Boyz n the (Red) Hood

Batman #638

Since I wasn't reading comics in 2005 (I was on hiatus from 1994-2007), I finally just read the "Under the Hood" storyline from Batman #635-638 and the related "Family Reunion" storyline from Batman #639-641.  Both stories were written by Judd Winick, and we're introduced to the new character, Red Hood, who is revealed to be a back-from-the-dead Jason Todd (former Robin). 

Obviously, I already knew that Jason Todd had come back from the dead, but I still wanted to read the actual story that brought him back.  I have to say that it was a pretty good, fast-paced storyline with a lot of great character development.  Winick did a beautiful job capturing Batman's emotions and his interactions with other superhero friends such as Green Arrow and Superman who also "came back from the dead," as he tries to make sense of Jason's possible return.  I think that's something that's missing from today's New 52: character development and personal interactions.  It's all about action, action, action, forgetting that these heroes also have personal lives and are (or should be) people like you and me, that we can relate to on a more-than-action level.  

From "Under the Hood"

One of my favorite scenes in the story was when the Red Hood/Jason Todd goes to visit the Joker and begins to beat him with a crowbar.  It's sweet revenge for Jason being beat to death by the Joker in the "A Death in Family" storyline from Batman #426-429.  

I also appreciate the irony of Jason assuming the Red Hood identity upon his return, as this was the Joker's original persona (or at least it used to be before all of his retcons).  I guess Jason wanted to acknowledge how the Joker (negatively) influenced his life and future.  
 

From "A Death in the Family"

"Under the Hood" (later changed to "Under the Red Hood") and "Family Reunion" are must-reads for any fans of Batman, Red Hood, or great storytelling!

Holy Menage a Trois, Batman!

I just read the new Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 by DC, featuring Red Hood (Jason Todd / Robin), Red Arrow (Roy Harper / Arsenal), and Starfire (New Teen Titans).  All I can say is, "Holy menage a trois, Batman!" 

SPOILER! (?)  Starfire is apparently Jason's "sort-of-girlfriend," but hooks up with Roy.  Because, well...that's what she does.  The "new" Starfire will apparently sleep with anyone.  I'm curious if down the road the three of them will have a threesome.  Now, *that* would be interesting. 

These three characters are familiar, yet distinctly different from their pre-Flashpoint counterparts.   Red Hood is now a Punisher-like mercenary.  Jason Todd is also back to having dark hair.  I guess that's so readers can distinguish him from the red-headed Roy Harper.  Red Hood rescues the criminal/bad boy Red Arrow out of custody.  Starfire is still an alien from the planet Tamaran, but she has no emotions of love or feelings of caring.  Her only related interest is physical sex.  She was with the Teen Titans in her past life, but she doesn't really remember much about it, including her relationship with Dick Grayson.  Those details aren't important to her.  Both Jason and Todd seem totally cool with the other sharing a bed with Starfire. 

The Outlaws are the tougher-sounding Outsiders and/or Secret Six.  They're mercanaries/antiheroes.  There's only three of them, with Red Hood acting as the leader.  

Essence

The story in the first issue was well-written by Scott Lobdell.  The introduction of the mysterious character Essence intrigued me.  The plot was interesting enough that I'll continue buying the series for the time being.  I'm curious to learn more about these three characters, as they were favorites of mine in the "old" DC Universe.