Summary
WARNING: Potential Spoilers ForThe Boy Wonder#2!Red Hood, the onceRobin, is often regarded as the black sheep of the Bat-Family due to his strained relationship withBatman. While this reputation holds some truth, Damian Wayne recently highlighted a significant misconception about Bruce’s dynamic with his second Robin, one that even Jason Todd himself believes. However, it’s crucial to remember that this ‘misconception’ comes from Damian’s perspective, which may not be the most reliable.
Comparing Batman’s forgiveness toward Robin and Red Hood is challenging due to their fundamentally different upbringings and moral teachings.
Juni Ba’s Black Label series returns withThe Boy Wonder#2, focusing onRobin’s relationship with Red Hoodas they team up to hunt down a demon responsible for numerous abductions across Gotham. Told from Damian’s perspective, fans get a rare glimpse of the other Boy Wonders through his eyes.
This viewpoint has led to several revelations about the other Robins, most notablyDamian’s belief that Batman is exceptionally forgiving and “understanding” toward Jason.This notion might surprise some, including Jason himself, who have long believed that the former Boy Wonder could never catch a break from Bruce.
Damian Wayne Envies Jason Todd Because Batman Forgives Him Easier Than Anyone Else (Contrary to Popular Belief)
Comic Panel Comes FromThe Boy Wonder#2 (2024) by Juni Ba
The Boy Wonder#2 features a loaded conversation between Robin and Red Hood afterJason accidentally shoots Damianin the heat of battle while suffering from intense hallucinations. Jason laments that while Batman brings others to the “light,” Bruce didn’t do that for him, leaving him to wonder why. Ultimately,Jason concludes that he is a “failure,” believing that this is why Batman has abandoned and given up on him.However, Damian quickly refutes this claim, stating, “That’s not true,” and shares his own experiences with Batman, highlighting how Bruce still talks about and treats Jason compared to himself.
Robin recounts a recent incident where he beheaded a criminal, prompting Batman to scold him for six hours before bringing up Jason. He shares that Batman didn’t describe Red Hood as a failure; instead, Batman blamed himself for not knowing how to help his son. Damian then admits that hearing this made him wonder, “Why can’t he be as understanding with me?“He further reveals that he envies Jason, believing that Batman is more forgiving toward Red Hood.However, it’s important to note that this perception is Damian’s own, although there are instances that support his view.
We’re Calling It: This Single Red Hood Page Is Already a Classic, Heartbreaking Jason Todd Moment
Red Hood isn’t often given the spotlight he deserves, but one new comic gives him an instantly-classic moment that will define the character.
Batman: Under the Red HoodSupports the Idea That Batman Is Unusually Forgiving When It Comes to Jason Todd
Comic Panel Comes FromBatman#650 (2006) by Judd Winick and Eric Battle
Batman: Under the Red Hoodby Judd Winick is a prime example of Bruce being uncharacteristically understanding. Despite Batman and Red Hood exchanging blows and Bruce vowing to stop Jason at every turn, it’s evident that Batman is going softer on Red Hood than he typically would on other rogues. Even Black Mask points this out inBatman#649. After an encounter with a fake Red Hood, Sionis angrily confronts Batman, saying,“You know who he is, and you let him play hell with me!?“This outburst from Black Mask confirms that Bruce hasn’t been doing everything he could to bring Jason in.
A line from Bruce inBatman#650 further reinforces the idea that he is going easier on Jason than he would anyone else. During the climax of theUnder the Red Hoodstory arc, Bruce confronts Jason after he has captured Joker, telling his former Robin,“I’m trying to save you…” This notably stands out from Batman’s usual dialogue with criminals and rogueswho have committed heinous acts. Therefore, it is clear that Bruce holds Jason to a different standard and is willing to extend a branch of understanding and reconciliation despite not approving of his son’s actions.
Red Hood and the OutlawsBoth Proves and Disproves that Bruce Is More Lenient When It Comes to Jason
Comic Panel Comes FromRed Hood and the Outlaws#25 (2018) by Scott Lobdell and Dexter Soy
Most Jason Todd fans are familiar with the scene fromRed Hood and the Outlaws#25by Scott Lobdell and Dexter Soy, where Batman delivers a brutal beatdown to Jason after Red Hood seemingly kills the Penguin on national TV. This scene might seem surprising to use as evidence that Bruce is unusually forgiving toward Jason. However,the fact that Jason had the opportunity to ‘kill’ Penguin illustrates Batman’s forgiveness of his past sins. In other words, Bruce allowed Jason to continue operating in Gotham despite his previous killing sprees, something the Dark Knight typically wouldn’t tolerate with anyone else.
This previous act of forgiveness is further highlighted when Batman states, “We had a deal. You could operate in Gotham City—you could stay free—if you didn’t kill anyone.” However, this scene could also be interpreted as evidence that Batman does not, in fact, treat Red Hood more leniently. The way Bruce physically brutalizes Jason to the point where Jason remarks,“I’ve never seen you hit the Joker that hard. And you hate him,” supports the argument that Batman is actually tougher and less forgiving when it comes to Jason.Hence, determining if Bruce is more lenient with Red Hood ultimately depends on perspective.
Batman and RobinDisproves Damian’s Belief that Bruce Is More Willing to Forgive Jason Over Other Bat-Family Members
Comic Panel Comes FromBatman and Robin#23 (2011) by Judd Winick and Guillem March
Batman and Robin#23 by Judd Winick and Guillem March argues that Bruce holds Jason to the same standards as he does all his rogues, as revealed whenRed Hood is incarcerated in Arkham Asylum. Bruce’s decision to imprison his own child in the same facility as his child’s murderer completely undermines the notion that Batman treats Jason more leniently.This action not only holds Jason to equal standards but also borders on torture, especially since Jason was not clinically diagnosed as criminally insane. Therefore, this comic suggests that Batman shows no forgiveness toward Jason’s actions whatsoever.
When it comes down to Damian’s original claim that Batman doesn’t show the same “understanding” to him as he does to Jason, it’s ultimately impossible to discount or verify, given the vastly different circumstances of the two brothers. Jason started killing at around 18, despite being taught by Bruce that killing was wrong. In contrast, Damian, still a child, was raised from birth with the belief that killing was sometimes necessary. Therefore, comparingBatman’sforgiveness towardRobinandRed Hoodis challenging due to their fundamentally different upbringings and moral teachings.
Red Hood
Jason Todd is a complex figure known for his tumultuous journey as Batman’s second Robin. Initially impulsive and rebellious, he’s resurrected after a tragic death, becoming the vigilante Red Hood. Armed with intense combat skills and a moral ambiguity, he challenges Batman’s methods, navigating a path between heroism and anti-heroism in Gotham’s unforgiving streets.
