Summary

• The narrative resurrection of Jason Todd by Judd Winick in UtRH transformed a hated character into one of the most beloved in the DCU.
• UtRH explores powerful themes of grief, betrayal, and revenge, creating a deeply emotional narrative between Batman and Red Hood.
• UtRH had a monumental impact on the Batman mythos, challenging Batman's "No-Kill" rule and showcasing hard-hitting Bat-Family dynamics.

Two of my absolute favorite characters in the DC Universe are Red Hood. Therefore, it's no surprise that Judd Winick's mythos-defining Batman: Under the Red Hood stands as what I consider to be the greatest Batman story of all time. Yet, my obsession with this comic goes far beyond mere character love; it stems from what I see as the pinnacle of comic storytelling, weaving together depth, emotion, and unforgettable narrative twists.

There is truly nothing in comics that compares to what Winick achieved in UtRH, making this story not only one of the best Batman tales of all time but also one of the greatest in the entire DCU.

I was still in the lower elementary school grades when the first issue of the Batman: Under the Red Hood story arc was released in 2004 with Batman #635. Hence, I didn’t get to experience the real-time hype of the comic releases. It wasn't until my senior year of high school that I stumbled upon the animated movie adaptation of the comic, and with nothing else to do, I decided to give it a try.

An hour and fifteen minutes later, I found myself driving down to Barnes & Noble to pick up a copy of the trade paperback—and from that moment on, I was never the same because I had found my one true love in life--Jason Todd.

Judd Winick’s Narrative Resurrection of Jason Todd Was Legendary (& Nothing Has Ever Come Close to Topping It)

Batman #638 Main Cover by Matt Wagner

One of the definitive reasons why UtRH stands as the greatest Batman story of all time lies in Winick's exceptional narrative resurrection of Jason Todd, a character long considered dead in comics lore. Unlike typical retcons of character deaths, Winick's approach was a masterstroke of storytelling ingenuity, seamlessly integrating Jason Todd back into the main continuity in a manner that felt like a natural progression of the character's storyline rather than a rewriting. Hence, this bold reinvention wasn't just fresh and exciting, but it was also believable.

What makes Winick's resurrection of Jason even more commendable is that he transformed a character largely hated by fans—who famously voted to kill him off in the A Death in the Family storyline—into one of the most beloved and popular figures in the DC Universe. This feat is nothing short of incredible and unmatched, a testament to Winick’s exceptional execution and follow-through. There is truly nothing in comics that compares to what Winick achieved in UtRH, making this story not only one of the best Batman tales of all time but also one of the greatest in the entire DCU.

Batman: Under the Red Hood Is Unparalleled in Its Exploration of Grief, Betrayal, and Revenge

Under the Red Hood delves into powerful themes like revenge, death, betrayal, and familial bonds, but what resonates most with me is its exploration of grief. While some see the story as centered on revenge, I argue that grief is the emotion that permeates every interaction and exchange between Red Hood and Batman. Their grief is palpable and profoundly tragic. Bruce grieves the child he buried and the ways he failed the young man now fighting against him, creating a deeply emotional narrative that is both haunting and compelling.

Similarly, Jason grieves the life stolen from him and the father who didn’t love him enough to kill his murderer. This grief is particularly poignant in Batman #650, where Jason confronts Batman about not killing the Joker, tearfully arguing, "I'm not talking about killing Cobblepot and Scarecrow or Clayface, not Riddler or Dent... I'm talking about him. Just him. And doing it because... Because he took me away from you.” This line reveals a hurting little boy crying out to his father, who he feels has abandoned and betrayed him, beautifully showcasing the depth and emotional complexity that Winick instills in his characters.

Winick’s UtRH Had 1 of the Biggest Impacts on Batman Mythos (& Features Hard-Hitting Bat-Family Dynamics)

Batman #637 Main Cover by Matt Wagner

Winick’s Under the Red Hood is iconic for its monumental impact on the Batman mythos. It reintroduces a core Bat-Family member and also offers the most notable narrative examination of Batman’s “No-Kill” rule. For the most part, Batman’s rule has never been so harshly and comprehensively challenged by another character, especially one that presents a reasonable justification for exceptions. This battle of ideologies was so skillfully explored that it even had me questioning why Batman didn’t kill the worst of the worst.

Winick’s skill in reshaping my view of Batman through Red Hood’s complex morality highlights his prowess in character development. By portraying them as fully fleshed-out individuals with distinct opinions and moral comes, Winick not only delved into family dynamics in Under the Red Hood but also set a precedent for future narratives. The ongoing clash of ideologies between Bruce and Red Hood, evident in their interactions throughout the years, particularly in the Red Hood and the Outlaws Rebirth series, illustrates the profound and enduring impact of Winick’s storytelling on the evolving relationship between Jason and Bruce.

Under the Red Hood Is a Foundational Batman Comic with Unmatched Characterization and Dialogue

Batman #636 Main Cover by Matt Wagner

I personally believe that Under the Red Hood deserves a spot on the 'must-read' list for anyone delving into the world of the Dark Knight. It stands as a foundational Batman comic that serves as a great jumping-in point for newcomers. The comic does a brilliant job of reintroducing both new and old characters, including Alfred Pennyworth, Nightwing, Green Arrow, Jason Blood, and Zatanna, while also exploring the specter of Batgirl. This wide cast of characters enriches the storytelling, offering insights into their complex relationships and histories within Gotham City's dark and gritty landscape.

One of UtRH's greatest strengths is its exceptional characterizations, particularly of Red Hood and Black Mask – my personal favorite villain/antihero dynamic of all time. The interplay between these characters, fueled by Winick's phenomenal dialogue and banter, is a significant factor that has fueled my obsession with this comic. Red Hood's interactions with Black Mask are often downright hilarious, adding a welcome levity and humor to the hard-hitting story. In short, there isn't a single aspect of this iconic Batman and Red Hood tale that I don't love; it is, without a doubt, a true masterpiece.

Batman: Under the Red Hood TP is available now from DC Comics.