It’s Time to Bring Back DC’s Pre-New 52 Red Hood as a Separate Character

DC has recently missed the mark with Red Hood, giving fans a version of Jason Todd who lacks the passion, anger, and emotional complexity that made him a standout favorite in the Bat-Family. This constant mishandling of his character cries out for a revival of Judd Winick’s Jason, one of the most iconic and beloved versions of Red Hood. And there’s no better time for this revival than in DC’s upcoming ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE.

Judd Winick’s Batman: Under the Red Hood (2005) stands out as one of the best Batman stories in comic history, marking the birth of Jason Todd’s antihero persona and permanently redefining the second Robin in the eyes of fans. UtRH set an unparalleled standard for character revivals, presenting one of DC’s most morally complex and emotionally driven characters.

Recent interpretations in series like Batman have missed the mark, softening Red Hood’s razor-sharp edges and muting the rage and complexity that defined him. While DC reverting Jason to his UtRH characterization in the current mainstream continuity is unlikely, there is hope for Winick’s Red Hood to find new life in the ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE.

DC’s ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE Is the PERFECT Way to Bring Back Judd Winick’s Characterization of Red Hood

DC’s ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE is part of the comic publisher’s ALL IN initiative launching this October. ALL IN will continue the current DC Universe with new and old titles, but it will also introduce the Absolute Universe, which will reimagine characters in bold new ways, redefining their origins and known narratives. This means fans will get two versions of their favorite characters: one from the DCU and one from the AU. This is exciting news in general, but it’s particularly thrilling for what it could mean for Red Hood.

While there has yet to be mention of an ABSOLUTE Red Hood, it’s highly likely that other Bat-Family members will be featured in the Absolute Universe since Batman is already confirmed. This universe, founded on “Darkseid power,” marks a significant departure from the DCU, which is rooted in “Superman power.” Thus, fans can expect to see darker, wilder versions of their favorite characters. Creatives like Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson have hinted that these underdog versions will need to be more resourceful, tougher, and shine brighter. This makes it the perfect setting for a Jason Todd that resembles Winick’s UtRH characterization to return.

Judd Winick’s BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD Will Always Be the Best Version of Red Hood

Judd Winick’s Red Hood is perhaps the greatest narrative resurrection and reimagining of a character in the history of comics. Winick not only nailed the execution of bringing Jason Todd back but also followed through brilliantly. He consistently presented Jason as a morally complex wild card—volatile, angry, and broken in a way only a parent can break their child. However, Jason was also kind (evident in his relationship with Scarlet), passionate (seen in his unique and very opinionated war on crime), competent (taking on Batman and taking over Gotham crime), and whip-smart (outsmarting both Batman and Black Mask). Given the darker, more resourceful characters teased for the Absolute Universe, this version of Red Hood would fit in perfectly.

BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD is now available to read from DC Comics!

BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD TP (2011)
	Writer: Judd Winick Artist: Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen Colorist: Alex Sinclair Letterer: Pat Brosseau Cover Artist: Jock