Review: Red Hood-Outlaws, Vol. 1

5/28/2025

If you're a fan of DC Comics and looking for a fresh take on some familiar faces, then check out the Red Hood: Outlaws graphic novels based on the popular WEBTOON series. The series throws you right into the thick of it with an unlikely trio:

Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne / Batman's second Robin and now the gun-toting anti-hero Red Hood.
Artemis of Bana-Mighdall, a powerful Amazonian and former Wonder Woman.
And Bizarro, Superman's well-meaning but grammatically challenged genetic opposite.

Rejected by the mainstream superhero community, these three have formed their own mercenary band, aptly named The Outlaws. Their latest gig? A shady gangster named Franco Bertinelli hires them to retrieve a mysterious idol he claims was stolen from his ancestors. The catch? It's hidden on a dinosaur-infested island, complete with a labyrinth of booby traps and a surprising number of zombies.

As if that wasn't enough, The Outlaw’s heist catches the attention of none other than Martian Manhunter and the Justice League. Jason and his teammates soon discover that Bertinelli has played them, and the idol is actually of Martian origin. Outraged by their irresponsibility, Bruce Wayne gives the three an ultimatum: oversee the Justice League's orbiting space station, Watchtower, for one month without a single screw-up, or face the consequences as true criminals. Jason, driven by his lingering resentment and rivalry with his adoptive father, unilaterally agrees to Bruce's terms.

If you're a fan of DC Comics and looking for a fresh take on some familiar faces, then check out the Red Hood: Outlaws graphic novels based on the popular WEBTOON series. The series throws you right into the thick of it with an unlikely trio: Jason Todd, formerly Batman's second Robin and now the gun-toting anti-hero Red Hood. Artemis of Bana-Mighdall, a powerful Amazonian and former Wonder Woman. And Bizarro, Superman's well-meaning but grammatically challenged genetic opposite. Rejected by the mainstream superhero community, these three have formed their own mercenary band, aptly named The Outlaws. Their latest gig? A shady gangster named Franco Bertinelli hires them to retrieve a mysterious idol he claims was stolen from his ancestors. The catch? It's hidden on a dinosaur-infested island, complete with a labyrinth of booby traps and a surprising number of zombies. As if that wasn't enough, The Outlaw’s heist catches the attention of none other than Martian Manhunter and the Justice League. Jason and his teammates soon discover that Bertinelli has played them, and the idol is actually of Martian origin. Outraged by their irresponsibility, Bruce Wayne gives the three an ultimatum: oversee the Justice League's orbiting space station, The Watchtower, for one month without a single screw-up, or face the consequences as true criminals. Jason, driven by his lingering resentment and rivalry with his adoptive father, unilaterally agrees to Bruce's terms. Red Hood: Outlaws Volume 1 is a surprisingly engaging read, largely thanks to author Patrick R. Young's ability to delve into the backstories of our three anti-heroes. He skillfully explores their shared sense of inadequacy when compared to their more famous Justice League counterparts – Jason forever in Batman's shadow, Artemis striving to live up to Wonder Woman, and Bizarro grappling with being the opposite of Superman. While Bizarro leans too heavily into the

Red Hood: Outlaws Volume 1 is a surprisingly engaging read, largely thanks to author Patrick R. Young's ability to delve into the backstories of our three anti-heroes. He skillfully explores their shared sense of inadequacy when compared to their more famous Justice League counterparts – Jason forever in Batman's shadow, Artemis striving to live up to Wonder Woman, and Bizarro grappling with being the opposite of Superman. While Bizarro leans too heavily into the "dumb comic relief" archetype, the book truly shines with its snappy, engaging dialogue and a generous helping of humor. The artwork is another major highlight; it's vivid, beautifully rendered like expressive oil paintings that bring the chaotic action to life. Some purists might argue that this series offers a somewhat "watered-down" version of The Outlaws compared to previous iterations, but for new readers, it serves as an excellent entry point into the dynamic and often morally ambiguous world of these anti-heroes.

All in all, Red Hood: Outlaws Volume 1 is a quick and enjoyable read, though perhaps not one that demands a lot of complex thought. There are two more books in this series, which I'm definitely looking forward to reviewing in the future! I'm particularly excited to see what else unfolds regarding that stolen idol and its connection to a lost Martian civilization. And on a personal note, I'm hoping for more interactions between Jason and Bruce, and the rest of the Bat-Family – especially Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne. There's also a fledgling romance between Jason and Artemis that’s still very much in its early stages. While it might not be the most profound comic you'll ever read, it's certainly a fun and fast-paced adventure that leaves you wanting more.

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