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RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #18

[ BAT-BARGAIN
It's sad when somebody dies. It's like a monkey that keeps on eating flies. It's difficult to digest. It can sometimes be a pest. And occasionally it can water down your eyes. Boo-Hoo! Yeah. If you don't believe me just ask the amazing creative team of Writer: Scott Lobdell; Artist: Tyler Kirkham; plus Publisher: DC Comics, in April 2013.

Using GENERAL terms, answer the following 4 questions about this STORY entitled 'Lance Dance. Last Chance for Death'.
  • WHAT'S THE MAIN THRUST OF THIS TALE: Whilst Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth watch over him, a comatose Jason Todd has to fight his way through taunting visions of the Joker and Durca penetrating his mind.
  • ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED: Yeah. In a manner of speaking I suppose everything does turn out for the best.
  • ANYTHING ELSE HAPPEN: We learn how Jason joined 'Batman Incorporated' as 'Wingman', plus how he dealt with the loss of Damien (Robin) Wayne.
  • HOW DOES THIS STORY END: With me crying like a right b*tch. Again!!!

All in all, what is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?
There were two very nice passages in this parable that I thought were very personable to read. The first piece was part of Jason's opening monologue, when he mused to himself...

'My name is Jason Todd. When I was I kid I was known as Robin, Junior partner to Batman. Later, I was 'The Robin who got beaten to death with a crowbar by the homicidal maniac called the Joker'. After that, I was the Red Hood, a hot-tempered vigilante determined to sweep the Gotham City streets of any trash that Batman left behind'.

And the second piece was Bruce's closing remarks to Jason after the death of Damien...

'There is too much talk about blame between us, Jason. There always has been. We have to let it go. We've both done things we regret. But the one thing I never apologise for is taking a chance on you'.

Boo-Hooo! Oh, pass the hanky please someone. I've started crying again. Hooonk!!!




What are the BEST bits about this issue?
(+) I can't help but fall in love with stories that can emote some sort of emotion. Be it sorrow. Be it pain. Be it loss. Be it whatever. At the end of the day a comic book that can emote -- like this one has -- is a good comic in my book.
(+) I did like the way that this story briefly explained Jason's transition from Red Hood to Wingman: the 'Batman Incorporated hero'. On a personal note, I find that its nice little touches like these that make this title all the more special.
(+) In the last page of this book we get to see Bruce hugging Jay as he comes too from his trip to 'never, never land'. Wow! For a single page this is very powerful stuff. In just a single image, the artist, Tyler Kirkham, has explained the premise of the entire issue in one foul swoop. Good job.

What are the WORST bits about this issue?
(-) My only slight gripe with this story were those 'dream sequence's' Jay was experiencing, because for a grounded title such as this one, it does inadvertently make it a bit fake by default. In my eyes, I felt they were too grandiose on occasion -- especially that Durca sequence -- as it spoilt the earthy momentum built up behind this very single minded tale.

Choose TWO CHARACTERS out of this comic book, and then compare them to two REAL LIFE PEOPLE.
VLAD THE IMPALER AS RED HOOD: Although some of you might know of him as being the true life historical figure Dracula was based on, in real life, Vlad was a misunderstood and bloodthirsty prince, tittering upon the path of redemption.

RICHARD THE LIONHEART AS BATMAN: Just like Bruce, this 10th century King of England had to put his family life on hold, so he could attend to his people and the matters of his kingdom.

What QUOTE would be appropriate to sum-up this story?
'Change is growth. For me it has been a very spiritual and musical rebirth' -- Lenny Kravitz

What SONG, THEME-TUNE, or MELODY, would complement this tale, as well as add and extra dimension to it by default?
'REDEMPTION SONG' BY BOB MARLEY: Without beating round the bush, this book and this bombastic song both share a very similar sentiment. Redemption.  Say no more.




ANYTHING Else?
By in large this issue of 'Red Hood and The Outlaws' was a pretty decent read. Basically, it told a warming tale about redemption and loss, and how this type of thing can warp heroic perceptions on occasion. Furthermore, the cover was great, the artwork did its job, the story was evolving, and we even got to see Jason Todd cry as well.

I mean, what more can you ask for? Jay to go back and be Robin again? Ooops! Best not joke about that. It might happen. Huh?

GIVE IT, IT'S DUES: If This Comic Book Omitted an Arduous Side Effect, It Would Be Some Type of Delirious and Emotional Fever. Blustery at First, But Ultimately Satisfying.

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #18 RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #18 Reviewed by David Andrews on April 15, 2013 Rating: 5
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