Summary

• Batman #149 introduces Pennyworth Manor, signaling a fresh start for Bruce Wayne and the Bat-Family – but Red Hood is notably absent from the crew.
• Despite Jason's sacrifices for the family, his relationship with Batman remains strained, with a lingering hurt over past events; though he isn't with the Bat-Family as they move into their new home, the possibility remains that this new era for Gotham's heroes could truly be when he is welcomed into the fold permanently.
• Red Hood's absence at the new home signifies the current state of his relationship with the family, but there is still hope for reconciliation.

Warning: Contains spoilers for Batman #149!!

The Bat-Family has seen plenty of difficult times over the years, but being free of Zur-En-Arrh has Red Hood. Jason's absence, while not surprising, signifies just how turbulent his relationship with the others still is.

Batman #149 – written by Chip Zdarsky, with art by Steve Lieber – sets up a new chapter for Bruce Wayne and his family. After losing control of himself to Zur-En-Arrh and making a number of hurtful decisions, he’s trying to start over in a big way.

He doesn't intend to make the move alone. All former Robins, Signal, and all three Batgirls receive an invitation to him, but Red Hood is notably absent from the crew. As Batman surrounds himself with the core of his family, Jason Todd is excluded.

Red Hood Wasn't Invited To Be Part Of The Bat-Family's Fresh Start

Batman #149 – Written By Chip Zdarsky; Art By Steve Lieber, Michele Bandini, Nick Filardi & Clayton Cowles

Despite that, Jason sacrificed himself to stop Zur and Failsafe in Batman #148, proving how far he's willing to go for family. Yet Red Hood remains something of a pariah, left on the outskirts, and it appears that hasn't completely changed.

Rather than return to Wayne Manor, Batman begins anew with a derelict mansion he has dubbed “Pennyworth Manor.”

Bruce Wayne has pushed away or alienated most of the Bat-Family at some point, but the distance never sticks the way it does with Jason. While the two had some degree of tension during Jason’s Robin days, they have experienced little besides conflict during his time as Red Hood. Jason often pushes back against Batman’s rules and won’t always take a back seat to them if he believes another path is necessary to help someone or save Gotham. Beyond their differences as vigilantes, the lingering hurt remains over Batman's refusal to kill the Joker in the wake of Jason's death.

During the Gotham War arc, Jason became one of Batman and Zur-En-Arrh's targets. His body was altered to equate any adrenaline spike with an extreme fear response, leaving him struggling or unable to do something as essential as save a child from a fire. Despite that, Jason sacrificed himself to stop Zur and Failsafe in Batman #148, proving how far he's willing to go for family. Yet Red Hood remains something of a pariah, left on the outskirts, and it appears that hasn't completely changed. If an invitation was extended, he may have refused it.

Red Hood's absence at Pennyworth Manor speaks volumes about the current state of Jason's relationship with his family, but there is room for change.

Batman's New Era Could Give Bruce & Jason A Chance To Make Amends

Red Hood Could Still Re The Bat-Family

Red Hood's absence at Pennyworth Manor speaks volumes about the current state of Jason's relationship with his family, but there is room for change. Some part of Jason will always want to be included; a desire also beautifully illustrated in Batman: Urban Legends #6 when he nearly succumbs to Cheer Gas to stay in a vision of everyone living as a happy family. If Bruce ever does want to bring his son back into the fold, he'll need to extend more than an invitation, however. Red Hood isn't currently involved with Batman's rebuilding efforts, but there's hope for the future.

Batman #149 is available now from DC Comics.