For a character so hated by readers that they overwhelmingly voted for his death, Jason has come a long way. As soon as he was introduced as the second Robin during the 1980s, fans despised Jason. So it was that in 1989, DC editors left it to the fans to decide if the character would live or die as part of “A Death in the Family.” Suffice to say, they were ready for Jason to take a dirt nap.
Being comic books, death is far from permanent. Jason was resurrected in the early 2000s as the violent anti-hero, Red Hood. From there, a modern legend was born.
Since transitioning to his new role, Jason has become one of the most popular characters in the Bat-Family. He’s been featured in video games, television, and he starred in his own DC Animated movie. The only landscape left unexplored is the silver screen, and Red Hood is more than capable of carrying his own franchise. When that day comes — and it will — you’ll wish you had invested in these key issues.
DETECTIVE COMICS #168
The first time readers were introduced to the Red Hood was in 1951’s DC #168. “The Man in the Red Hood” screamed Golden Age as the story had Batman and Robin guest lecturing for a criminology class at Gotham University.
Batman asked the class to solve the Red Hood burglary case. It just so happened the culprit was the Joker, giving the mysterious his first origin.
BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE
We can credit Alan Moore with truly bringing fame to the Red Hood concept. In his acclaimed graphic novel, The Killing Joke, Moore presented the Joker as an unnamed failed comedian who was recruited by mobsters to pose as a supervillain.
When things went south, the criminals abandoned their pawn, and he plunged into the fateful chemical vat, giving rise to Joker.
BATMAN #635
These days, the Red Hood moniker belongs firmly to Jason Todd. While it’s neither Jason’s first appearance nor the debut of Red Hood, this was the first sighting of the 21st-century Red Hood.
After being killed by the Joker in Batman #428, the story was retconned in 2002 to explain Jason’s resurrection via Ra’s al Ghul’s Lazarus Pit. Angry at Batman, Jason exacted his revenge plot by donning the red hood.
BATMAN #638
Although Batman #635 is considered the first appearance of the modern Red Hood, an argument could be made for Batman #638. Although the mystery began in #635, it wasn’t until three issues later that readers discovered Red Hood’s shocking identity. As far as collecting, you have two covers to choose from.
Although the first print with Batman’s bewildered expression is the most famous, the second printing with Jason on the cover could prove to be the better investment.
RED HOOD: THE LOST DAYS #1
Eight years after Jason disguises himself as Red Hood to avenge his death, the popular character was given his first self-titled comic. This limited series detailed Jason’s resurrection and the years leading to his confrontation with Batman. There’s more than one comic to choose from, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for the 1:25 Francesco Mattina ratio variant with Jason in full Red Hood gear.
TURNING RED
Although nothing has been said, it’s easy to assume James Gunn has Red Hood on his radar. For that matter, Matt Reeves could have plans for Jason Todd in his future The Batman installments and spinoffs. Whenever — and however — Red Hood appears on the silver screen, fans are certain he is a DCU star in the making. Now would be the best time to invest in those Red Hood keys before the rumor mill really starts to churn.
