a fan of the artwork in this volume, there is nothing wrong with the quality of said artwork but I just don't like how Red Hood is drawn here---he looks like a completely different character in this volume (and it's not just about the change of outfit and design) and I'm like: 'ARGH!!'. Well, I dislike the outlooks of Bizarro and Artemis even more...man, give me a break, I've never seen these two so out of shape before!
Comparing it with the artwork in Red Hood and the Outlaws vol. 1-4, I noticed I 100% prefer the drawings by Dexter Soy much, much better. Too bad Soy doesn't draw the Red Hood series anymore, our loss.
To be fair, despite my complaint I still like how Bruce Wayne/Batman is drawn in this volume...
As to the story itself, it's one hell of a roller coaster ride as usual, although it still looks a bit strange to have members of the BatFam to fight crime outside of Gotham........but it isn't something I can't live with.
The fight scenes are awesome, by the way! As you might notice Jason is again after Batman , I don't know how this change will be taking us but I'm like.....head-banging and screaming in excitement for all these jazz along the way. Plus the revealing about the new villain Solitary and really kept me at the edge of my seat.
Last but not least, Oh my fucking goodness how could this happen!????
By the way, I'm really excited about what will happen in the Prince of Gotham development, when I first saw this on Twitter I was like: 'OMG can you really Jason?!' But now I'm on board anyway.
"My mind was else where, just like your head is about to be."
PS: but Wingman, you are a creep and stalker. *groans*
Review for the next volume: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
*goes back to binge on Batman online fanfics*
Review for Red Hood and the Outlaws vol.4 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for Red Hood- The Lost Days: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: Batman: A Death in the Family https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: Batman: The Long Halloween (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
Review: The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told Vol. 1 (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
Review: Young Justice book 1 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: Impulse book 1 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Batman and Robin by Peter Tomasi & Patrick Gleason Omnibus https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 4, 2019
This feels like a return to form to the older, crappy Red Hood series (plural, he's written at least 3 different ones now.) Lobdell wrote. Artemis and Bizarro have been jettisoned into another dimension. Jason Todd is now on the trail of yet another half-baked, shadowy, criminal organization called the Underlife. The book has reverted into DC's version of the Punisher. It's a good thing though that he keeps on facing androids so Batman doesn't get mad that he's killing humans. Pete Woods's art is crisp and clean with some anime influences. I'm not a fan of his character designs though.
June 18, 2019
A terrible design? Check. Kicking out two of the outlaws to make this a solo Red hood story? Check. Lobdell still on? Check. This could only go bad, right?
Somehow this isn't terrible. Red Hood is now by himself out in the world trying to find his calling. After Bruce beat the living shit out of him for nearly killing penguin he decided to leave his friends and travel the world his own way. In doing so he goes back to being brutal as possible. This title basically becomes a Punisher title. He even sticks things up people's asses when he really gets pissed off. All of this happening while he's hunting down criminals, so basically like the original Red Hood title when it came out.
The thing is...it's pretty entertaining. If nothing else the pace is nice, going quick and brutal through most issues. I still actually like Jason's inner thoughts. I also enjoyed the fights, they were pretty great. Also, the ending leads up to something interesting. The dialogue doesn't always work "stick this up your butt" comes to mind. I also think some of the designs are horrible, like Red Hood. Oh, and Lobdell can NOT write Batman...at all.
Overall, it's good. Not as good as the outlaws but not the train-wreck I expected. A 3 out of 5.
Somehow this isn't terrible. Red Hood is now by himself out in the world trying to find his calling. After Bruce beat the living shit out of him for nearly killing penguin he decided to leave his friends and travel the world his own way. In doing so he goes back to being brutal as possible. This title basically becomes a Punisher title. He even sticks things up people's asses when he really gets pissed off. All of this happening while he's hunting down criminals, so basically like the original Red Hood title when it came out.
The thing is...it's pretty entertaining. If nothing else the pace is nice, going quick and brutal through most issues. I still actually like Jason's inner thoughts. I also enjoyed the fights, they were pretty great. Also, the ending leads up to something interesting. The dialogue doesn't always work "stick this up your butt" comes to mind. I also think some of the designs are horrible, like Red Hood. Oh, and Lobdell can NOT write Batman...at all.
Overall, it's good. Not as good as the outlaws but not the train-wreck I expected. A 3 out of 5.
June 23, 2019
New branding, new costume, new storyline, and yet Scott Lobdell manages to make sure that Red Hood remains a great read (Yes, I'm still surprised, but I'm glad too!)
After the events of Heroes In Crisis and Red Hood & The Outlaws #25, Jason's all alone. His latest teammates are gone, presumed dead, and his best friend is definitely dead. What's an anti-hero to do? Strike out on his own and try to honour his friend by solving a mystery that has ties to Jason's own father, of course. Guest starring Batwoman and Bunker - and a doggy.
I actually really liked this. Jason's reaction to everything that happens to him feels genuine, if unexpected, and it's nice that he hasn't just gone on a revenge trip. Underlife are fairly generic as bad guys, but the tie to Jason's past ups the stakes, and the guest stars keep him honest, surprisingly. This next phase of Jason's life isn't where I thought we were going to be going, but I'm happy to be along for the ride.
Pete Woods steps up as the artist for the series, and while the new Red Hood costume is a little divisive (I like most of it), he suits the book pretty well. He reminds me of Dexter Soy, who has moved on to pastures new, but brings his own jagged flair to the proceedings that keep the art as off-kilter as the story.
Red Hood: Outlaw may be trying some new things, but they pretty much all land. If you're not checking this series out because of previous experience, I'd highly recommend you rethink and get in on the action.
After the events of Heroes In Crisis and Red Hood & The Outlaws #25, Jason's all alone. His latest teammates are gone, presumed dead, and his best friend is definitely dead. What's an anti-hero to do? Strike out on his own and try to honour his friend by solving a mystery that has ties to Jason's own father, of course. Guest starring Batwoman and Bunker - and a doggy.
I actually really liked this. Jason's reaction to everything that happens to him feels genuine, if unexpected, and it's nice that he hasn't just gone on a revenge trip. Underlife are fairly generic as bad guys, but the tie to Jason's past ups the stakes, and the guest stars keep him honest, surprisingly. This next phase of Jason's life isn't where I thought we were going to be going, but I'm happy to be along for the ride.
Pete Woods steps up as the artist for the series, and while the new Red Hood costume is a little divisive (I like most of it), he suits the book pretty well. He reminds me of Dexter Soy, who has moved on to pastures new, but brings his own jagged flair to the proceedings that keep the art as off-kilter as the story.
Red Hood: Outlaw may be trying some new things, but they pretty much all land. If you're not checking this series out because of previous experience, I'd highly recommend you rethink and get in on the action.
March 2, 2019
1.5! Wow the wheels really fell of this one.
World: The art is aight, the facial expressions are a bit off and the sense of motion is a bit janky but it's pretty much middle of the road DC fare here. The world building here is very choppy and jarring. We go from Red Hood and the Outlaws which started choppy but found it's own groove and now we get the jarring ripping of that status quo to this new status quo and the world feels a bit fractured. The reasons behind Jason leaving and the what happens to Artemis and Bizarro are a tossaway that will annoy world building fans and the new pieces of middle America that Lobdell has created for Jason is even more cliched and stereotypical. The new pieces that he does introduce in the end of the arc are interesting choices but honestly if they are doing a new Dark Trinity this group is boring and I miss the old group.
Story: The story starts with the choppy Annual which is aight, it puts Roy and Jason back together and that's a good thing but also has been done so many times readers feel no emotional connection whatsoever. From there on out the story is just 6 issues of mindless fighting that leads to a villain that is underwhelming. We are supposed to believe that there is a huge thing called the Underlife but that it takes Jason a few days to take it all down, you see the logical flaw in that? This is Lobdell back in the New52 era, where the stories were nonsensical and pointless and the actions didn't really do anything but drone on and on and on. All the wonderful character moments and pieces from the Rebirth series is traded up for watered down half assed Punisher wannabe. Lobdell wants to have his cake and eat it too, he wants the Bruce/Jason relationship to be in tact and so Jason fights hordes of mindless robot clones, that rings hollow. If you want to go all in with Jason being DC's punisher just do it, have him take on cartels and syndicates, don't give us this half assed technological plot device so you can still have Batman be Jason's friend. Also *SPOILER ALERT* Bunker and Wingman are two stupid characters that when compared to Artemis and Bizarro seems like a waste of time, why did we break up that Trinity to have Jason back in a team already?? *END SPOILER. In the end this story was a neither here nor there and janky as all hell.
Characters: Jason drones on and on and on and it's the same thing again and again and it's kinda tiring to read. If he's going to kill don't let him keep whining about how Batman and Bruce does not like it. Accept it and just move on. But Lobdell needs to keep reminding us of that and in the end Jason comes off worse for it. The new villain is stupid, the idea of him and the Underlife is half baked and poorly executed to by the end of the story it's just a faceless pointless villain to fight that was suppose to be this HUGE thing but it's not, it's forgotten very quickly and for a Roy related villain this was pretty bad. The two new members are pretty poor choices too when the other two that came before were so strong and finally falling into place. There is little to no character development here and nothing big in terms of arcs, what happened to all of that??
A really bad downward slide that makes me wonder what the hell happened here.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
World: The art is aight, the facial expressions are a bit off and the sense of motion is a bit janky but it's pretty much middle of the road DC fare here. The world building here is very choppy and jarring. We go from Red Hood and the Outlaws which started choppy but found it's own groove and now we get the jarring ripping of that status quo to this new status quo and the world feels a bit fractured. The reasons behind Jason leaving and the what happens to Artemis and Bizarro are a tossaway that will annoy world building fans and the new pieces of middle America that Lobdell has created for Jason is even more cliched and stereotypical. The new pieces that he does introduce in the end of the arc are interesting choices but honestly if they are doing a new Dark Trinity this group is boring and I miss the old group.
Story: The story starts with the choppy Annual which is aight, it puts Roy and Jason back together and that's a good thing but also has been done so many times readers feel no emotional connection whatsoever. From there on out the story is just 6 issues of mindless fighting that leads to a villain that is underwhelming. We are supposed to believe that there is a huge thing called the Underlife but that it takes Jason a few days to take it all down, you see the logical flaw in that? This is Lobdell back in the New52 era, where the stories were nonsensical and pointless and the actions didn't really do anything but drone on and on and on. All the wonderful character moments and pieces from the Rebirth series is traded up for watered down half assed Punisher wannabe. Lobdell wants to have his cake and eat it too, he wants the Bruce/Jason relationship to be in tact and so Jason fights hordes of mindless robot clones, that rings hollow. If you want to go all in with Jason being DC's punisher just do it, have him take on cartels and syndicates, don't give us this half assed technological plot device so you can still have Batman be Jason's friend. Also *SPOILER ALERT* Bunker and Wingman are two stupid characters that when compared to Artemis and Bizarro seems like a waste of time, why did we break up that Trinity to have Jason back in a team already?? *END SPOILER. In the end this story was a neither here nor there and janky as all hell.
Characters: Jason drones on and on and on and it's the same thing again and again and it's kinda tiring to read. If he's going to kill don't let him keep whining about how Batman and Bruce does not like it. Accept it and just move on. But Lobdell needs to keep reminding us of that and in the end Jason comes off worse for it. The new villain is stupid, the idea of him and the Underlife is half baked and poorly executed to by the end of the story it's just a faceless pointless villain to fight that was suppose to be this HUGE thing but it's not, it's forgotten very quickly and for a Roy related villain this was pretty bad. The two new members are pretty poor choices too when the other two that came before were so strong and finally falling into place. There is little to no character development here and nothing big in terms of arcs, what happened to all of that??
A really bad downward slide that makes me wonder what the hell happened here.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
July 20, 2021
There a lot of missing tie-in material that would have made the plot easier to follow, but by cutting out the extraneous titular Outlaws, Red Hood can finally shine.
August 4, 2023
I missed trio working together, but at least I got Jason with Kate.
September 9, 2025
id like to file a complaint to whoever shaved jasons head
July 1, 2019
Red Hood: Outlaw: Requiem for an Archer picks up where the previous volume left off, collecting the next six issues (Red Hood: Outlaw: #26–31) of the 2016 on-going series with Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual #2 and collects five story lines: "Outlaw", "Tooth and Claw", "Even Endings Have Beginnings", "Outlawed & Ordered", and "On the Road Again...".
"On the Road Again..." is a one-issue storyline (Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual #2), has the Outlaws: Jason Todd as Red Hood, Artemis, and Bizarro teaming up with Roy Harper as Arsenal on a mission to fight against Suzie Su and her sisters.
"Outlaw" is a three-issue storyline (Red Hood: Outlaw #26–28) has Jason Todd as Red Hood – alone and banished from Gotham City and finds himself in a quaint town of Appleton, whose veneer is skin-deep as it is a base for Underbelly. "Tooth and Claw" is a one-issue storyline (Red Hood: Outlaw #29) has Katherine "Kate" Kane as Batwoman teaming up with Jason Todd as Red Hood in Appleton as their case overlap. Bruce Wayne makes a cameo to tell Jason Todd about the death of Roy Harper in Heroes in Crisis event.
"Even Endings Have Beginnings" and "Outlawed & Ordered" has Jason Todd as Red Hood arriving to a seemingly abandoned prison complex in Hierve el Agua, Mexico. There, Red Hood fights against Solitary, who believes to be his father – Willis Todd. Red Hood rescues Miguel Barragon as Bunker and Wingman joins his team as the new Outlaws.
Scott Lobdell penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written rather well, despite not loving the direction of the series. I rather liked the team-up with Artemis and Bizarro – the Dark Trinity of sorts and this new one with Miguel Barragon as Bunker and Wingman seemed to be a random mix of people being brought together. However, the villains presented are rather forgettable and seems to be one-shot villains. On the other hand, I do like the rebranding of the series, from Red Hood and the Outlaws to Red Hood: Outlaws, which mainly focuses on Jason Todd as Red Hood as he should have a solo series for a long while now.
With the exception of one issue (Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual #2), which was penciled by Clayton Henry, the entire trade paperback is penned by Pete Woods. Since he was the main penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, I enjoyed his penciling style with the caveat that I severely miss the penciling style of Dexter Soy. The new uniform for Red Hood is rather different and may take some time to get used to – the tire iron is a tad silly if not apropos to the character.
All in all, Red Hood: Outlaw: Requiem for an Archer is a somewhat good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
"On the Road Again..." is a one-issue storyline (Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual #2), has the Outlaws: Jason Todd as Red Hood, Artemis, and Bizarro teaming up with Roy Harper as Arsenal on a mission to fight against Suzie Su and her sisters.
"Outlaw" is a three-issue storyline (Red Hood: Outlaw #26–28) has Jason Todd as Red Hood – alone and banished from Gotham City and finds himself in a quaint town of Appleton, whose veneer is skin-deep as it is a base for Underbelly. "Tooth and Claw" is a one-issue storyline (Red Hood: Outlaw #29) has Katherine "Kate" Kane as Batwoman teaming up with Jason Todd as Red Hood in Appleton as their case overlap. Bruce Wayne makes a cameo to tell Jason Todd about the death of Roy Harper in Heroes in Crisis event.
"Even Endings Have Beginnings" and "Outlawed & Ordered" has Jason Todd as Red Hood arriving to a seemingly abandoned prison complex in Hierve el Agua, Mexico. There, Red Hood fights against Solitary, who believes to be his father – Willis Todd. Red Hood rescues Miguel Barragon as Bunker and Wingman joins his team as the new Outlaws.
Scott Lobdell penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written rather well, despite not loving the direction of the series. I rather liked the team-up with Artemis and Bizarro – the Dark Trinity of sorts and this new one with Miguel Barragon as Bunker and Wingman seemed to be a random mix of people being brought together. However, the villains presented are rather forgettable and seems to be one-shot villains. On the other hand, I do like the rebranding of the series, from Red Hood and the Outlaws to Red Hood: Outlaws, which mainly focuses on Jason Todd as Red Hood as he should have a solo series for a long while now.
With the exception of one issue (Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual #2), which was penciled by Clayton Henry, the entire trade paperback is penned by Pete Woods. Since he was the main penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, I enjoyed his penciling style with the caveat that I severely miss the penciling style of Dexter Soy. The new uniform for Red Hood is rather different and may take some time to get used to – the tire iron is a tad silly if not apropos to the character.
All in all, Red Hood: Outlaw: Requiem for an Archer is a somewhat good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
November 2, 2019
Red hood: outlaw is pretty weird, Jason Todd is edgy, has an edgy costume, and is alone with no bizarro or Artemis on a mission to stop a thing called the underlife, oh and he shaved his head which is terrible.
The plot was pretty confusing to me because first, there was an annual at the start where him and arsenal fight Suzie Su who I had no idea who she was, then they started talking about some organization called the underlife with little explanation which made it hard for me to read at first, but after a while I got it and started enjoying the book more.
The art in the book changed from the usual Dexter Soy to Pete Woods and it’s not my favourite but it’s ok. I think Dexter made the book feel a lot more exciting.
What brought the book down to a 3 was the difficulty to keep up with the story’s plot which made it a pain to read.
Overall, good book.
The plot was pretty confusing to me because first, there was an annual at the start where him and arsenal fight Suzie Su who I had no idea who she was, then they started talking about some organization called the underlife with little explanation which made it hard for me to read at first, but after a while I got it and started enjoying the book more.
The art in the book changed from the usual Dexter Soy to Pete Woods and it’s not my favourite but it’s ok. I think Dexter made the book feel a lot more exciting.
What brought the book down to a 3 was the difficulty to keep up with the story’s plot which made it a pain to read.
Overall, good book.
October 6, 2019
Wow this was an emotion filled Vol. I new things that happened because I am currently reviewing this series as it comes out but actually going back and seeing all this happen on page. I got those feel hard and fast. So glad to get to read more of my boy.
December 23, 2020
Synopsis: Jason and Roy are after something called the Underlife and seek answers from Suzie Su. When they end up getting one, Roy tells Jason that he needs to go to rehab and he's going to be taking some time off. While Jason is hunting down leads, Bruce comes to see Jason and tells him that Roy has been killed. Jason takes it better than expected and continues his search for the Underlife in a small town called Appleton. During an apple cobbler festival, the townspeople attacked Jason and subdue him. When he wakes up, he is tied to a post and a giant zombie-looking hulk is about to smash him.
He gets out of it and runs into Batwoman. They take Underlife back to this mansion, which is being run by a Monday (those monsters, machines Jason fought earlier) and it's not Underlife headquarters - more of an outpost. He gets an address and name out of the Monday: Hierve el Agua and Solitary. Jason travels to Mexico to Hierve el Agua. While there, Jason is confronted by a guy named Wingman who tells him that there are certain parties in Gotham that have been awaiting his return as a potential crime boss.
Jason defeats Solitary, who oddly keeps claiming to be Jason's father. Anyway, he frees a Teen Titan named Bunker in the process and Bunker and Wingman leave with Jason.
Review: That's pretty much it for the plot recap. The book is a lot bigger than the story is and that's ok. It's definitely more self-contained because we really are only following Jason through this transitional period (?) after being basically exiled from Gotham after attempting to assassinate the Penguin. It's Jason's journey and without as many characters, it's not as complicated. I liked that about this volume, though. The last volume of Red Hood and the Outlaws was insane and Jason needs a break from crazy and just keeps some regular crazy for once.
My favorite thing about this volume is that I feel like it's here and the Titans book that Roy's death is truly felt even if the death itself was in a dumb ass story. I thought it was nice we got one last adventure with Roy and Jason at the beginning and I thought their parting was natural and very them. I'm not entirely sold on Jason not wanting revenge on who killed Roy, but hey, maybe this really is him growing as a person, which seems strange to say since he straight up murders people in this book.
I thought it was good he and Bruce patched things up even if I think Bruce should have said sorry for beating the shit out of him, and I might be bias but I still haven't forgiven him for that one. But it was uncharacteristically big of Bruce to come see Jason first in my opinion, even if one of Jason's friends died.
I also enjoyed the story with the Underlife. I thought it was a fun little self-contained thing, or at least I think it was. Solitary kept saying he was Jason's father and Jason doesn't put stock in it since he doesn't have a tattoo but are we meant to believe otherwise? Who knows, maybe it will come back up.
Good start to this revamp. I'm digging the story and the art is out of this world. Love Red Hood's new outfit with the crowbar. It's not a necessary book to the overall universe, but it's a fun one if you can spare the time.
He gets out of it and runs into Batwoman. They take Underlife back to this mansion, which is being run by a Monday (those monsters, machines Jason fought earlier) and it's not Underlife headquarters - more of an outpost. He gets an address and name out of the Monday: Hierve el Agua and Solitary. Jason travels to Mexico to Hierve el Agua. While there, Jason is confronted by a guy named Wingman who tells him that there are certain parties in Gotham that have been awaiting his return as a potential crime boss.
Jason defeats Solitary, who oddly keeps claiming to be Jason's father. Anyway, he frees a Teen Titan named Bunker in the process and Bunker and Wingman leave with Jason.
Review: That's pretty much it for the plot recap. The book is a lot bigger than the story is and that's ok. It's definitely more self-contained because we really are only following Jason through this transitional period (?) after being basically exiled from Gotham after attempting to assassinate the Penguin. It's Jason's journey and without as many characters, it's not as complicated. I liked that about this volume, though. The last volume of Red Hood and the Outlaws was insane and Jason needs a break from crazy and just keeps some regular crazy for once.
My favorite thing about this volume is that I feel like it's here and the Titans book that Roy's death is truly felt even if the death itself was in a dumb ass story. I thought it was nice we got one last adventure with Roy and Jason at the beginning and I thought their parting was natural and very them. I'm not entirely sold on Jason not wanting revenge on who killed Roy, but hey, maybe this really is him growing as a person, which seems strange to say since he straight up murders people in this book.
I thought it was good he and Bruce patched things up even if I think Bruce should have said sorry for beating the shit out of him, and I might be bias but I still haven't forgiven him for that one. But it was uncharacteristically big of Bruce to come see Jason first in my opinion, even if one of Jason's friends died.
I also enjoyed the story with the Underlife. I thought it was a fun little self-contained thing, or at least I think it was. Solitary kept saying he was Jason's father and Jason doesn't put stock in it since he doesn't have a tattoo but are we meant to believe otherwise? Who knows, maybe it will come back up.
Good start to this revamp. I'm digging the story and the art is out of this world. Love Red Hood's new outfit with the crowbar. It's not a necessary book to the overall universe, but it's a fun one if you can spare the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
This was a great continuation of our infamous & notorious Outlaw 😏👍!!
We begin shortly where we left off with Artemis & Bizzaro trapped inside another dimension from the portal door when Bizzaro's bases threatened to explode over Gotham.
Red Hood has been recovering at the old Outlaw base on Starfire's Tamaranian star cruiser, with Arsenal by his side to keep him company after his work with the Titans. Arsenal is interested in pursuing a case involving the Underlife, and their first clue is in Bajinig China, where the Su sisters make themselves known by attacking Arsenal & Red Hood, who are attempting to inquire about the next location for the underworld and what Suzie did to get on their list. After a few rounds, Suzie Su makes her presence known and reveals that he name was left on the hit because she opposed one of the group's ideologies before returning to recover from terminal liver failure.
Arsenal drives Red Hood halfway to his next location to track the Underworld, and they say their goodbyes when Arsenal reveals that he plans on returning to rehab.
We then cut to Red Hood on a bus on his way to AppleTown USA with a chatty Bus driver when they come across an F.B.I agent who reveals that she lost her partner in a fight against a underground gang turn in gone wrong. The gang comes out of the woodwork to finish the agent off when Red Hood steps in and defeats the gang swiftly. Hood returns to the bus to gather his belongings and walks the rest of the way to Apple Town while the agent is checked into the hospital for her injuries.
Jason winds up near a little run-down diner where he comes across a redneck low-class thug trying to get a waitress's number. After a few smart comments from Jason, a diner brawl is triggered by the thugs' buddies. Jason once more takes down the country jerks when suddenly Bruce Wayne enters the establishment and pulls up a seat & two cups of coffee to break some difficult news to Jason that Roy has passed. Jason is devastated and doesn't understand how that could be the case since he just spoke to him, but Bruce explains that the crisis center had a mass murder event and that Roy, along with many others, was caught in the crossfire. The two say their goodbyes and Jason continues on to AppleTown.
In the next scene, by early dawn, Red Hood appears as Jason Todd amongst the town people, where he takes up a room at a Ma & Pa B&B before going into town to look for leads. Jason visits the AppleTown Fair when he is suddenly ambushed by the townspeople, and after a gruesome & extensive fight, Red Hood wakes up attached to a pike with a monster that resembles Solomon Grundy, ready to attack him. Red Hood takes down the monster with a pike where its revealed that it was never made of flesh or bone but rather a clone. A horde of monsters & creatures appears, but in the midst of foes stands one ally, although that's not how Jason exactly sees it when Batwoman appears to track down the case of what she calls Mondays. The two take down the horde of monsters and use Red Hood's bike to get to a mansion on the outskirts of town when he encounters a female who claims to be the leader in charge of operating Sanctuary's plane but she turns out to be another clone as well. With nothing but the echoes of " Hierve El Agua " Red Hood leaves from Mexico to track down Sanctuary and put an end to the Underworld. Hood detonates a bomb to destroy the Cadmus adjacent factor. Batwoman calls Renee and the two give Jason a ride to the border where he finds an old beater truck and drives until he finds a gas station where he asks an elderly woman abou "Hierve El Agua" and she warns him against going there but gives him directions regardless.
Once there Jason learns that it's a prison. Upon further inspection he sees blood splattered marks on the wall synonymous with swords then comes across a giant gash and realizes it's a sword mark from Artemis's are Mistress. We the briefly cut to the alternative reality where we learn that Artemis & Bizzaro have been fighting for their lives and a chance to return home.
In our reality we find Red Hood who was ambushed by a Batman like impersonator calling himself Wingman. Wingman knocks out Red Hood and ties him to a chair and asks Red Hood to return to Gotham to tame the lunatics running a muck from Arkham. Suddenly a set of Bricks come flying and K.O. Wingman before aiding Red Hood in his escape. Red Hood returns on his quest to explore the prison when he comes across the Monday cloning unit filled with thousands of hibernation pods. Red Hood prepares to defend himself when he hears a noise but is greeted by a female pit bull who Jason quickly befriends and affectionately names her "dog" before asking her to lead him around the gounds. The dog leads him a drug where house area where Red Hood finds the Underlife's manufacturer facility used to create bad pharmaceutical drugs.
The dog harsh a noise and leads Red Hood to it where finds an old teammate of the Teen Titans named Bunker trapped. Red Hood moves to release him when the three headed Sanctuary makes himself known. Sanctuary goes on to talk about how he's tracked & traced the whereabouts of the dark trinity for years and how he is disappointed in Red Hood for not accomplishing more. Red Hood retaliates by expressing that he is one to talk for kidnapping a 19 year with God like powers before throwing his crowbar at Sanctuary but misses to reveal that it was to free Bunker.
Sanctuary then runs to release the Mondays but Red Hood stops him and begins punching him while expressing how he's done with tracking him sine Beijing and fighting Mondays. Sanctuary the reveals himself to be releasing the Mondays because his power is altering perception. Bunker is finally free and Sanctuary runs for his life while her tries to control the bricks with his telekinesis powers. Red Hood then reintroduce himself and Bunker recalls how Red Robin vouched for Red Hood and that was enough for him. Red Hood then asks if Bunker would be willing to do a favor for him to which he agrees.
In the next scene we see Red Hood running with dog to track down Sanctuary when he is ambushed for a second time by Wingman who returns to their previous conversation. Red Hood retorts that he will return to Gotham but on his terms before breaking free. The ground begins to shake and Red Hood reveals that Bunker is going to level the prison and that Wingman can choose to be apart of the problem or solution but he can't be both.
Red Hood finds Sanctuary who is sitting in a cell. The three headed man then distorts reality to show him how he became this by signing onto a prison program for experimenting where he become one with two other inmates granting him these intense powers. The goes onto to explain that he was hired to steal tech from Lex Luthor when Artimis showed up and he was spared. Sanctuary then tries to reveal himself to be Jason Todd's biological father but Jason disproves his statement by telling a sentimental story about how his dad was hit by a Batarang before getting a Batman symbol tattooed on his arm in memory. Red Hood tears off the sleeve to reveal nothing. As the prison begins to shake. Red Hood throws his crowbar and it lands in Sanctuary's chest leaving him to die before running out with Bunker, Wingman, & Dog as the prison crashes down.
A week later Jason visits the Seattle cemetery to pay his respects to Roy leaving his hat in memory of his friend. Jason made his calls to Spyral, the D.E.O. and Argus to ensure that Sanctuary's operation is buried thanks to Bunker. Jason makes a vow to Roy to track down the clue and have the tragedy that lead to Roy's death be dealt with once in for all. Our arc concludes whenvJason tells Wingman & Miguel to go ahead to Gotham and set the table while he prepares for his grand entry.
This was a great volume that added depth the arc before and established a new more grounded Red Hood. I really appreciated the flow of the story and how we obtained a cohesive ending to the Underlife arc established by Arsenal's investigation. The death of Arsenal really hits home and drives Red Hood to do all that he can to resolve the ends he left unfinished. The tie ins with Batwoman taking down the Mondays was a great addition. Although the guest appearances of Bruce/Batman was less than desirable given his more distant approach to breaking this terrible news to Jason. He felt cold & callous in that scene. Overall this was a fantastic first arc and I look forward to reading more from Red Hood & the Outlaws 😁👍!! 9.4/10 🌟.
We begin shortly where we left off with Artemis & Bizzaro trapped inside another dimension from the portal door when Bizzaro's bases threatened to explode over Gotham.
Red Hood has been recovering at the old Outlaw base on Starfire's Tamaranian star cruiser, with Arsenal by his side to keep him company after his work with the Titans. Arsenal is interested in pursuing a case involving the Underlife, and their first clue is in Bajinig China, where the Su sisters make themselves known by attacking Arsenal & Red Hood, who are attempting to inquire about the next location for the underworld and what Suzie did to get on their list. After a few rounds, Suzie Su makes her presence known and reveals that he name was left on the hit because she opposed one of the group's ideologies before returning to recover from terminal liver failure.
Arsenal drives Red Hood halfway to his next location to track the Underworld, and they say their goodbyes when Arsenal reveals that he plans on returning to rehab.
We then cut to Red Hood on a bus on his way to AppleTown USA with a chatty Bus driver when they come across an F.B.I agent who reveals that she lost her partner in a fight against a underground gang turn in gone wrong. The gang comes out of the woodwork to finish the agent off when Red Hood steps in and defeats the gang swiftly. Hood returns to the bus to gather his belongings and walks the rest of the way to Apple Town while the agent is checked into the hospital for her injuries.
Jason winds up near a little run-down diner where he comes across a redneck low-class thug trying to get a waitress's number. After a few smart comments from Jason, a diner brawl is triggered by the thugs' buddies. Jason once more takes down the country jerks when suddenly Bruce Wayne enters the establishment and pulls up a seat & two cups of coffee to break some difficult news to Jason that Roy has passed. Jason is devastated and doesn't understand how that could be the case since he just spoke to him, but Bruce explains that the crisis center had a mass murder event and that Roy, along with many others, was caught in the crossfire. The two say their goodbyes and Jason continues on to AppleTown.
In the next scene, by early dawn, Red Hood appears as Jason Todd amongst the town people, where he takes up a room at a Ma & Pa B&B before going into town to look for leads. Jason visits the AppleTown Fair when he is suddenly ambushed by the townspeople, and after a gruesome & extensive fight, Red Hood wakes up attached to a pike with a monster that resembles Solomon Grundy, ready to attack him. Red Hood takes down the monster with a pike where its revealed that it was never made of flesh or bone but rather a clone. A horde of monsters & creatures appears, but in the midst of foes stands one ally, although that's not how Jason exactly sees it when Batwoman appears to track down the case of what she calls Mondays. The two take down the horde of monsters and use Red Hood's bike to get to a mansion on the outskirts of town when he encounters a female who claims to be the leader in charge of operating Sanctuary's plane but she turns out to be another clone as well. With nothing but the echoes of " Hierve El Agua " Red Hood leaves from Mexico to track down Sanctuary and put an end to the Underworld. Hood detonates a bomb to destroy the Cadmus adjacent factor. Batwoman calls Renee and the two give Jason a ride to the border where he finds an old beater truck and drives until he finds a gas station where he asks an elderly woman abou "Hierve El Agua" and she warns him against going there but gives him directions regardless.
Once there Jason learns that it's a prison. Upon further inspection he sees blood splattered marks on the wall synonymous with swords then comes across a giant gash and realizes it's a sword mark from Artemis's are Mistress. We the briefly cut to the alternative reality where we learn that Artemis & Bizzaro have been fighting for their lives and a chance to return home.
In our reality we find Red Hood who was ambushed by a Batman like impersonator calling himself Wingman. Wingman knocks out Red Hood and ties him to a chair and asks Red Hood to return to Gotham to tame the lunatics running a muck from Arkham. Suddenly a set of Bricks come flying and K.O. Wingman before aiding Red Hood in his escape. Red Hood returns on his quest to explore the prison when he comes across the Monday cloning unit filled with thousands of hibernation pods. Red Hood prepares to defend himself when he hears a noise but is greeted by a female pit bull who Jason quickly befriends and affectionately names her "dog" before asking her to lead him around the gounds. The dog leads him a drug where house area where Red Hood finds the Underlife's manufacturer facility used to create bad pharmaceutical drugs.
The dog harsh a noise and leads Red Hood to it where finds an old teammate of the Teen Titans named Bunker trapped. Red Hood moves to release him when the three headed Sanctuary makes himself known. Sanctuary goes on to talk about how he's tracked & traced the whereabouts of the dark trinity for years and how he is disappointed in Red Hood for not accomplishing more. Red Hood retaliates by expressing that he is one to talk for kidnapping a 19 year with God like powers before throwing his crowbar at Sanctuary but misses to reveal that it was to free Bunker.
Sanctuary then runs to release the Mondays but Red Hood stops him and begins punching him while expressing how he's done with tracking him sine Beijing and fighting Mondays. Sanctuary the reveals himself to be releasing the Mondays because his power is altering perception. Bunker is finally free and Sanctuary runs for his life while her tries to control the bricks with his telekinesis powers. Red Hood then reintroduce himself and Bunker recalls how Red Robin vouched for Red Hood and that was enough for him. Red Hood then asks if Bunker would be willing to do a favor for him to which he agrees.
In the next scene we see Red Hood running with dog to track down Sanctuary when he is ambushed for a second time by Wingman who returns to their previous conversation. Red Hood retorts that he will return to Gotham but on his terms before breaking free. The ground begins to shake and Red Hood reveals that Bunker is going to level the prison and that Wingman can choose to be apart of the problem or solution but he can't be both.
Red Hood finds Sanctuary who is sitting in a cell. The three headed man then distorts reality to show him how he became this by signing onto a prison program for experimenting where he become one with two other inmates granting him these intense powers. The goes onto to explain that he was hired to steal tech from Lex Luthor when Artimis showed up and he was spared. Sanctuary then tries to reveal himself to be Jason Todd's biological father but Jason disproves his statement by telling a sentimental story about how his dad was hit by a Batarang before getting a Batman symbol tattooed on his arm in memory. Red Hood tears off the sleeve to reveal nothing. As the prison begins to shake. Red Hood throws his crowbar and it lands in Sanctuary's chest leaving him to die before running out with Bunker, Wingman, & Dog as the prison crashes down.
A week later Jason visits the Seattle cemetery to pay his respects to Roy leaving his hat in memory of his friend. Jason made his calls to Spyral, the D.E.O. and Argus to ensure that Sanctuary's operation is buried thanks to Bunker. Jason makes a vow to Roy to track down the clue and have the tragedy that lead to Roy's death be dealt with once in for all. Our arc concludes whenvJason tells Wingman & Miguel to go ahead to Gotham and set the table while he prepares for his grand entry.
This was a great volume that added depth the arc before and established a new more grounded Red Hood. I really appreciated the flow of the story and how we obtained a cohesive ending to the Underlife arc established by Arsenal's investigation. The death of Arsenal really hits home and drives Red Hood to do all that he can to resolve the ends he left unfinished. The tie ins with Batwoman taking down the Mondays was a great addition. Although the guest appearances of Bruce/Batman was less than desirable given his more distant approach to breaking this terrible news to Jason. He felt cold & callous in that scene. Overall this was a fantastic first arc and I look forward to reading more from Red Hood & the Outlaws 😁👍!! 9.4/10 🌟.
July 9, 2019
This could be a 3.5, haven't really decided
First of all, the new suit. Edgy. It has a stupid crowbar and a katana.
Lobdell is trying (for some reason, don't ask me which one) to make a spin off based only in Red Hood, just after RHATO's series was in its peak. And thruly, it wasn't bad, I liked the new art, is still on a high level. The story was plain and consistent, but nothing thrilling about it. Still, even through the story wasn't big it compensates with more emotional and character development background.
I really want to get the original team back again.
First of all, the new suit. Edgy. It has a stupid crowbar and a katana.
Lobdell is trying (for some reason, don't ask me which one) to make a spin off based only in Red Hood, just after RHATO's series was in its peak. And thruly, it wasn't bad, I liked the new art, is still on a high level. The story was plain and consistent, but nothing thrilling about it. Still, even through the story wasn't big it compensates with more emotional and character development background.
I really want to get the original team back again.
June 2, 2024
jason with a buzzcut should be a federal crime btw
December 26, 2025
(the whole series)
June 7, 2020
I didn’t mind this volume that much. The outlaws disappeared and we only focused on Jason, which I’m not complaining about - it’s not like Artemis and Bizarro were given the most compelling storylines or personalities that they could carry entire issues on their own, but I am confused why the two characters were introduced as the main cast, only to be forgotten so soon after.
Not a fan of Jason’s new look. He has a hood but what’s the point. Don’t like his hair so short, either - it’s like DC decided the Batboys may be too attractive with their flowing black locks, and decided to shave them off. The hell? Stupid editorial choice.
I loved the annual because the Roy and Jason combo is super special. Love their banter and how much they love and support each other. Honestly, it always seems like Jason is carefree when he has Roy with him. And that final panel in the annual was... heartbreaking. Because I read this after finishing Heroes in Crisis, I knew how loaded that goodbye was. Jeez.
Now here are the problems I had with this book. Jason goes no holds barred because, according to the text, he lost his teammates. But, in later context it seems like Jason is going his own way because Bruce beat the crap out of him and effectively banished him from Gotham. This equates to being banished from the Batfamily too. Now, why couldn’t the latter have been directly addressed? Why can’t Jason just be angry because, quite literally in his mind, daddy doesn’t love him any more? It would make Jason that much more human.
I do love how tenderly Bruce deals with Jason regarding Roy. It’s some of the best characterization of Bruce as a dad in the rebirth arc. I’m surprised other titles don’t write him similarly. But, and this is what struck me, Jason doesn’t react at all to Roy’s death. He seemed angrier about Artemis and Bizarro going missing, rather than the untimely demise of the man he’s repeatedly called his best friend. Like, I’m sorry, he loves this guy, why isn’t he processing what happened? He may still be in the denial stage, but he has to at least address it! Is it too emasculating to cry over a dead beloved friend. That part really frustrated me.
I don’t think the Solitary plot line went anywhere at all. Not sure what the original plan was for it, but it seriously fizzled out.
I am enjoying the series a lot more than I expected. But I need Jason to confront his feelings about what happened to Roy. It can’t be brushed off in one panel.
Not a fan of Jason’s new look. He has a hood but what’s the point. Don’t like his hair so short, either - it’s like DC decided the Batboys may be too attractive with their flowing black locks, and decided to shave them off. The hell? Stupid editorial choice.
I loved the annual because the Roy and Jason combo is super special. Love their banter and how much they love and support each other. Honestly, it always seems like Jason is carefree when he has Roy with him. And that final panel in the annual was... heartbreaking. Because I read this after finishing Heroes in Crisis, I knew how loaded that goodbye was. Jeez.
Now here are the problems I had with this book. Jason goes no holds barred because, according to the text, he lost his teammates. But, in later context it seems like Jason is going his own way because Bruce beat the crap out of him and effectively banished him from Gotham. This equates to being banished from the Batfamily too. Now, why couldn’t the latter have been directly addressed? Why can’t Jason just be angry because, quite literally in his mind, daddy doesn’t love him any more? It would make Jason that much more human.
I do love how tenderly Bruce deals with Jason regarding Roy. It’s some of the best characterization of Bruce as a dad in the rebirth arc. I’m surprised other titles don’t write him similarly. But, and this is what struck me, Jason doesn’t react at all to Roy’s death. He seemed angrier about Artemis and Bizarro going missing, rather than the untimely demise of the man he’s repeatedly called his best friend. Like, I’m sorry, he loves this guy, why isn’t he processing what happened? He may still be in the denial stage, but he has to at least address it! Is it too emasculating to cry over a dead beloved friend. That part really frustrated me.
I don’t think the Solitary plot line went anywhere at all. Not sure what the original plan was for it, but it seriously fizzled out.
I am enjoying the series a lot more than I expected. But I need Jason to confront his feelings about what happened to Roy. It can’t be brushed off in one panel.
April 8, 2020
I'm giving this one 2 stars because it was just so disappointing. I had assumed this book was going to be about Jason Todd reinventing himself. He's just lost the family he made with Artemis and Bizarro, he uncovered a big revelation about his father, and just got his butt kicked by Batman for "killing" Penguin.
But Scott Lobdell totally fell short of what this book could have been. And as usual it was due to his haphazard storytelling. Lobdell never takes the time to develop and build on his current plot. Instead he just gives us the highlights while planting seeds, or "subplot" for his next story arc.
The first issue of this book with Roy Harper was pretty good, and kept me thinking that there was going to be character development. But then every issue after that had me wondering were the in between issues were. There is NO explanation for Red Hood's new look, no real depth given to the "Underlife", and the villain Solitary/Jason's dad was completely glossed over!
The new look would have been so much cooler if we got to see Jason, I don't know shaving his head and dawning his new outfit to declare that he's no longer tying himself to Batman or the past. "Underlife" would have made more since if we got to see more of them other than Red Hood kicking their ass. And "Solitary" should have been more involved with how much we saw him in "Goodnight, Gotham".
Lobdell trying to connect his story to "Heroes in Crisis" might have been why this story fell so short. Instead of the emotion centering on Jason's fall from grace; it focused on Red Arrows death. Which I felt sped up whatever development Lobdell was working on with Jason.
Overall this book should have been more than just a interlude before Jason becomes a crime boss... again.
But Scott Lobdell totally fell short of what this book could have been. And as usual it was due to his haphazard storytelling. Lobdell never takes the time to develop and build on his current plot. Instead he just gives us the highlights while planting seeds, or "subplot" for his next story arc.
The first issue of this book with Roy Harper was pretty good, and kept me thinking that there was going to be character development. But then every issue after that had me wondering were the in between issues were. There is NO explanation for Red Hood's new look, no real depth given to the "Underlife", and the villain Solitary/Jason's dad was completely glossed over!
The new look would have been so much cooler if we got to see Jason, I don't know shaving his head and dawning his new outfit to declare that he's no longer tying himself to Batman or the past. "Underlife" would have made more since if we got to see more of them other than Red Hood kicking their ass. And "Solitary" should have been more involved with how much we saw him in "Goodnight, Gotham".
Lobdell trying to connect his story to "Heroes in Crisis" might have been why this story fell so short. Instead of the emotion centering on Jason's fall from grace; it focused on Red Arrows death. Which I felt sped up whatever development Lobdell was working on with Jason.
Overall this book should have been more than just a interlude before Jason becomes a crime boss... again.
October 21, 2019
Jason Todd is once again on his own. With Roy Harper gone (see Heroes in Crisis), Red Hood continues the mission they started, chasing down the leads for weapon and drug running. This ultimately leads him to Appleton, a seemingly inspiring small town, but hiding the criminal organization: Underlife. Joined soon after by Batwoman, together (united by their banishments from Gotham: him for "killing" the Penguin and her for killing Clayface) they fight back against everything the small town of Appleton has to offer.
Two other villains make their presence known: Solitary and Wingman.
Solitary is a very weird villain that we've seen before. Appearing to have 3 faces, though two of them are blurred, he also claims to be Jason's dad, but that is refuted when Jason reveals that his father had a bat-brand on his right arm. Wingman appears to be kind of like a member of the Bat-Family based on what he wears, and actually IS Jason's father. They do fight near the beginning, but realize they work better together, so Jason has added him to the current Outlaw roster.
Other than revealing that Artemis and Bizarro are still alive, but lost on a world in another dimension, AND the EPIC amount of fighting, this Volume is alright. I've always thought that the strength in Jason Todd as a character is in who he companions with. I look forward to him getting back with a team.
Reasonable start to his solo title, but I want to recombine with others into a new team.
Recommend with reservations.
Two other villains make their presence known: Solitary and Wingman.
Solitary is a very weird villain that we've seen before. Appearing to have 3 faces, though two of them are blurred, he also claims to be Jason's dad, but that is refuted when Jason reveals that his father had a bat-brand on his right arm. Wingman appears to be kind of like a member of the Bat-Family based on what he wears, and actually IS Jason's father. They do fight near the beginning, but realize they work better together, so Jason has added him to the current Outlaw roster.
Other than revealing that Artemis and Bizarro are still alive, but lost on a world in another dimension, AND the EPIC amount of fighting, this Volume is alright. I've always thought that the strength in Jason Todd as a character is in who he companions with. I look forward to him getting back with a team.
Reasonable start to his solo title, but I want to recombine with others into a new team.
Recommend with reservations.
June 19, 2020
The Red Hood and the Outlaws series started off kind of okay but just got progressively worse and now this. I cannot believe they did Jason such a dirty. There seriously are just no redeeming qualities to this... I. Characterization: wack. Plot: nonexistent. Jason's reaction to Roy's death??? Excuse me??? Bruce and Jason suddenly acting like they're buddies and Bruce literally almost killed Jason?? I think I already wrote a review on Outlaws apart or whatever it was about how Bruce's reaction to Jason killing Penguin was completely out of character when in Under the Red Hood Jason killed like the entire crime population and Bruce was still willing to forgive him. But go off I guess. A big problem with comics is that they kind of just go on forever and you're obviously not going to be able to keep a story interesting indefinitely. I think Jason's story was over in Under the Red Hood honestly because they obviously haven't been able to do anything else with him since then that was actually worth reading besides Arkham Knight
June 22, 2020
4
Red Hood is one of my favourite DC characters but I've struggled to maintain interest in the way he has been portrayed in the comic book form. I thought the Outlaw storyline was the ideal time to board the Red Hood ship. Scott Lobdell is a new name for my library and he successfully constructs a storyline that serves core fans and us newbies. There were times I struggled to understand the players but when you jump into a long running series, that's only my fault.
Why the 4?
Lobdell has a lot of fun with the storyline but it struggles in the latter sections of the book. My biggest issue with Red Hood is DCs misunderstanding of the character, much like Deadpool and The Winter Soldier. These characters should be a little darker and free to explore their darker sides. Red Hood is trapped in the world of early teens, when he should be servicing the age group who grew up with him. Outlaw was a nice change from the typical line-up but it wasn't enough. I enjoyed the book and this had some really cool moments, but overall it lacked true Red Hood identity.
Red Hood is one of my favourite DC characters but I've struggled to maintain interest in the way he has been portrayed in the comic book form. I thought the Outlaw storyline was the ideal time to board the Red Hood ship. Scott Lobdell is a new name for my library and he successfully constructs a storyline that serves core fans and us newbies. There were times I struggled to understand the players but when you jump into a long running series, that's only my fault.
Why the 4?
Lobdell has a lot of fun with the storyline but it struggles in the latter sections of the book. My biggest issue with Red Hood is DCs misunderstanding of the character, much like Deadpool and The Winter Soldier. These characters should be a little darker and free to explore their darker sides. Red Hood is trapped in the world of early teens, when he should be servicing the age group who grew up with him. Outlaw was a nice change from the typical line-up but it wasn't enough. I enjoyed the book and this had some really cool moments, but overall it lacked true Red Hood identity.
January 15, 2021
Set on the backdrop of a friend's passing, Jason sets out against a robotic (?) villain (?) stockpile (?) thing (?) metahuman (?). I don't even know.
There were a couple of nice character moments between Jason and Bruce, and flashbacks to Jason's childhood which was all I really connected with, interspersed with too much plot all over the place, none of which hit for me. I think ultimately, Jason is a character I enjoy most when he's leading the narrative, scheming and whatnot--here he's just reacting to things, but because it feels like the character doesn't want anything currently (except to maybe look for Artemis and Biz? But even that's only 'barely'), I have nothing to root for. The plot mysteries aren't enough at this point, the protagonist doesn't feel like Jason Todd anymore.
On another note, Jason is (design-wise) very unrecognisable here--not necessarily with the crowbars and new outfit, but in terms of his facial features, haircut, and the age that comes across as much older than the character should be :/
There were a couple of nice character moments between Jason and Bruce, and flashbacks to Jason's childhood which was all I really connected with, interspersed with too much plot all over the place, none of which hit for me. I think ultimately, Jason is a character I enjoy most when he's leading the narrative, scheming and whatnot--here he's just reacting to things, but because it feels like the character doesn't want anything currently (except to maybe look for Artemis and Biz? But even that's only 'barely'), I have nothing to root for. The plot mysteries aren't enough at this point, the protagonist doesn't feel like Jason Todd anymore.
On another note, Jason is (design-wise) very unrecognisable here--not necessarily with the crowbars and new outfit, but in terms of his facial features, haircut, and the age that comes across as much older than the character should be :/
July 22, 2024
The main part of this volume that I liked was Jason's refusal to pay even a little attention to Solitary. I'm getting sick of the guy myself, and Jason literally not caring about who the man is or what his goal is at all was very satisfying. However, this scene was also very frustrating because Jason's disinterest ruins a major story arc that had been going up until this point, rendering the whole thing void and useless and a waste of the reader's time.
But although I liked that scene along with a few other moments (Jason with a dog, Artemis and Bizarro interactions, Roy talking with Croc, and the arrival of Bunker), the issues in this volume just felt to me like an enormous step-down from where the series started. This definitely feels like the point of the series where the writer/editor staff have started phoning their work in.
Also Wingman wins the award for "dumbest superhero name + costume combo I've ever seen." I've been reading comics for nearly two decades, so I've seen quite a few terrible ones, but this one takes the cake.
But although I liked that scene along with a few other moments (Jason with a dog, Artemis and Bizarro interactions, Roy talking with Croc, and the arrival of Bunker), the issues in this volume just felt to me like an enormous step-down from where the series started. This definitely feels like the point of the series where the writer/editor staff have started phoning their work in.
Also Wingman wins the award for "dumbest superhero name + costume combo I've ever seen." I've been reading comics for nearly two decades, so I've seen quite a few terrible ones, but this one takes the cake.
January 9, 2020
Jason Todd is genuinely one of my favourite DC characters of all time and this comic did nothing to change that - in fact, it might've made my love for him even stronger. REQUIEM FOR AN ARCHER starts off so strong, it's hard to imagine the comic getting better from there.
And then it does.
Jason Todd defies explanation. It feels like even saying how good a comic this is is spoiling the experience of reading it. Every page is filled with gorgeous art that begs to be stared at for hours on end. Seeing familiar faces throughout the comic brings Gotham back home - even if Jason isn't exactly there yet.
REQUIEM FOR AN ARCHER is a phenomenal comic for all lovers of Jason Todd, like me, who enjoy his snark, his fighting style, and an overall fantastic plot.
And then it does.
Jason Todd defies explanation. It feels like even saying how good a comic this is is spoiling the experience of reading it. Every page is filled with gorgeous art that begs to be stared at for hours on end. Seeing familiar faces throughout the comic brings Gotham back home - even if Jason isn't exactly there yet.
REQUIEM FOR AN ARCHER is a phenomenal comic for all lovers of Jason Todd, like me, who enjoy his snark, his fighting style, and an overall fantastic plot.
February 18, 2020
Take out two of the outlaws, have Jason get rid of his no killing rule but still face a bunch of robots so Batman can't get mad at him for killing (Batman also inexplicably forgives him for breaking the rule and shooting Penguin in the face) and have him hunt down an uninteresting, poorly explained secret society and what do you get? The worst volume in this series by far.
In the end this is not terrible, it's just bad. The art is fine though I don't really like Jason's new design. The story is forgettable and doesn't feel like it has any stakes. Not a fun read.
Disappointing, if this series doesn't pick itself up soon, it'll end up abandoned by me. This volume is not recommended.
Story: 2/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 2/5
In the end this is not terrible, it's just bad. The art is fine though I don't really like Jason's new design. The story is forgettable and doesn't feel like it has any stakes. Not a fun read.
Disappointing, if this series doesn't pick itself up soon, it'll end up abandoned by me. This volume is not recommended.
Story: 2/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 2/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2020
I liked this. Jason Todd is by himself kind of in this book. People keep popping up to help him as he hunts down this super secret crime organization. There’s tons of action and the art is great.
All that said there are some weak points. We are told Jason is tracking down a super secret crime organization but we see very little effort or work put into it. He just stumbles into goons that work for them beat them up and repeats until he arrives at the home base. It didn’t really feel like a mystery he solved more like a random game of connect the dots.
Then when he does get there he beats up the big baddie pretty quickly and moves on.
I felt like the writer got bored and just wanted to skip all the “boring” parts so he could focus on fight scenes and jokes.
All that said there are some weak points. We are told Jason is tracking down a super secret crime organization but we see very little effort or work put into it. He just stumbles into goons that work for them beat them up and repeats until he arrives at the home base. It didn’t really feel like a mystery he solved more like a random game of connect the dots.
Then when he does get there he beats up the big baddie pretty quickly and moves on.
I felt like the writer got bored and just wanted to skip all the “boring” parts so he could focus on fight scenes and jokes.
March 17, 2025
This kind of worked for me but also kinda didn't. We follow Jason in the aftermath of his brutal fight with Batman and the loss of his Outlaws (Artemis and Bizarro). In the height of battle, his bestie Roy Harper saved him and took him to an island to heal from his injuries. I was seated! This is the content I very eagerly Pinterest! But then...
Meh. He and Roy separated for some random underground drug mission. And then Roy dies??? But instead of inquiring WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS BEST FRIEND and immediately seeking answers, Jason is like, "I gotta finish the mission, it's what Roy would've wanted." Mind you, there's clear indication that there was foul play in Roy's death.
Idc man, it all felt so out of character and the rest of the story was kinda random
Meh. He and Roy separated for some random underground drug mission. And then Roy dies??? But instead of inquiring WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS BEST FRIEND and immediately seeking answers, Jason is like, "I gotta finish the mission, it's what Roy would've wanted." Mind you, there's clear indication that there was foul play in Roy's death.
Idc man, it all felt so out of character and the rest of the story was kinda random
June 28, 2019
An odd palate cleanser.
I never liked the outlaws. I am glad they are gone.
Red Hood's snake eyes design was fine I guess. Now he has a Storm Shadow redesign which is not as cool, but he does actually have a hood now so there is that.
He has turned into The Punisher. Batman is sad at him for using guns so he only uses his guns to open doors, then uses swords and C4 to kill people, but I guess he does not understand Batman's fundamental issue with his actions.
It is a palate cleanser though because none of it matters. This "bold new direction" will be bolded and newed again in the next volume according to the last panels.
I withhold judgment until I see the actual bold newness.
I never liked the outlaws. I am glad they are gone.
Red Hood's snake eyes design was fine I guess. Now he has a Storm Shadow redesign which is not as cool, but he does actually have a hood now so there is that.
He has turned into The Punisher. Batman is sad at him for using guns so he only uses his guns to open doors, then uses swords and C4 to kill people, but I guess he does not understand Batman's fundamental issue with his actions.
It is a palate cleanser though because none of it matters. This "bold new direction" will be bolded and newed again in the next volume according to the last panels.
I withhold judgment until I see the actual bold newness.
October 22, 2021
I would rate this higher just to mark Jasons return to form but the book did let me down here and there.
Firstly let’s move on from the lost friends thing, secondly it was strange that Jason just assumed everyone was trying to get him back to Gotham but yet not many of them actually were.
I really enjoyed the catch up with roy at the start and I really enjoyed the punisher vibes despite it being a bit hard to follow the action sometimes.
This book feels like it’s going to be another action packed ride like the new 52 stuff and less about trying to force him into a strange family setup like early rebirth.
The less I see bizarro, the better this book will be going forward.
Firstly let’s move on from the lost friends thing, secondly it was strange that Jason just assumed everyone was trying to get him back to Gotham but yet not many of them actually were.
I really enjoyed the catch up with roy at the start and I really enjoyed the punisher vibes despite it being a bit hard to follow the action sometimes.
This book feels like it’s going to be another action packed ride like the new 52 stuff and less about trying to force him into a strange family setup like early rebirth.
The less I see bizarro, the better this book will be going forward.
December 9, 2022
The Scott Lobdell we’re used to is back. Red Hood: Outlaw aims for dark and edgy but lands at rubbish instead.
We’re forcibly reminded of the Red Hood/Arsenal team from the New 52 (a dark time) to try and make us care when Heroes in Crisis hits. There’s a sweet Batman-Jason moment as a result but which feels against the direction the book is trying to go in. It is one of the few moments I enjoyed though.
Mostly it’s disjointed uncompelling rubbish about Jason in a sleeveless hoodie pursuing criminal organisation Underlife and crossing paths with a new Wingman who’s identity we will never learn and maybe-Jason’s-dad-but-probably-not.
It could be, and has been, worse. But it sure ain’t good.
We’re forcibly reminded of the Red Hood/Arsenal team from the New 52 (a dark time) to try and make us care when Heroes in Crisis hits. There’s a sweet Batman-Jason moment as a result but which feels against the direction the book is trying to go in. It is one of the few moments I enjoyed though.
Mostly it’s disjointed uncompelling rubbish about Jason in a sleeveless hoodie pursuing criminal organisation Underlife and crossing paths with a new Wingman who’s identity we will never learn and maybe-Jason’s-dad-but-probably-not.
It could be, and has been, worse. But it sure ain’t good.
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