In DC Comics, Red Hood is as much of an antihero as they come, constantly toeing the line of justifiable violence under the watchful eyes of Batman. But it could be time for DC to make some lasting decisions about the direction of this character, as Jason himself points out in the latest issue of Task Force Z.
No one can pretend Jason has had an easy life. Even before Batman took him in, he was an angry, street-running orphan bouncing between a series of abusive and neglectful homes. His death at the hands of Joker remains a touchstone moment in DC Comics history. But it's been years since then, and Jason has precious little character growth to actually show for all the trauma he's endured. Just recently Jason Todd has delivered some of his worst insults to Batman ever. He's been holding down a thankless position as the Bat Family's resident bad boy because their patriarch can't get over his paranoia. Batman doesn't trust Red Hood, and now Jason is finally pointing out how everyone just falls in line with what Bruce believes.
Task Force Z #8 by Matthew Rosenberg, Jesus Merino, Jack Herbert, and Vicente Cifuentes sees Red Hood still leading the new undead Suicide Squad as they safeguard and transport a vial of Lazarus Resin. The mission leads Jason afoul of his elder brother in vigilantism: Nightwing. Todd is dismissive from the beginning, asking Grayson if they really need to come to blows over this or if he's willing to trust Jason enough that what he's doing is right. Already knowing the outcome, Jason lashes out to get the upper hand but quickly finds himself surrounded with the arrival of Batgirl and Robin. He is still able to give all three the runaround, though, even managing to knock Grayson into the path of an oncoming train before quickly snatching him up. "If I'd let the C train kill you, everyone would be mad at me for weeks," he says. This awareness could extend beyond the s and apply to Red Hood's real-world reception with readers, which is tenuous at the moment.
Jason has great potential as a character. He's visually striking, narratively compelling, and morally challenging. He could be DC's answer to Frank Castle or go on a journey of healing to become someone defined by more than violence. It's already difficult to stand out as the second of five Robins, especially since Batman itted Jason was a replacement for Dick. Keeping him latched to the Dark Knight in an endless cycle of suspicion, transgression, absolution, and redemption will only diminish his capacity.
While Jason makes light of his black sheep role in the family, it could really be a sign that he's ready to spread his own wings and move out of the Batcave for good. He doesn't owe them anything, least of all Bruce. Think of the expansion possibilities that could await if Jason is allowed to carve a clear path in a new territory, with new villains, and even a sidekick of his own. If nothing is ventured, nothing is gained; and as long as Red Hood is latched to his cyclical role, DC shortchanges one of their most dynamic characters.
Task Force Z is available now from DC Comics.
