7 All In Characters That Deserve the Red Hood Treatment

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Recently, DC revealed that Red Hood will be launching a fresh ongoing series come September. Given the character’s widespread appeal, this move seems quite logical. However, what stands out is that this series will be mature, suitable for readers aged 17 and above, and will take place within the main continuity. This twist is unexpected since DC often avoids mature storylines in their primary continuity to cater to a broader readership. Yet, Red Hood’s popularity has encouraged DC to venture into new territory.

As a die-hard movie buff, I can’t help but feel the thrill as Huntress teams up with Jason Todd in New Orleans! The gritty vibe this partnership brings to the table is sure to elevate the series to new heights. If they pull it off successfully, it could be a game-changer for DC, paving the way for more mature, in-continuity series in the future. The anticipation among fans is palpable, and I find myself eagerly speculating about which other DC characters might thrive in such a setting. This feels like an exciting time to explore possibilities!

1) John Constantine

John Constantine, a character known for his casual dabbling in dark arts, is yearning for a series suitable for mature audiences. At the moment, he hasn’t had many significant storylines in canon, but he thrived at DC Black Label. Although he’s no stranger to mature themes, these stories have typically been outside of continuity. Given his strong book sales and widespread popularity, it’s high time he re-enters the scene, but this time within the main narrative.

Since wrapping up his Vertigo series, John has found himself in an unusual predicament within the DC universe. It’s heartening to see him among other DC heroes, but his presence feels noticeably out of place, especially on the Justice League watchtower. Yet, returning him to the Vertigo realm seems equally incongruous. This situation presents an ideal balance for both writers and fans – a chance to enjoy John in the mainstream DC universe while still preserving the distinctive feel of the Vertigo world.

2) Deathstroke

In simpler terms, Deathstroke is widely recognized as one of the most formidable assassins within the DC Comics universe. He’s often found butting heads with teams like The Titans and Nightwing, earning him a reputation as a major adversary in comics. Since his standalone appearances began during the New 52 era, Deathstroke has proven to be a strong character, even headlining his own comic books. Following the popular run by Christopher Priest, Deathstroke could make for an engaging protagonist in a mature-themed series.

Considering the divisive nature of the character among many fans, it would require courage for DC to portray Slade Wilson in an uncompromising manner. Just as Priest did, showcasing him as a ruthless, no-nonsense character unlike typical individuals, could prove effective. Highlighting his brutal traits openly would be ideal for an engaging narrative about Deathstroke, given that he’s earned the moniker for good reason.

3) Suicide Squad

In a refreshing twist, it’s high time the original Suicide Squad reemerges, diverging from its recent Suicide Squad-esque portrayal similar to the Secret Six. Instead of confronting superhuman threats as an unofficial counterpart to the Justice League, the concept of a clandestine task force composed of inmates on death row would be far more engaging. A mature comic series featuring the constant rotation of team members led by Rick Flag could mark a significant comeback for the team, offering a grittier and more realistic scope that truly resonates with fans.

It seems that Waller has stepped away from the game and Deadshot is no longer on her good side. Perhaps it’s time for Captain Boomerang to take center stage alongside either Flag or Bronze Tiger. With Rick Flag in the mix, add a mature rating, and you’ll have a revitalized Suicide Squad reminiscent of the classics.

4) Lobo

The iconic character Lobo requires a mature series, whether it’s mini, maxi, or ongoing. We crave more of his chaotic behavior and DC seems eager to feature him more prominently. A gritty bounty hunting series with ample violence would suit him perfectly. Perhaps even include a confrontation with the other Lobo for added intensity.

Revisiting the lore of Czarnians by introducing more of them opens up intriguing possibilities. If Lobo were to travel across the cosmos tracking these new Czarnians, it could lead to some fantastic stories. Regardless of how the narrative unfolds, Lobo is well-positioned for a comeback, and a mature approach seems fitting.

5) Red Robin

Generally speaking, Tim Drake isn’t perceived as dark and intense; quite the contrary. For some time, DC Comics has been seen as making him rather dull, and he appears in need of a fresh approach. A great idea would be to follow a similar path as his brother Jason, by relocating him, bringing Bernard along, and creating an engaging detective mystery series. However, why do this for Tim specifically? Tim carries a significant amount of unresolved emotional baggage, and a more mature storyline could provide the most effective way to address these issues.

Tim frequently experiences feelings associated with middle child syndrome, stemming from his position within the Bat Family. Add to this the suppression of his bisexuality and the grief over losing his parents, and you have the foundation for an engaging psychological novel. This narrative setup would not only delve into Tim’s complex psyche but also underscore his unique position as neither a child nor a fully-formed adult, occupying a somewhat ambiguous phase for quite some time.

6) WILDC.A.T.S

Following the last installment of the WildC.A.T.S. series, there’s a demand for a more adult-oriented comic book. Originating from Jim Lee’s Wildstorm imprint and known for their semi-mature content, the WildC.A.T.S. have consistently tested the limits of government operations. On occasion, they resemble the Suicide Squad, engaging in intense battles that require a mature treatment to fully convey their impact.

By frequently portraying characters such as Deathblow and Zealot sustaining severe injuries during battles, it maintains an authentic and gritty atmosphere. Moreover, this narrative could serve as a reflection of covert operations teams and the challenges they face. Even though these characters might not be everyone’s favorites, their inclusion in new and exciting ways can rekindle interest among both old and new fans.

7) The Joker

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say that, in today’s era of DC, The Joker seems tailor-made for a mature series. With each new take on the character, writers have been steadily darkening his persona, making this adaptation a logical progression. Now, I understand that he’s become somewhat overexposed and might not need another solo title. But in the right hands, this would be a self-selling project, given its mature rating. After all, some of the most memorable Joker stories have successfully navigated this path, like the gritty portrayal in “Joker” by Brian Azzarello. All that’s left is to firmly establish it within the continuity.

Regardless of your stance on the concept of a sequel for the Joker character, a mature rating would significantly enhance his appeal. Introducing lighter aspects, similar to those proposed by Matthew Rosenberg, could potentially lead to some thrilling and chilling victories for DC.

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2025-07-17 15:10