RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #6

How did Jay and Kory first meet? Was it something to do with a cheat? Maybe Dick knows the story - and will present it in all its glory - to a friend of mine called Amicable Pete. Or else read this comic book Written by Scott Lobdell; Drawn by Kenneth Rocafort; and Published by DC Comics in March 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

'Take Me Down To Paradise City, Where The Sea Runs Red And The Girls Are Pretty', is an origin story of sorts, presenting how Jason (The Red-Hood) Todd, and Kory (Starfire) what-ever-her-surname-is, first met.

Now once upon a time there was a bad-boy called Jason, whom did not get along with his mentor, Batman, at all. Also, he was not very happy with his predecessor, Nightwing, either. So after some mishap and misfortune, he took on the mantle of 'The Red-Hood', and then ended up getting washed at sea, after a fight he had upon a boat.

Thankfully, though, an orange Alien called Kory saved Jason that day, and looked after him until he got better. Moreover, Kory unveiled herself to Jason, prompting Jason to do likewise in turn.

But did they end up happy ever after? Or did they decide to try to save Roy Harper instead?

Not the end...

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

Now there are many pieces of dialogue in this issue that I really did like. But I especially liked it when Jason said to Kory "Sorry, your right. You're being polite and I am treating you like my own personal copy of National Geographic. Lets start over - thank you, Princess Koriand'r, for saving my life".

I liked this sentence because it showed that Jason has a humble side, whilst promoting an earthy magazine publication too".

Maybe Scott has shares in it, huh?

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

For me, personally, I liked the incremental way that Dick (Nightwing) Grayson almost appeared to act as a catalyst for this issue - using him as focal point to tell the story from. Also, it was very nice to see that Dick, Roy, and Kory, had some history prior to this series beginning - because it does make for a captivating future.

Who wants to see a crossover with Nightwing? Raise your hands.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

Now I do not want to sound like a niggling little sod (too late), but I was a bit confused by the Batman / Red Hood confrontation. Is it just me or was this illustrated in a completely different way than Judd Winick and company did back on his run in Batman?

Not 'worst' thing - 'niggling' thing.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: Their were many things that I liked about this issue, such as: (1) How this story acted in conjunction with issue one, almost like the series prequel. (2) The way that Kory seemed to be treated with a bit more respect in this issue, rather than a goggle fest for all the pervs watching, ha! And (3) That the multi-faceted personalities of both Jason and Kory were more on show in this tale, compared to some of their previous action based installments.

ART: I love Kenneth Rocaforts art. My favourite things that he does are those jagged panel layouts that really enhance the story in both tone and style. Plus, I have to say that Jason does look more his age in this issue too.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

STARFIRE: Listen, I am sure that there are many pretty actresses out in actress-land who can fill out the role of this orange toned alien. But for me, I always found her sweet, bold, nice to look at, charming, and a lot like Beyoncé Knowles. Don't you?

JASON TODD: For Jay, you need an actor who possesses that depth to play an earthy yet wild role, whilst at the same time adding a bit of candour to the mix. Just like Aaron Johnson did in 'Nowhere Boy'.

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

Don't You Worry About Trying To Kill Your Mentor And Then Getting Blown Up And Left For Dead At Sea! Bootylicious Aliens Are At Hand To Sort Everything Out.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why?

Well, the title of this story really says it all to me you know. The Lovin' Spoonful's 'Summer In The City' is a catchy anthem that tells a unified collection of stories that is lyrical and rhythmic at the same.

Like this issue.

FINAL thoughts...

Like many of you out there in cyberspace, I am just stoked with how this series is progressing. Moreover, DC looks like they are too! Well, they haven't tried to slap on a new creative team on this title, have they?

Not sure about the up and coming Bat-crossover though. I just hope that there is some point to it more than just cash.

MARKS out of 10? 9