Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Red Hood, Outlaw Annual #3

By Philip Schweier
July 31, 2019 - 08:03

Once upon a time, there was Red Hood and the Outlaws. But then DC Editorial, in its creative wisdom, chose to discard the Outlaws – Bizarro and Artemis – in favor of a Red Hood solo title. Bizarro and Artemis entered a dimensional portal, their combined fate uncertain. We presumed they weren’t dead, but where they ended up exactly was completely unknown – until now.

The third Red Hood annual discloses their fate (somewhat), and teases their imminent return to Earth 1. I say “somewhat” because they found themselves in an alternate reality, the details of which are not entirely explained, and their activities equally vague. But enough of the high points are shared to convey six months of activity in a couple sentences. No spoilers here.

Well, other than the notion they may return to Earth 1 in the near future. Or they may find themselves on another Earth in the Multiverse, a la The Fantastic Journey (look it up). No promises are expressed or implied. But it begs the question: Why would DC share their journey if it didn’t eventually end on Earth 1? Because with Red Hood’s recent return to the status quo – rebel without a cause – he’s ripe for a reunion.

As for Red Hood himself, yes, he’s in this issue (briefly), but it reminds me of the back door pilots we used to see in the 1970s. An established TV show (Welcome Back, Kotter, for example) would spend an episode setting up a premise using either a supporting character or completely new cast. Happy Days pulled it off with shows like Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy; Rockford Files, not so much.

I expect someday DC will explore what transpired on this temporary Earth to which Bizarro and Artemis were transported. Is this trip really necessary? Not really. But perhaps in the right hands, it will provide an entertaining diversion when the creative well of Red Hood solo stories runs dry.

Rating: 7/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12