We dig deeper into the mind of Jason Todd with the first issue of Red Hood and the Outlaws after his well done Rebirth one shot issue. In this story the mystery centered around the plans of Roman Sionis AKA The Black Mask deepen and the Red Hood, whom Sionis has been searching for to recruit has put himself in position to get to the bottom of Sionis' plan, whatever it may be.

I don't want to keep saying that this book is structured like Nightwing but the whole omniscient bit with him narrating is what really makes the two books feel similar, but at the same time we are dealing with two very different characters here and it is clear that Jason, while morally entrenched to do the right thing is still on a number of levels fighting the urge to do the wrong thing, not in terms of becoming a criminal but in terms of taking lives, particularly those of criminals he fights.

Take Black Mask for example. Jason's impulse after an ill-timed explosion at a boarding is to kill Black Mask on sight, but his agreement and promise to Batman forbids it. This while he is in the midst of other killing being done around him and he is not in a position to act on the victims' behalf. It's tough for him but he will obey Batman's wishes for the most part, especially considering the reflection he is prone to do in the midst of the book back on his younger years of training from Bruce Wayne while Jason was still Robin.

This series looks to have a good storyline with a great amount of intrigue to it and at the same time doesn't appear to be one that drags at all each issue. Solid artwork and great framing make this one of the stronger Rebirth titles for sure so far.

5 out of 5 - DC REBIRTH - Red Hood and the Outlaws #1

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 REVIEW

Red Hood and the Outlaws Rebirth #1 - REVIEW