HERE BE SPOILERS.
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If I had to choose two DC characters to battle it out in a no-holds-barred contest, my choices would be Jason Todd / Red Hood versus the psychopath who murdered him — The Joker. Talk about a grudge match! Fortunately, the DC KO series just provided this. 

So what is the DC KO series? Following the events of the "DC All In" saga, Darkseid created a new reality called the "Absolute Universe," and plans to conquer the main DC universe. The only way for the DC heroes to stop him is through gladiatorial "death tournaments" held across a five-level arena. DC Comic fans can participate in an online challenge to predict the winner of each tournament for a chance to win prizes, including being drawn into a future comic.

The Joker officially killed Jason Todd in Batman #428, released in 1988. I won’t rehash the complicated developments that saw Jason rise from the grave and recast himself as Red Hood, but you can read about it in-depth here: Jason Todd's Empty Grave. Suffice to say, that Joker’s actions have haunted Jason ever since. As Jason describes in the opening panels of the comic: 

This comic book was released in late December 2025. See your local comic book store about obtaining a copy. ​

RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | When Jason Todd Helped Save Superman | Batman Collection

OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 1 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 2 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 3-5
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​I’ve been behind on writing book reviews, but I’m finally diving into a combined review of Red Hood: Outlaws, Volumes 3, 4, and 5. These are the last three compendiums of the popular Webtoon series, in which the characters are forced to answer tough questions about what redemption truly means as they try to prove themselves to the Justice League.

​Volume 4 kicks off with the Outlaws caught in a simulation crafted by the Justice League itself. (Mostly Bruce Wayne, because let’s face it, Bruce has a penchant for concocting tests that border on cruelty.) As part of these trials by fire, Jason Todd, Artemis, and Bizarro face off against alternate versions of themselves. Each encounter in the simulation is more than just a battle; it’s a deep dive into past traumas, fears, and failures. For Jason Todd, this means confronting his short stint as the second Robin and his struggle to leave his assassin past behind. His agreement with Bruce to stop killing is not only key to being considered for the Justice League, but also vital if Jason wants to be welcomed back into the Bat Family.

Amidst all this introspection, President Lex Luthor throws a wrench into their simulated journey. His corrupt schemes eerily mirror the chaos of our current political landscape, and when Jason decides to take Luthor’s life, the simulation crumbles and The Outlaws fail. The Justice League withdraws its support, leaving the team vulnerable as intergalactic bounty hunters converge on Earth to claim the substantial rewards on all their heads. During the ensuing battle, Artemis makes a confession that surprises even her — she’s in love with Jason. 

While the feelings between Jason and Artemis are not new, they have remained unexpressed until now. But as the couple celebrates, they pay little notice to how much Bizarro is struggling with the loss of the simulated wife and child he became attached to inside the Justice League’s mind-fuckery. He seeks the help of Dr. Chase Meridian, a psychologist who advises him that the best way to get over his grief is to leave his comfort zone and start forming meaningful attachments to people outside The Outlaws. 

Jason reaches out to his older brother Dick Grayson for help confronting his past and addressing his long-held grudge with Bruce, the adoptive father he’s always felt rejected by. His journey ends with a compromise: he doesn’t have to be an assassin, but he also isn’t built to be a Justice League-style hero. 

Artemis puzzles out what it’s like to be in a romantic relationship and to be a “fallen” Amazon — both topics she’s worked hard to avoid. To do this, she visits a kind of all-female spa in Valhalla, described as a place “for women warriors who are tired of fighting.” Okay, it’s a little goofy if you think Artemis would ever be okay spending her days baking cookies and learning how to knit, but she is anxious to at least not wake up every morning looking for her next fight. However, there’s a darker purpose to the “spa” which has nothing to do with helping female warriors get in touch with themselves, but rather stripping the world’s warriors of their weapons. 

When Artemis fails to show up for a scheduled reunion, Jason and Bizarro realize something is wrong. But infiltrating the “spa” — which has a ban on men — is not going to be easy and requires the assistance of various reluctant allies, including White Cat and Martian Mindhunter. This results in many action sequences, particularly in Volume 5. Artist Nico Bascunan does a good job of rendering these, often in a sequential action-flow that reminded me a lot of Bruno Redondo’s work in Nightwing. 

The series ends on an unexpected high note: with a wedding. But since I don’t want to spoil too much, I won’t say whose. Volume 5 also leaves some dangling threads — so we’ll have to wait and see how and when those are resolved. 

​Confronting their pasts, presents, and where they ultimately want their futures to lie makes Volumes 4 and 5, in particular, some of the best-written and most engaging in the series. Three anti-heroes, who were originally content to distract themselves from their troubles by fighting other people’s battles, finally become multifaceted. And centered. If you think of Volumes 3-5 as the second and third acts of The Outlaws play, then this makes sense and is handled well. While I don’t necessarily think Red Hood: Outlaws was the best storytelling for these characters, it does scratch an itch or two and is bound to put a smile on the reader’s face. 

RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection | Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | When Jason Todd Helped Save Superman

The much anticipate Batman / Deadpool crossover comic is now available. Crossovers between these two historic powerhouse rivals have been rare and the last one was over twenty years ago. As the title suggests, the main feature this time has Batman teaming up with Deadpool to resolve a "metafictional threat" from Cassandra Nova, the Marvel Comics supervillain and dark psychic reflection (mummudrai) of Professor Charles Xavier. (You may recall that Cassandra was the primary baddie in the recent Deadpool & Wolverine film.)

There are smaller team ups as well. Dr. Strange partnering with John Constantine; Nightwing / Dick Grayson and Laura Kinney / Wolverine; Harley Quinn and the Hulk; and Static and Ms. Marvel. All of the storylines are very different in content and tone, varying from weird to whimsical, humorous to somber. The artwork employs the talents from both DC and Marvel and also varies greatly so the book will offer something for everyone — although I personally enjoyed some stories more than others. The Nightwing  / Wolverine team up was especially fun for me, as it reunited two of my favorite Nightwing creators: Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo. 

The crossovers were published jointly by Marvel and DC and feature a variety of alternate covers. Check your local comic book stores for a copy as the DC version was released earlier this week. 

RELATED FEATURES: Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Comics Collections

HERE BE SPOILERS!

Batman: Hush first appeared in Batman issues #608 to #619 between 2002 and 2003. Written by Jeph Loeb and brought to life through the dynamic artwork of legendary DC artist Jim Lee, this story arc stands as one of the most celebrated entries in the Batman anthology. It weaves an intricate tale about Bruce Wayne's past and present, blurring the lines between heroism and villainy. The story does more than just pit Batman against the usual suspects — it challenges the very foundations of Bruce's life and morality.

The story begins with Bruce as Batman pursuing Catwoman (Selena Kyle) after she steals the ransom money meant to free a kidnapped boy. Going up against Catwoman, his on-again-off-again nemesis/love interest/person he just can't quit, is perhaps representative of the overarching theme of Batman: Hush. The story is a landscape of trust and betrayal, depicting Batman's allies and adversaries in shades of gray until even The Dark Knight is unsure who he can trust and who he cannot. During the chase, Batman fractures his skull when his grappling line is mysteriously cut. To treat this life-threatening injury, Alfred Pennyworth follows Bruce's instructions and calls upon the expertise of Dr. Thomas "Tommy" Elliot, a childhood friend. 

Both Bruce and Tommy have similar privileged backgrounds, and both inherited their vast family fortunes at a young age after the tragic deaths of their parents. While Bruce cultivated a public image as an aging playboy to hide his secret identity, Tommy rose to public prominence as a gifted neurosurgeon. Tommy's expertise saves Bruce's life, but their unexpected reunion conjures memories of a complex past filled with unresolved issues and hidden resentments.

It is ultimately revealed that it was Riddler who used the Lazarus Pit to cure himself of a deadly disease when Tommy Elliot was unable to help him. But immersion in the Pit's magical waters had an unexpected side-effect: it provided The Riddler with an epiphany about Batman's true identity. Sharing the revelation with Tommy, the two villains plotted together to bring down their common enemy by manipulating friends and foes alike. 

In many ways, Tommy Elliott represents the antithesis of Bruce Wayne — personifying a path Bruce might have taken had he grown up in an abusive and manipulative environment and been afforded the same wealth and resources. Where Bruce channels his resources and trauma to fight for justice, Tommy capitalizes on his intelligence and wealth to enact revenge. 

(And if you're wondering about the inclusion of Jason Todd, well, his subplot in Batman: Hush was later retconned  in the "Under the Red Hood" by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen. See Jason Todd's Empty Grave for more on this.)

​In a nutshell, Batman: Hush is a masterclass in storytelling, blending action, mystery, and character depth. It's a must-read for capturing the essence of Batman's enduring appeal—his resilience, his humanity, and the never-ending battle against the darkness, both external and internal. If there’s one deficit, it’s simply that the plot is often over-complex with too many characters plays a role. Frankly, a simpler plot would’ve move along better. That being said, I give major kudos to Jeph Loeb for really embracing the “Batman as detective” concept. The book does play out like a master whodunit, complete with red herrings and enough clues that the reader can probably figure it out on their own if they’re paying attention. It’s no wonder why Batman: Hush remains one of the most iconic comic series of all time.

OTHER EDITIONS OF HUSH, PART 1: Batman: Hush (New Edition, 2019) , Batman: Hush: DC Compact Comics Edition, Batman: Hush 20th Anniversary Edition, Absolute Batman: Use (New Edition), Batman: The Hush Saga Omnibus

Dick Grayson, the former Boy Wonder is unstoppable as Nightwing — one of DC Comic's most beloved characters! And Nightwing fans can look forward to plenty of new book releases between now and 2026! Available titles in order of release:

Damian's resentment towards Dick, whom he perceives as both a usurper and the "favored son," increases the tension. But despite their differences, the duo manages to work effectively, with only Comissioner Gordon and a few top members of the Gotham City Police Department suspecting that the man behind the mask may not be the original. Their initial mission involves capturing Mister Toad, a drug dealer who ominously promises revenge as they haul him off to jail. Soon after, there's an attack on the GCP headquarters by the Circus of the Strange, a group of criminals with grotesque deformities, led by Professor Pyg. Many officers are killed, due partly to Damian's rash behavior.

Although Morrison's book often feels muddled by numerous subplots and too many minor characters, it shines when Dick attempts to mentor a defiant Damian, with Alfred playing the role as confidante and counselor. This is reminiscent of Alfred's relationship with Bruce, and it's enjoyable to watch Dick struggle on how to get through to Damian — especially since most things come very easily to Dick. The story certainly contributes to the evolving Batman Family dynamics, but the introduction of Jason Todd feels like a missed opportunity. When Dick reaches out to the former Robin and encourages him to give up his murderous ways, he's rebuffed. 

"I tried really hard to be what Batman wants me to be... which was you," he tells Dick. "But his world... this dirty, twisted, cruel and ugly dungheap had... other plans for me." 

Honestly, I wanted more from Jason when he goes up against two other Robins for the first time — certainly more than just self-pity. 
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As for Damian, his recklessness results in a high body count, but it may also serve as a catalyst for growth. Damian doesn't like or trust Jason, but they do have one thing in common: a philosophical disagreement with Batman's no-kill rule. But when Damian gets the extreme violence he seems to crave, he's the one lying on the ground bleeding. Will the injury be enough to temper his hubris? 

​Overall, Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn, Volume 1, offers engaging insights into the Batman Family dynamic, though it may not be the most cohesive story in the Batman universe. Volume 2 was released in September 2025 and details on it can be found in the call out box below. 

RELATED: Batman Collection | Damian Wayne Collection | Nightwing Collection | Red Hood Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems | 

The young man, though devoid of memory, is haunted by trauma and bears the physical scars of an explosion. DNA testing reveals the startling truth: this lost soul is none other than Jason Todd. Talia, defying her father's wishes, decides to rehabilitate Jason and immerses him in the Lazarus Pit, a mystical pool famed for its restorative powers. While the Pit revives Jason's memories, it also rekindles his trauma and resentment, particularly towards Bruce Wayne, who failed to avenge him by killing The Joker and has since replaced him with a new Robin, Tim Drake.

Driven by vengeance, Jason returns to Gotham, intending to blow up the Batmobile with his adoptive father inside. Yet, at the last moment, he cannot bring himself to kill Batman, opting instead for a more personal confrontation. He vows to Talia that he will face Batman and end his life with his own hands. Concerned by his growing instability, Talia fears she has unleashed a psychopath.

To prepare for his revenge, Jason infiltrates an international terrorist group, not to join their ranks, but to learn and refine his skills. His moral compass, though twisted, remains intact as he annihilates the terrorists upon discovering their involvement in human trafficking. He spends the next few years dismantling criminal organizations worldwide unti he ultimately decides to confront The Joker, the architect of his death, now free from incarceration. Yet, as he stands on the precipice of revenge, ready to immolate The Joker, Jason steps back. He confides in Talia that the conflict transcends mere revenge; it's a complex web entangling him, The Joker, and Batman. The story culminates with Jason embracing his Red Hood persona, setting the stage for Under the Red Hood.

Red Hood: The Lost Days is a masterful exploration of Jason Todd's trauma and the psychological intricacies that define his character. Judd Winick delves into the depths of Jason's psyche, unearthing the turbulent emotions and moral dilemmas that were often overlooked in earlier tales. Jason's hesitance to kill Batman, alongside his eradication of mobsters and terrorists, reveals a deeply ingrained moral code, though warped by his suffering.

His anguish is a tapestry of PTSD, a troubled childhood, resentment towards his adoptive father, jealousy over Tim Drake, and Talia's manipulative influence. The decision to portray Jason and Talia's relationship as sexual was an odd choice on Winick's part, considering the age disparity between the two, Talia's previously "motherly" affection for Jason, and her recurring relationship with his father. It raises questions — was it a further way to manipulate Jason?  Was it an expression of sympathy for the troubled Jason — or some form of revenge against Bruce for whom she has very complicated feelings? Whatever the case, it felt unnecessary.

In the final analysis, this book stands as one of my favorite Jason Todd stories, as it provides a profound insight into his emotional and psychological landscape. The narrative primarily exists outside the traditional "Batman universe," making it distinctly Jason's story. Batman's presence, when it appears, is mostly through flashbacks, reinforcing focus on Jason's journey.
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The dark and emotive artwork complements Jason's tumultuous path and his internal struggle. What's more, Red Hood: The Lost Days not only solidifies the Red Hood character but lays the groundwork for Jason's eventual redemption and reintegration into the Batman Family.

RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection | Batman Collection | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems | Tim Drake Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | When Jason Todd Helped Save Superman | Nightwing Collection

OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 1 | Red Hood Outlaws: Vol. 2 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 3-5

Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 continues the Original DC Stories series by Webtoons, penned by Patrick R. Young and Nico Bascuñán. This installment follows the unconventional trio of Jason Todd, Artemis Grace, and Bizarro, who have traded their criminal pasts for a seat at the Justice League's table. Now operating from the Watchtower, a gleaming space station, the Outlaws face skepticism from the public and the challenge of filling the void left by more esteemed superheroes. Their latest mission pits them against two formidable villains: Medusa, the mythic gorgon whose gaze turns victims to stone, and Mirror Master, a cunning criminal with the power to manipulate reflections.

The heart of Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 ​ lies in the personal trials confronting each member of the team. Jason Todd, grappling with his traumatic history, strives to be the leader the Outlaws need while navigating a budding romance with Artemis. His journey is one of introspection and growth, as he balances love, leadership, and the shadows of his past. Meanwhile, Artemis faces her own demons, haunted by her brief and disastrous tenure as Wonder Woman. Her battle against Medusa is complicated by her feelings for Medusa's sister, Euryale, adding layers of emotional complexity. Bizarro, the team's enigmatic powerhouse, harbors a devastating secret about the destruction of his home world. His internal struggle adds depth to his character, showcasing the vulnerability beneath his formidable exterior.

While Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2  offers an engaging narrative, it stumbles in comparison to its predecessor. The Medusa storyline begins with promise but falters with a rushed conclusion precipitated by Euryale's sudden, unconvincing shift in allegiance. In contrast, the Mirror Master storyline forces the team to face uncomfortable truths, creating a compelling psychological battleground. The conclusion is clever, capitalizing on Bizarro's unique nature where everything is opposite, which turns the tide in an unexpected way.

​Artistically, the second volume maintains the vibrant and eye-catching style that fans have come to love from Bascuñán. The artwork is particularly good at capturing the emotional turmoil in the Mirror Man storyline. Despite its narrative shortcomings, Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 ​ remains an enjoyable read for fans of the series. It may not be the strongest outing for the Outlaws, but it continues to explore the complexities of its characters with heart and creativity.

​RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection  |  Jason Todd's Empty Grave  |  Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems  |  Superman Collection | Wonder Woman Collection

Robin & Batman: Jason Todd is a new 3-issue series which began in June and will conclude in August 2025. The miniseries revisits the early days of Batman / Bruce Wayne and Jason Todd's partnership in crime-fighting. Written by the Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, this series follows on the heels of last year's DC Vault: Death in the Family: Robin Lives! as another imaginative re-telling that delves into the history of these iconic partners.

The narrative kicks off shortly after Jason’s father is murdered by Two-Face and his step-mother dies of a drug overdose in their apartment bathroom. Like Dick Grayson, Bruce adopts Jason but quickly finds him to be a rash and impulsive thirteen-year-old. Despite these challenges, Batman’s convinced that he can shape Jason into the next Boy Wonder now that Dick has moved onto the Teen Titans and assumed the mantle of Nightwing. However, Bruce’s loyal butler (and best friend), Alfred Pennyworth, harbors doubts about Jason's potential, fearing that his dark impulses might ultimately consume him.

Batman reflects on how Dick, his previous sidekick, benefited from a loving upbringing before losing his parents and becoming part of the crime-fighting duo. In contrast, Jason's lack of familial stability presents a unique set of challenges. At Bruce’s request, Dick attempts to take on the role of a "big brother" to Jason, but this only angers the young man. Jason's complex feelings toward Dick—a mix of admiration and resentment—propel him to prove himself worthy of the sidekick mantle.

The plot darkens even more with the introduction of a mysterious new villain, Wraith, who dons a ghostly white mask and sets his sights on Jason. Wraith perceives Jason as a kindred spirit, foreshadowing the future persona of Red Hood, a vigilante who challenges Batman's cycle of capturing criminals only to see them released back onto the streets. This dynamic adds an intriguing layer to Jason's evolution and hints at the darker path he may ultimately choose.

The first two issues of Robin & Batman: Jason Todd deliver a interesting dive into Jason's tumultuous past and the resulting mental health struggles. This complexity renders him one of the most intriguing Robins in the DC universe. Through Jason's story arc, readers are reminded that despite Batman's power, technology, and wealth, he cannot control everything—a humbling realization for the hero.

Jeff Lemire's script is simple but skillfully dives into Jason's past without becoming preachy. At times, the boy’s trauma is simply conveyed through Nguyen’s often wordless illustrations. While Nguyen's watercolor style might not be everyone's preference (mine included), it complements the "dreamy" quality of Jason's flashbacks and adds depth and emotion to the storytelling.

It’s also nice to see Dick Grayson depicted as a positive male role model for Jason, reminiscent of the original 1980s comics when Dick overcame his dismay at being "replaced" to try and help Jason adapt to his new life. (Dick’s patient, non-judgmental handling of Jason shows he was more ultimately more influenced by Alfred than by Bruce when he was a similar age.) 

The cliffhanger at the end of issue two will leave readers eagerly anticipating the final installment, wondering whether Wraith will successfully steer Jason toward his future as Red Hood — or if Jason has a trick up his sleeve.

​The third and final issue will release at the end of August.

RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection  |  Batman Collection  |  Nightwing Collection  |  Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems  |  Jason Todd's Empty Grave | Review: Red Hood & the Outlaws, Vol. 1

The animated shows of the 1980s were memorable... but not always for the best reasons. Whether they were part of early morning Saturday television — a veritable "prime time" for viewing for millions of American children — or syndicated shows that aired after school, animated television was a pop culture staple throughout the decade.  

The animation was hand-produced, making it appear primitive by today’s standards, but also giving it a charmingly crude aesthetic. Often shows served as marketing tie-ins to toy lines, with Transformers and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe being prime examples. As such, storylines were as much about selling action figures as they were about entertaining young audiences and unfolded with simple, formulaic plots that were both familiar and comforting. And perhaps their simplicity was part of their appeal? After all, it didn't take much effort to follow your favorite shows each week — and there was never any ambiguity as to who was going to come out on top. No matter what dastardly scheme Mumm-ra came up with, we always knew Lion-O and the other ThunderCats were going to save the day. 

Invariably, the heroes of 80s animation were children, teenagers or very young adults and were usually pitted against adult villains. With a heavy emphasis on action, adventure, and fantasy, these shows left an indelible mark on an entire generation, shaping childhoods with their imaginative worlds and ultimately influencing movies, television, comics and books up to the present day. 

In fact, of all the ridiculousness that came out of the 80s, these franchises had remarkable staying power. (Consider the live-action Masters of the Universe movie currently under production and starring Nicholas Galitzine!) This is even more remarkable if you consider that most of these shows were only on the air for a few years! Yet today, I can't walk into a bookstore or comic book store without easily finding some rehash of a show I first watched 40+ years ago. As such, I thought it would be fun to collect some of the more current book and graphic novel titles together. 

RELATED FEATURES: Pop Culture Contributions of the 1990s  |  The Golden Age of Movie Novelizations  |  Writing the 1980s Arcade Experience  |  The Timelessness of Serial Storytelling | Gatchaman Returns... Again