Batman and Robin #24

Judd Winick and Greg Tocchini

"The Streets Run Red, Part 2:" Oh, Jason Todd. Where to begin... Picked as the second Robin, Jason was universally hated by fans for being brash and in a vote, the fans decided that he should die, and a crowbar wielding Joker and explosion later, he was dead. Jump 15 years, Jason comes back by... you know what... no one knows.. he just came back. But he was also batshit insane. Taking the identity of the red Hood, Jason took to the streets to deliver brutal justice to criminals. Constantly wavering between good and evil, Jason was finally captured and imprisoned by Batman (Dick Grayson) and Robin (Damien Wayne) after killing a gang boss with the help of his partner Scarlet, a disfigured girl. After nearly being killed in prison, Jason is busted out by a group of animal mercenaries... yeah, I was confused too.
Summary: We open to Bruce and Jason in the Batcave on one of his first nights as Robin, where Bruce explains that its not about being fluid and staying calm, but taking control of any situation. Cut to present time, jason is being taken by the animals who assure him that he's safe which of course makes him go nuts and beat them all up. They then beat him down, saying that they are being paid to bring him in unharmed, but they don't mind beating him if necessary. Batman and Robin appear and take down the mercenaries with Jason. Jason's interaction with the two is really great and its a really defining moment for the character. Jason prepares to kill one of the mercenaries when he gets a phone call from the person who paid to release him. This mystery woman wants Jason to come, and if he doesn't, she will kill Scarlet. Batman and Robin grab Jason and get out of there, and prepare to go after Scarlet. Dick and Damien have a great moment together, reminding us how much it will suck when these two are no longer partners after the reboot. Jason gets his costume, which I personally love, and they head out to save the day.

High Points: Jason is a great character here and nobody seems to get Jason like Winnick, and it shows. Dick and Damien are also great.

Low Points: So my problem comes with the story. I don't care. I don't care about the animercs (shoulda come up with that earlier... its brilliant.) and I never cared for Scarlet.

Verdict: B+. Great characters in a story that is bland. Nothing new here really. But definitely worth a look, especially if you like Jason. Did you feel like the human/animals/mercenaries were properly represented here, Panda?