Between decency and danger, the Red Hood patrols Gotham’s haunted streets.
Jason Todd, aka the Red Hood, returns to Gotham, but this time he enters one of its most infamous neighborhoods: The Hill. DC Miniseries has announced six issues that promise to immerse us in this dark corner of the city.
A new beginning after the Joker war
“The Hill”, a neighborhood known for nearby danger, becomes the setting for an action-packed and suspenseful story. Written by Shawn Martinborough and art by Sanford Green, the series explores the impact of gentrification and crime on Gotham. After recently moving to The Hill, Jason takes up the mantle as the Red Hood, aligning himself with another vigilante, Strike, to fend off danger.
A dark past and an uncertain future
Before we dive into this new story, DC will be releasing Hill #0. This special issue collects Red Hood issues #51 and #52, providing critical context after the disastrous Joker battle. In addition to destroying the city, the battle waged by the Joker also highlights the complex and tense relationship between the Red Hood and the fearsome villain.
Debuting in Batman #635 in 2005, the Red Hood has a history marked by violence and danger. Originally one of Batman’s sidekicks, Todd was brutally killed by the Joker, only to reappear under the alias of the Red Hood, a direct reference to the Joker’s past. This relationship between the two characters is exacerbated in The Joker’s Battle, written by James Tynion IV, where the Joker’s ruthless plan to defame Bruce Wayne is revealed.
From the victim to the anti-hero
Jason’s journey from tragic death to Red Hood is one of the most dramatic arcs of change in the DC Universe. Originally introduced as a youthful replacement for Dick Grayson, the original Robin, Jason distinguished himself by his more carefree and often reckless approach.
His death at the hands of the Joker in Death of a Family marked a before-and-after moment in Gotham’s narrative for both Batman and readers. His resurrection and donning of the Red Hood’s cape marks a drastic change in mindset, from being a symbol of hope and youthful justice to a hero willing to cross Batman’s uncrossable lines.
Comparing Red Hood to other Gotham anti-heroes such as Catwoman or Harley Quinn, he stands out for his direct and personal relationship with the Joker. While other characters have run-ins with the Clown Prince of Crime, the Red Hood’s story is intrinsically tied to the Joker, giving him a unique depth among Gotham’s characters. This bond adds psychological complexity to Jason, turning him into a character who seeks justice, but also redemption and understanding in a world where the lines between good and evil are often blurred.
The introduction of the new era
The miniseries begins after the events of The Joker’s War and places us in the context of Jason’s return to the Hill, this time accompanied by a Strike known as Dana Holloway. The Hill #0 not only sets the stage for the new series, but also gives us a new and exciting look at Red Hood’s evolution as a character.
It is expected to be released closer to the release dates. The Hill #0 hits stores on February 6th, followed by The Hill #1 on February 13th. These releases promise to be a delight for Red Hood fans, but also a solid and exciting exploration of Gotham’s darkest and most dangerous corners.