Comic Review: “Red Hood #1”- A Bold Misfire with Glimpses of Potential

 

The long-awaited and much-debated Red Hood #1 has finally arrived and as expected, it’s already causing controversy. Before diving in, it’s important to note: this comic isn’t nearly as catastrophic as some fans online are claiming. Yet, it’s far from a satisfying debut. Despite some striking visuals and a few promising narrative ideas, Red Hood #1 struggles under the weight of awkward dialogue, inconsistent characterization, and a tone that wavers between noir mystery and over-the-top melodrama.

Let’s start with what works because yes, there are positives here.

Art and Atmosphere

The art by Jeffrey Spokes is one of the strongest aspects of the issue. The kinetic energy of the fight scenes, the sharp linework, and the vivid use of lighting create a gritty, neo-noir atmosphere that fits Jason Todd’s world perfectly. Even though the redesigns of Jason and Helena (Huntress) are questionable Jason looks oddly older, and Helena’s costume feels like a misguided mix between cosplay and streetwear the visual storytelling remains solid. The action sequences are dynamic, and the color palette conveys mood and tension effectively.

Spokes’ panels capture the chaos of New Angelique the new setting replacing Gotham for this series and the book truly shines when it allows the art to breathe. If only the writing matched the strength of the visuals.

A Promising Premise

On paper, the setup is compelling. Taking Jason out of Gotham has always been a creative way to push his independence and test his identity outside of Batman’s shadow. Pairing him with Huntress could have led to fascinating character dynamics two “black sheep” of the Bat-Family, both shaped by trauma and moral ambiguity. It’s a concept ripe with potential for introspection, partnership, and emotional tension.

Unfortunately, Red Hood #1 only scratches the surface of that potential. What could have been an exciting exploration of two complex characters instead feels like a shallow imitation a noir-themed fanfic dressed up as a serious comic.

Writing and Characterization

Here’s where the issue really falls apart.

The dialogue is clunky, forced, and painfully unnatural. Conversations that should reveal character depth or emotional stakes instead sound like awkward attempts to mimic edgy banter. Lines such as “The air is like warm saliva” or “The bulls here hold onto their paperwork like it’s their balls” read less like gritty noir poetry and more like something ripped from a bad internet fanfic.

Jason’s internal monologue, however, stands out as a bright spot sharp, introspective, and surprisingly grounded. His inner voice reflects the haunted, complex anti-hero fans know and love. It’s baffling that the same writer who captured that nuance in narration couldn’t bring the same authenticity to dialogue between characters.

Huntress, meanwhile, suffers the most. Longtime fans of Helena Bertinelli will likely find her portrayal nearly unrecognizable. Gone is the fierce, intelligent, morally complex woman who once led Birds of Prey and stood as one of DC’s most layered vigilantes. In her place is a shallow, hypersexualized caricature a “partner” to Jason who exists mostly to orbit his story rather than propel her own. Her dialogue, in particular, borders on parody, making her sound more like a cliché femme fatale than the capable, commanding Huntress of old.

This mischaracterization isn’t just disappointing it’s frustrating. Especially since Helena was sidelined from other titles (like Birds of Prey) to appear here, only to be written as a prop.

Story and Tone

As a story, Red Hood #1 flirts with intriguing ideas. The mysterious “Tower” subplot and the eerie sequence involving self-destructive police officers hint at a larger, more psychological conspiracy. In isolation, this could have been a strong foundation for a standalone noir series just not one anchored to pre-existing DC characters.

In fact, that’s the issue’s biggest flaw: it reads like an original indie noir that had Red Hood and Huntress pasted into it at the last minute to boost sales. If this had been a creator-owned comic with new characters, the story might have worked better. But as a Red Hood story, it feels dissonant, like a Vertigo concept awkwardly forced into the DC Universe.

The Bigger Picture

It’s hard not to draw comparisons to Tim Drake: Robin, another divisive modern Bat-family title. Both suffer from weak characterization, jarring dialogue, and a writer seemingly unfamiliar with the characters’ voices. Yet Red Hood #1 at least contains glimpses of something worthwhile a sense of mystery, a stylish setting, and flashes of emotional resonance through Jason’s narration.

Still, the disconnect between intent and execution is impossible to ignore. The issue’s tone oscillates between gritty noir and campy soap opera, never finding a stable identity. Every time a scene builds momentum, the clumsy dialogue and poor characterization pull it back down.

Verdict

Red Hood #1 isn’t a disaster but it’s not a success either. It’s a frustrating mix of promise and missteps, a book that clearly wants to say something meaningful about trauma, independence, and redemption, but can’t get out of its own way long enough to say it well. The art and atmosphere carry much of the experience, but the writing struggles to rise above amateur-level execution.

For new readers unfamiliar with Red Hood or Huntress, this might feel like a solid noir introduction stylish, edgy, and accessible. For long-time fans, though, it’s a tonal and thematic betrayal.

Despite all of this, I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. As a first issue, it lays a foundation albeit a shaky one for something that could improve. But if the creative team doesn’t course-correct, this could easily become another forgettable, mischaracterized run in DC’s growing pile of failed reinventions.

Final Score: 5/10

Pros:

+Strong, dynamic art by Jeffrey Spokes

+Great atmosphere and noir aesthetic

+Interesting premise with potential for growth

+Jason’s internal monologue is well-written

Cons:

-Awkward, cringeworthy dialogue

-Poor characterization of both Jason and Helena

-Inconsistent tone and pacing

-Feels disconnected from established continuity

-Huntress reduced to a shallow side character

-Uninspired costume redesigns