I normally avoid rating individual comic issues, but poor Lobdell gets so much shit, I just had to join the bandwagon when he finally started getting some good review for his Red Hood work.

Most of this issue is a rehash of what we've already been told 500 times before. Jason was the "bad" Robin, Jason died, Jason came back a bit more bad. And it doesn't matter how many times the story is told, it's always just as heartbreaking. The art in particular was amazing, with Jason's torture and death at the hands of the Joker being particularly brutal.

The rest of this issue sets up the premise for the next story arc, which I'm particularly excited for, as it reflects what I think Red Hood should always have been since he was brought back. There are some things that Batman can't do, because he's the hero. Jason Todd doesn't have that issue, and he's going to save Gotham the best way he can, even if it means pissing off the Bat.

My one complaint, which will probably always be an issue I have with Jason Todd's portrayal, is his obsession with having Bruce's approval. I mean I get it, Jason has daddy issues, but I just want him to grow and decide that he doesn't need Batman's blessing to do what he does. Who knows, maybe we'll get that Jason at the end of this arc. ( )