Literally starting off with a bang, Red Hood #52 steeps itself in a vibe that is unlike any other in Gotham and gives Jason Todd a crash course in the clash between urban subcultures and gentrification. There's a brilliant piece of misdirection that allows the story to take a surprising swing that clinches the victory for the issue.
Cover of Red Hood #52. Credit: DC Comics
The Hill is a predominantly Black neighborhood in Gotham City that is adjacent to the downtown area, now considered a hot real estate buy given the aftermath of the Joker War. While visiting some old friends from his juvenile (delinquent?) days, the titular Bat-family black sheep stumbles upon a newly launched turf war from a brash, moneyed upstart with murderous intent and a crew of neophyte vigilantes that are hauntingly familiar.
Unlike the last issue, which hit all the hot button thematic issues without connecting the balance of plot and characterization, this issue took one visually confusing element off the table, swept in with another character spreading their wings, and the plot delivering some legitimate surprises. Writer Shawn Martinbrough perfectly captures the delicate balance between Jason Todd's desire to punch people into the face and his better angels. Likewise, the wonderful action-packed, noirish artwork from Tony Akins, Moritat, Stefano Gaudiano, Paul Mounts, and Troy Peteri delivers a great alternative to the gothic Gotham experience you've come to know (check the second page for some real cinematic looks, or the reflection in the coffee, and there are trees on the Hill).
This is a lot less brash and sloppy than you might be used to seeing Jason Todd, but perhaps a new bit of geography brought out the best in him. Please be especially aware of the role of Killer Croc here, who does something very unexpected in the best possible (and most stylish) way. RATING: BUY.
By Shawn Martinbrough, Tony Akins, Stafano Gaudiano, Dan Mora
After making his dramatic return to Gotham City, Jason Todd finds himself in the middle of a turf war between a violent gang aided by Killer Croc and a new group of vigilantes dedicated to protecting his old neighborhood of the Hill.When a childhood friend is targeted for assassination by a vicious new crime lord on the rise, the Red Hood must forge an uneasy alliance with the vigilantes to save her.
Hannibal Tabu is a writer, journalist, DJ, poet and designer living in south Los Angeles with his wife and children. He's a winner of the 2012 Top Cow Talent Hunt, winner of the 2018-2019 Cultural Trailblazer award from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, his weekly comic book review column THE BUY PILE can be found on iHeartRadio's Nerd-O-Rama podcast, his reviews can be found on BleedingCool.com, and more information can be found at his website, www.hannibaltabu.com.
Plus, get free weekly web comics on the Operative Network at http://bit.ly/combatshaman.
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