WARNING: Incorporates potential spoilers for Batman & Robin #17!Pink Hood–particularly the Judd Winick period model – is, indubitably, my favourite character of all time, arms down. Whereas he will not be getting a brand new solo sequence, the subsequent smartest thing has occurred: he's returned to the Batman narrative as a principal character. However wait, there's extra – I'm already obsessive about how he's being portrayed, one thing I haven't been capable of say in years.
As a Bat-Household fanatic, I make a degree of studying as many Bat-Household-related and Bat-Household-centric comics as I can. So it ought to come as no shock that I've been intently following the Batman and Robinn run, which was not too long ago acquired by creatives Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Javier Fernández.
On this sequence, PKJ has absolutely dedicated to throwing Damian Wayne into the depths of an identification disaster concerning his function as Robin, leading to a breakdown within the Dynamic Duo's partnership. Thankfully for Batman – and me –Apparently, Pink Hood is able to step in and fill the void left by Robin, as seen within the ultimate pages of the Batman and Robin #17.
Pink Hood formally returns to the Batman narrative (FINALLY)
Comedian panel comes from Batman and Robin #17 (2025) – Artwork by Javier Fernández
Batman and Robin #17 marks the whole collapse of Damian and Bruce's partnership because the Dynamic Duo, leaving Batman and not using a companion at a time when he can least afford it. Bruce continues to be recovering from a near-death expertise following a brutal confrontation with the mass-murdering villain, Memento. Regardless of Oracle's insistence that the Darkish Knight relaxation and get better, Bruce refuses - a response that Barbara clearly predicted. She reveals that if Bruce shouldn't be eliminated, she might be known as in to assist. Simply in time, Batman - who has been lurking on the gargoyle-infested rooftops - is greeted with a easy and "Evening."
Though the speaker stays hidden at first, Batman's pained sigh rapidly provides the reader a clue - it's Bruce's second son and former Robin, Pink Hood, lurking within the shadows. Batman, all the time the self-proclaimed lone wolf, insists he doesn't want a associate. However Jason's response is obvious and affectionate: “I'll all the time love that about you, outdated man. There is no such thing as a respect on your limitations.” Lastly, Pink Hood seems in a surprising panel by Javier Fernández, as he and Batman soar off the roof collectively, making it clear that, regardless of Bruce's protests, he's, the truth is, accepting Jason as his crime-fighting associate as soon as once more.
I'm already obsessive about the voice and characterization of PKJ's Pink Hood
Yasmine Putri variant cowl for Pink Hood: Outlaw #27 (2018)
I virtually died of pleasure the second I noticed the determine within the shadows was none apart from the love of my life, Jason Peter Todd. Though I used to be thrilled by any Pink Hood look, by the tip of their interplay, I used to be grinning from ear to ear. As I can already inform, I'm going to like PKJ's characterization of Jason, even after only a few temporary traces of dialogue. For me, Jason is pure emotion, though he tries to masks it with intelligence, jokes and an air of lack of seriousness. This second completely captured this core side of his character.
Jason doesn't all the time like working in a staff, particularly in terms of Bruce. Even so, when the Oracle known as, he nonetheless got here to his father's assist. As Jason greets Bruce, he retains issues gentle with refined teasing and backhanded compliments. However the fact is, he confirmed up for Bruce when he wanted him - regardless of Bruce insisting he didn't need assistance. I additionally love the dynamic that PKJ created between them: Bruce exasperated by his son's presence, and Jason taking the place that it doesn't matter if Bruce needs assist - he's getting it, whether or not he likes it or not. To not point out I like that Jason calls Bruce "Previous."
What can we anticipate from Pink Hood at PKJ's Batman and Robin Run?
Cowl C Card Inventory Variant by Miguel Mendonça for Batman and Robin #19 (2025)
There wasn't a lot Jason Todd content material in Batman and Robin #17, however I'm already very enthusiastic about what PKJ has in retailer for the character. The difficulty ended on an intriguing and sinister notice: “Subsequent: Loss of life and the Household,” a transparent nod to one among Batman's most well-known tales, A dying within the household. Moreover, the synopsis for subject #19 provides us a clearer image of Jason's function within the upcoming story: “A heart-to-heart between Damian and Jason Todd, and Jason's subsequent demystification of what it means to be Robin, left Batman's son questioning his place and his future.” So it seems to be like we are able to anticipate not solely Pink Hood interacting with Batman but additionally with robin.
Batman and Robin #17 is now out there from DC Comics!