Summary
WARNING: Potential Spoilers ForThe Boy Wonder#2!Red Hood’snew look inThe Boy Wonderboldly rejects the traditional superhero aesthetic, offering Jason Todd the gritty anti-hero appearance he deserves. However, this isn’t the only recent makeover for Red Hood. Chip Zdarsky’sBatmanrun has also introduced a new design for the former Boy Wonder, raising a compelling question: between the two series, which rendition of his costume reigns supreme?
This street-smart ensemble is a perfect fit for the Bat Family’s self-proclaimed black sheep, presenting an aesthetic more in line with an anti-hero than a traditional hero.
Juni Ba’sThe Boy Wonder#2 continues Damian Wayne’s mission to purge Gotham of the “demons” that are responsible for citywide abductions. Throughout Ba’s series, this mission has also been accompanied by a retelling of the origin stories of Batman’s Robins from Damian’s perspective, with the first issue centered on Dick Grayson.
Issue #2 shifts focus to Red Hood, marking his debut in the series as he allies with Robin against the demons.This debut also introduces a new design for Jason, diverging from the conventional superhero aesthetic prevalent in the DC universe’s hero community and embracing a design more aligned with his typical Anti-Hero persona.
Red Hood’s New Streetwear Perfectly Rejects the Superhero Aesthetic and Elevates His Anti-Hero Status
Red Hood’s latest design maintains his iconic red helmet and firearms while revamping the rest of his appearance. Instead of the usual heavy body armor,Jason now wears a weathered dark grey hoodie paired with worn black cargo pants and battered black Converse sneakers.Perhaps the most striking change is the addition of a brown leather vest adorned with a red “R” on the left breast. While it could stand for “Red Hood,” it may also serve as a nod to Jason Todd’s tenure as the second Robin.
This street-smart ensemble is a perfect fit for the Bat Family’s self-proclaimed black sheep, presenting an aesthetic more in line with an anti-hero than a traditional hero. While in mainstream continuity Jason has transitioned more towards heroism,Ba’s series returns the character to his origins,portraying Red Hood as more of an anti-herothan a hero, making this look particularly suitable. The narrative also suggests that Red Hood is estranged from the family, explaining why he wouldn’t adhere to the typical Bat-Family standards of gear and costumes.
Red Hood’s New Title Proves He’s Better Than the Bat-Family at One Thing
Fans have long debated which Bat-Family members are better at what, and now Red Hood’s new title definitively ends the debate on one skillset.
Batman#148 andThe Boy Wonder#2 Both Gave Jason Todd a New Look, But Which One Is Better?
Ba’s series isn’t the only recent comic run to give Red Hood a redesign.Chip Zdarsky’sBatman#148also showcased Jason in a new costume, blending Red Hood’s traditional upper body gear with a brown and black cut-off jacket combo that is integrated into the body armor. Additionally, the ensemble features what appear to be a pair of red and black Adidas-esque athletic pants, creating an intriguing yet potentially polarizing look. Thus, if there’s a winner between the two redesigns, Juni Ba’s design likely takes the lead, seamlessly merging classic elements of Judd Winick’sRed Hoodwith a street-style twist.
Red Hood
Jason Todd is a complex figure known for his tumultuous journey as Batman’s second Robin. Initially impulsive and rebellious, he’s resurrected after a tragic death, becoming the vigilante Red Hood. Armed with intense combat skills and a moral ambiguity, he challenges Batman’s methods, navigating a path between heroism and anti-heroism in Gotham’s unforgiving streets.
