Red Hood and the Outlaws #2

Wow. I never thought that Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 would gather so much hate. It wasn't the best comic in the world by any means, but the outrage over this issue, mostly dealing with Starfire's characterization, was quite frankly stupid. It's one freaking issue and people are tearing into Scott Lobdell for ruining the character.

What bothers me more is that it is coming out that the entire history of every Teen Titans team, as well as Young Justice for that matter, is erased. All of it. While that may partially be Lobdell's fault, how can the editor allow this? That history is crucial for everything that has happened to the next generation of heroes after Bruce Wayne/Clark Kent/Barry Allen/Hal Jordan etc.

But enough about that mess. Red Hood and the Outlaws #2  I found to be an equally entertaining followup to issue #1, as it greatly enhances the backstory of Jason Todd. It's clear that this is purely Todd's book, and Roy and Kori are along for the ride, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Oh Jason, some things never change....

Talia al Ghul makes a cameo in this issue, and it seems that most of Jason's history with her is intact. She did drop him in the Lazerus pit, to bring his soul back to his seemingly souless-body, she did help rehabilitate him, and he still is pissed at her for it.

The comic also tells the audience more about the All Caste, why Jason ha a history for it, and also helps explain why Jason has become as skilled as he has since he died. They trained him to be the deadliest assassin in the world, and more or less that's what he became.

Roy and Kori demonstrated a strong loyalty to Jason. They clearly care about him (Roy feels indebted to him for rescuing him from prison, as the Justice League has turned their back on him, Kori's motivations are uncertain) and want to help him find out who murdered this All Caste.

What I enjoyed: This comic is pure fun. There's a solid story, great dialogue, and great action. And one cannot say enough about how good Ken Rocafort's pencils are. This might be the best art in the relaunch, excusing maybe Batwoman's JH Williams III.

What I didn't: Why is Roy wearing a ballcap? It's the stupidest looking superhero accessory ever. They have to fix that.

Conclusion: Again, good, not great, but this is fun to read, so I'm sticking with it. 7.9/100 (C+).