After 20 Years, Red Hood Finally Clears Up His Biggest Misconception

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Red Hood is frustrated that people consistently misunderstand him, and he’s determined to set the record straight. Jason Todd’s life has been incredibly difficult, especially following in the footsteps of the first Robin, Dick Grayson. As many comic readers know, he suffered a tragic and violent death as a young man, being brutally beaten and trapped in an explosion. Though he was resurrected, Jason has carried a lot of anger and resentment ever since.

Jason Todd’s return from the dead was strange enough, but his new superhero name was even more surprising. He chose “Red Hood,” a name previously used by the Joker – the very man who killed him. It seemed bizarre that Jason would adopt the identity of his murderer, even if it was just for effect. However, a recent encounter between Red Hood and the Joker has given Jason the opportunity to explain the reasoning behind his choice and clear up a long-held misunderstanding.

Red Hood isn’t a Joker Legacy (And He Never Was)

The last battle of DC K.O.’s All Fight Month happens in Red Hood vs. the Joker #1, created by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, and Dustin Nguyen. Jason Todd is determined to stop the Joker from advancing in the tournament and attacks him with everything he’s got. Throughout the fight, Jason reflects on the Joker’s huge impact on his life. Sadly, the Joker wins the first round by throwing Jason into a chemical vat – a scene reminiscent of how the Joker himself was created.

Jason is given another chance at a new life and finds himself back as the Robin he was before his death. He reflects on how much of his identity has been shaped by Batman, and how he’s often held back to avoid letting Batman down. However, he realizes he doesn’t need to be defined by either Batman or the Joker, and ultimately succeeds in killing the Joker. As the third round begins, Jason considers what it truly means to be the Red Hood as he decides on his next form.

Jason realizes the Joker was once the Red Hood, but he also remembers the Red Hood is an old Gotham story – a frightening figure from urban legends who’s been around for generations. Jason even recalls playing as the Red Hood as a child, pretending to be the mysterious, shadowy character. Despite losing the final fight and succumbing to his injuries, Jason finds peace knowing he wasn’t simply a creation of the Joker, but forged his own identity and became the hero he always aspired to be.

The Red Hood Retcon Makes Jason’s Choice So Much More Understandable

I’m not a huge Red Hood fan, but I do enjoy the character. However, I’ve always been puzzled by Jason’s choice to use an identity so closely linked to the man he despises most. I understand it made sense for the “Under the Hood” story, but it always seemed strange that he’d continue with that name. Even the Joker has pointed it out, and if he thinks it’s weird, surely Jason would realize that too.

This new information helps us understand Jason’s decisions. He doesn’t view the Red Hood as belonging to the Joker; instead, he’s aware of the Red Hood’s history and connection to Gotham. It’s a symbol of home that resonated with him since childhood. Just as Zorro inspired a young Bruce Wayne, Jason always admired the Red Hood and wanted to be like him. So, when he had a chance to rebuild his life, he intentionally or unintentionally chose to become the hero he’d always envisioned.

Look, people get the Red Hood thing wrong. It’s not about Jason trying to be the Joker, or even taking back an old identity. It’s about him finally taking control. He was tired of everyone else defining him, of being a product of his trauma. He looked back at his childhood, at the Red Hood figure he used to admire, and decided he would become that legend. Yeah, the Joker wore the mask briefly, but the Red Hood was always meant for Jason, and he’s finally claiming it as his own.

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2025-12-25 23:15