I
grew up in a small Midwestern town, not too different from Smallville. I could
always relate to the Superboy of the Silver Age. So when Jason Todd arrives in
Appleton, U.S.A., intending to burn it to the ground, I have to wonder why. A
town square, an apple festival – how more wholesome could it get? Well,
when the entire town has murderous intent to the former Robin, maybe he has
good reason.
Jason is
forced to take on the entire town, and then a slew of monsters reminiscent of Solomon
Grundy, but without the charm. They’re also way harder to kill than one might
think. Yet the Red Hood – cuz while he was unconscious someone put him in his
costume – manages to make headway in that regard. Which only opens the door for
the appearance of this issue’s special Bat-guest star.
Red Hood has
always been an anti-hero, remaining just enough in the light to keep the more
pure heroes at bay. But with the change in title and costume, he’s moving more
into darkness. I hope it continues. I like the idea of a former hero going bad
enough that he has the likes of Flash or Green Arrow to deal with. Not the
whole “framed-for-a-crime-he-didn’t-commit,” that’s been done to death. What is
refreshing is to hear the hero say, “Yes, I did it. I’m guilty.” And then attempt
to claw his way back toward redemption.
I like the
turn this series has taken. In its former incarnation – Red Hood and the
Outlaws – the outlaws in question were a thinly-veiled reference to the
Big Three. I would have preferred to see him take up with some actual
super-villains (Kinda like Batman is doing).
Rating:
7/10