WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Batman and Robin #18!

The question of who Red Hood. However, Jason Todd’s opinion may reveal more about his own middle-child syndrome than about Bruce himself.

...Jason’s perception of how Bruce sees Dick highlights the middle child-syndrome he grapples with...

With Bruce and Damian at odds, Red Hood steps in as the Dark Knight’s temporary partner in Batman and Robin #18, written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson with art by Miguel Mendonca, Javier Fernández, and Marcelo Maiolo.

The issue opens with the father-son duo taking on some mobsters, as Bruce fills Jason in on their latest case—capturing the mass-murdering Memento. During their conversation, however, Red Hood makes a pointed remark, insinuating that all other Robins and Batgirls will always fall short when it comes to Bruce’s favorite—Nightwing.

It’s Not Just Us—Red Hood Thinks Nightwing Is Batman’s Favorite

Comic Comes From Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s Batman and Robin #18 (2025) – Art by Miguel Mendonca, Javier Fernández, and Marcelo Maiolo

As Batman reveals that he’s working on a new Memento case, Red Hood is immediately struck by the mention of the notorious villain, clarifying, "THE Memento?"—since the villain was thought to have died years ago. Jason quickly connects the dots that Bruce must have worked the original Memento case in London, remarking, “That’s funny. Oracle had a theory you were in London for that. Of course, you never told us about it. Except Nightwing, probably.” It’s this last comment about his older brother that stands out, implying something deeper than just Dick Grayson having access to information they didn’t.

By singling Nightwing out as the only one Batman probably confided in about the Memento case, Red Hood is effectively suggesting that Dick holds a special place with Batman—one that the others, including Jason, don’t share. Batman’s decision to reveal details of the case to Nightwing signals a level of trust and intimacy reserved for his oldest son, allowing Dick to know more about Bruce’s past than the others, and ultimately bringing him closer to the Dark Knight. With this interpretation, Red Hood has essentially declared that Nightwing is Batman’s favorite.

This Isn’t the First Time Red Hood Has Called Out Batman’s Favoritism

Comic Comes From Judd Winick’s Batman and Robin #25 (2011) – Art by Greg Tocchini & Andy Smith

Batman and Robin #18 is far from the first time Jason has singled out Dick in regard to his relationship with Bruce. In Batman and Robin #25 (2011) by Judd Winick, Greg Tocchini, and Andy Smith, an estranged Red Hood and Nightwing are forced to work together as they fight off multiple goons. During this battle, Jason’s internal monologue gives readers a glimpse of how he views Dick, bitterly referring to him as “the good son.” This reveals Jason’s perception of how Bruce sees Dick and highlights the middle-child syndrome Red Hood grapples with, as well as his belief in Batman’s favoritism toward Nightwing.

Batman and Robin #18 is available now from DC Comics!