Red Hood has always been a character with a lot of potential, but fans have been split on his direction for years. Some believe bringing Jason Todd back was a mistake, while others see a character ripe for a spotlight moment. After reading Red Hood #1, I can confidently say that creators Gretchen Felker-Martin and Jeff Spokes are on the right track, giving us a fresh take that feels both exciting and long overdue.
The first issue opens with Jason Todd leaving Gotham and Batman behind, carrying nothing but his gear and a briefcase full of guns. He lands in the appropriately named New Angelique, a city that feels like a grittier version of New Orleans. The setting is a character in itself, thanks to Spokes’s detailed art, which portrays a spooky, lived-in city with a deep, dark history. The red-hued skyline is a nice touch, giving the city its own distinct feel and playing into the “Red” in Red Hood.
Jason finds himself embroiled in a sinister plot when he discovers a superpowered killer is targeting the police. This mystery, along with the city’s rampant crime, quickly pulls him into a conspiracy that seems to have no end. This is a great direction for the character, allowing him to operate outside of Batman’s shadow. Jason works best as the black sheep of the Bat-Family: the loner who does things his own way. He’s more than capable of handling this case without Batman’s lectures or aid, and this new setting is the perfect place to show that.
This issue also introduces us to a few key characters. We first meet Royale, a local vigilante with a French accent who serves as Red Hood’s initial contact for information. While his aristocratic and Assassin’s Creed-inspired design is cool, his role is short-lived as he betrays Jason, putting him in a tight spot and showing that in New Angelique, you can’t trust anyone.
But there’s also the unexpected arrival of Helena Bertinelli, a.k.a. Huntress, who shows up uninvited in Jason’s apartment. Her design by Jeff Spokes is arguably the best she’s looked in a while: the black, pink, and white all come together perfectly. She’s a fantastic character who deserves more of the spotlight, and it’s refreshing that she’s here to help, not to stop him on Batman’s behalf. The dynamic between these two black sheep of the Bat-Family is something I’m excited to see unfold.
The action sequences in this issue are a standout. Spokes’s art, with its dynamic, diagonal paneling, guides you through every intense moment. From dodging gunshots and full-body tackles to headbutts and face punches, every action beat is clear and impactful. Letterer Becca Carey adds to the chaos with bombastic lettering that immerses you in the fight.
My only real critique is a fun, realistic one: Jason wears a hoodie in the sweltering New Orleans-inspired city heat. Thankfully, Felker-Martin addresses this with a witty line about “air like warm saliva.” His domino mask, however, feels a bit redundant here, especially when Jason is seen on a busy street in a semi-full costume, with his mask and hoodie off. Why wear a disguise if you’re not going to hide properly? It’s a small issue, but one that stood out in an otherwise great start.
Ultimately, Red Hood #1 is a strong start to what has the potential to be a standout series. The intrigue is there, the new setting is a perfect fit, and the mystery of the cop killings is enough to hook you from the first page. With an established cast and a compelling mystery to solve, consider me excited for what comes next.
‘Red Hood’ #1 Review: Delivers the Solo Story Fans Have Been Waiting For
Red Hood #1 is a strong start to what has the potential to be a standout series. The intrigue is there, the new setting is a perfect fit, and the mystery of the cop killings is enough to hook you from the first page. With an established cast and a compelling mystery to solve, consider me excited for what comes next.
