World Famous Comics: Batman: Under the Hood, Vol. 2
Batman: Under the Hood, Vol. 2
By: Judd Winick Publisher: DC Comics Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: DC Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 192 Publication Date: June 07, 2006 Release Date: June 07, 2006
EXPLAINS EVERYTHING Under the Hood Vol 2 explains everything. i was worried that it wouldn't explain how jason returned from the grave. basically, the new red hood is jason and is planning revenge upon the madman who killed him, the Joker. it also reveals some insight on Batman and how is dealing with his new 'enemy.' I totally recommend this story, especially if you have or want to read Battle for the Cowl.
Make no mistake, it is him. This is Volume 2 of 2 of the Batman: Under the Hood story arc. The Red Hood, now revealed as Jason Todd, continues his campaign against underworld crime lord Black Mask with Batman caught in the middle. But what happens when the Red Hood kidnaps the Joker to exact revenge?
Comic characters returning from the dead isn't a new concept, and as heroes and villains have returned over the years the idea of death in comic continuity has been harder to take seriously. Jason Todd however, had for years remained part of a small circle of characters that actually stayed dead. This second tragedy had become another keystone of the Batman mythos.
So with Todd's return, there are two important questions to ask: 1) Is the resurrection logical and believable? 2) Does the return allow for new narrative and dramatic potential? The first question is tricky. Within the 'realism' of the Batman universe, no the resurrection does not make sense. It's very much a cheat. However, when placed against the scope of the overall DC Universe and particularly the Infinite Crisis event, it works. It's not a revelation that everyone will like, but it's the *only* revelation that could possibly make sense and have this be the *real* Jason Todd and not a clone or robot, which would kill the drama writer Judd Winick tries to build.
Which brings up question two. Jason Todd's return finally lets the reader ask the hard question: Why does Batman allow the Joker to live after all he's done? This unfortunately, is where the story doesn't live up to its potential. Winick tries his best, but Batman's ultimate answer isn't as developed or satisfying as you'd want. Or maybe it would be if the resolution to the arc's climactic Batman-Red Hood-Joker standoff was more believable (I won't spoil it, but Batman seemingly goes to the opposite extreme to save the Joker's life).
All of the above though, really only accounts for two chapters of the book. The preceding build-up is just as good as the first volume. Winick's characterization of Black Mask continues to be both dangerous and hilarious, never mind what anyone else has done with the character. The pacing is solid. There is a change in art style as the book progresses and while it's noticeable, it didn't detract from the experience for me.
Under the Hood by it's very nature is a controversial story arc and deserves a read-through from any Batman fan. It's not the perfect return for a dead hero, but it's one that will definitely generate a lot of thought and discussion.
a good read while on the toilet...BUT ONLY IF YOU HAVE VOLUME 1. delve deeper into the mystery and resurrection of JASON TODD (the former robin#2). i recommend reading it first at the bookstore or the library then decide for urself if its worth buying. Not the best of Batman stories, but not the worst..
Good for catching up! I was out of comics for a while, and picked this Graphic Novel, great way to catch up!
Awful Writing, Inconsistant Art The first "Under the Hood" book was actually pretty good. Not the best thing I've read (far from it) but pretty good for mainstream superhero comics. It doesn't try too hard to be revolutionary, but it had a nice twist, a well paced story, and solid art. This second volume starts out with the same artist as the first, but switches after the second issue to a guy I have to say I don't really like. His linework isn't great, the inking is pretty bad, and the characters look really unbalanced, especially in their facial features.
But the art doesn't bring this book down as much as the writing does. The first 3 or 4 issues in this book are pretty easy to read and understand, but the last issue tears everything apart. It tries to explain why Jason Todd is back and fails miserably at it. I just had to put the book down on the last issue because the explanation was so utterly incomprehensable. Also the writer has no idea how to successfully write the Joker. He cheapens the character beyond belief.
If you like Batman stories I recommend something like "Batman: The Long Halloween" or even the FIRST "Batman: Under the Hood". Just don't buy this.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
