Warning: contains spoilers for Task Force Z #7!
When it comes to superheroes, every fan wants to prove their favorite character would come out on top in a fair fight, but former Robin Jason Todd argues that fans are putting way too much focus on the wrong metrics.
Task Force Z places the zombified versions of classic Batman villains, such as Bane and Mr. Freeze, under the leadership of Red Hood. Behind the scenes, Two-Face pulls the strings, making this unlikely team of the living dead into a top-secret task force. However, betrayal by Mr. Bloom sends the team reeling and desperate for new to stop his twisted plans. As revealed in the latest issue, serial killer Victor Zsasz is one of these new recruits.
While fighting Victor Zsasz, Red Hood makes his take on the ‘hero vs. hero’ debate known. Zsasz taunts Red Hood, stating that although Red Hood is stronger, he is faster. Red Hood responds by saying, “Guys like you always worry about who fights faster and stronger… should be worried about who fights smarter.” The fight concludes when Red Hood crushes an unsuspecting Zsasz under a car, proving that the person who will win a particular battle is the one who is smart enough to predict their opponent and use their surroundings against them.
The idea of the hero who fights the smartest winning any given fight is a common refrain among comic creators. In the past, Stan Lee has even said that the definitive answer to any hero vs hero conflict is whoever the writer wants to win, since they'll find a cool and creative way for it to happen, even if a 'weaker' hero needs to outsmart their opponent. The writer’s creativity and ability to make a character use their surroundings to their advantage is what secures a hero’s victory. Red Hood’s unexpected use of a car to defeat Victor Zsasz exemplifies a character smartly using the battlefield to win, even if the numbers are against him.
The Bat-Family heroes are generally characterized as facing villains who are more physically powerful or better armed, and finding a way to come out ahead. For a long time, Red Hood's willingness to kill was his major advantage, but he's now showing that his competence as a brawler shouldn't be underestimated. Gotham's heroes exemplify the idea that it's never about who is stronger or faster, but about the given conditions of an individual fight, and the skill and adaptability of the fighters.
Despite imbalances in strength and speed, Red Hood’s defeat of Victor Zsasz proves his statement about the winner being the one to fight smarter. Hopefully, Red Hood stays true to his word and continues to utilize his intellect in future battles since - with danger looming on the horizon - Task Force Z will need all the help they can get.
Task Force Z #7 is available now from DC Comics.
