Most of the hype for Red Hood #1 centered around it being aimed at mature readers. This is a first for the DC All-In line, as DC Black Label usually hosts such content. However, while “mature readers” is usually a catch-all term for sex and violence, this issue also offers a more thoughtful portrayal of Jason Todd, evoking the other meaning of the word ‘mature.’
The story of Red Hood #1 opens in New Angelique. A sweltering city somewhere in the American South, New Angelique and its police have become the target of a strange serial killer. Further complicating the case is that the killer apparently has some kind of mind control technology or superpower. In any case, the killings provide Jason Todd with a welcome distraction, as he licks his wounds following the events of Hush 2.
Jason gets some support from a local vigilante called Royale. He also crosses paths with Huntress, who is on the trail of the killer in question. However, New Angelique holds her secrets close, and soon Red Hood is facing a heat that has nothing to do with the local weather or cuisine.
New Red Hood has a heavy Noir influence
The general aesthetic of Red Hood #1 is closer to a hard-boiled detective story than a superhero comic. This goes beyond Jason Todd being a pistol-packing investigator who narrates his actions, We also see him questioning contacts and dealing with a femme fatale intruding on his life. This gives a deeper insight into Jason’s personality and is more engaging than the action anti-hero he is usually written as. Indeed, the book briefly explores Jason having a death wish and his conflicted feelings about his resurrection.
Beyond Jason Todd, Red Hood #1 also defines the setting of New Angelique as its own character. The script by Gretchen Felker-Martin is full of detailed descriptions of the city. This intricacy is matched by the artwork of Jeff Spokes and his decadently Baroque backgrounds. While clearly inspired by New Orleans, this city feels like a real place rather than a generic urban dystopia. This introduction is reminiscent of the Dixon/McDaniel Nightwing run that introduced and developed the city of Bludhaven.
Red Hood #1 does everything a first issue should do and does it well. It introduces our title character, the setting, and a good central conflict. The action is appropriately intense, and it does not use its mature readers label as an excuse for overt brutality. This is easily the best detective comic to come out of DC Comics in years.
Grade: 10/10
Red Hood #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on September 10, 2025.
