Jason Todd was introduced as the new Robin in Batman #426. He had a rough start with the readers, but eventually became one of the most beloved characters in comics history.
Jason Todd is Batman’s second Robin, and he has had a tumultuous history. How did Jason become the infamous Red Hood?
The third season of Titans is focusing entirely on Jason Todd and the Red Hood, with the first three episodes revealing one of the most horrific deaths in comic book history. Fans of the comics know that this is only the beginning of the tale, and there will be much more to come this season. If you’re unfamiliar with Jason Todd, though, this may come as a surprise, but that’s why we’re here to explain who he is, how he became the Red Hood, and why he is perhaps the most notorious Robin of all time.
Jason Todd was created by Gerry Conway and Don Newton and first appeared in 1983. He was introduced in after Dick Grayson became a prominent figure in Teen Titans, and he is the second person to occupy the Robin position. He made his debut appearance in Detective Comics #524, and it was a memorable introduction to Batman.
Jason was up in a tough environment, since he was the son of a convicted felon called Willis Todd. Although he was ultimately freed, he never went home, leaving Jason with his mother Catherine Todd. Unfortunately, Catherine was suffering from a serious drug addiction, although Jason would eventually discover that she was not his real mother. She died of an overdose later, while Willis vanished, and it’s believed that Two-Face was responsible. Because of his family’s financial condition, Jason made ends meet by dismantling vehicles and selling the components for cash, which is how he met the Dark Knight. When Batman saw Jason trying to steal tires from the Batmobile, Bruce took him home and decided to train him as the new Robin when one choice for care fell through.
(Photo courtesy of DC Comics)
Jason was not at all like Grayson. He was angry in general, and his use of force was beyond Bruce’s tolerance. After some time as Robin, DC held a poll to decide Jason’s destiny, with fans voting on whether he should survive or die through a phone number. It was a close call, but death won out, and in Batman: Death in the Family, he did indeed die in a gruesome manner.
Jason would discover that his real mother was still alive, despite the fact that the only information he had was three names from his father’s contact book. He was able to locate down the first two, but they were not his mother. Sheila Haywood was the third, and she turned out to be his mother. Unfortunately, she was being blackmailed by the Joker, and Jason discovers her after disobeying Bruce’s instructions to wait for assistance. She assures him Joker has vanished, but this is a deception, and when Joker ambushes Jason, he viciously beats him with a crowbar.
He then abandons a battered Jason and his mother near a bomb. Jason is semi-conscious before the bomb goes off, and when it eventually goes off, he tries to protect her from the explosion. After the explosion, Batman arrives and retrieves Jason’s corpse from the rubble.
(Photo courtesy of DC Comics)
Surprisingly, Jason’s tale didn’t end there; due to Superboy Prime’s reality tampering, Jason was brought back to life and dug himself out of his grave. However, he had suffered brain damage as a result of Joker’s assault and was now wandering the streets, relying on his instincts to survive. Talia finally found him and threw him into a Lazarus Pit. The Pit restored his mental health, and when he returned, he discovered that Batman had not slain the Joker after his death. This would enrage him, particularly because he was still coming to grips with his death and unexpected resurrection, and he would go to Gotham to get revenge on Batman.
(Photo courtesy of DC Comics)
He’d ultimately establish a reputation for himself as The Red Hood, and he’d make a statement by tracking down The Joker and viciously hitting him with a crowbar, exactly as The Joker had done to him. He didn’t murder him, but the beating came close to killing him, and he went on to make a name for himself in the local drug trade and mob scene. This would lead to a confrontation with Batman, after which he would disclose his true identity. He’d continue his battle with Bruce by taking on Tim Drake, the new Robin. He’d run across Batman and Joker again, and Jason would question Bruce about why he didn’t murder Joker, and the two would fight until Joker set off explosives.
(Photo courtesy of DC Comics)
After that, he would travel to different locations and pursue his brutal brand of justice, even assuming the identities of Nightwing and Batman for a time, the latter of which occurred after Batman’s death (Batman R.I.P.). After Dick Grayson took on the cape and cowl, he’d receive a new type of outfit and even a costume, and later he’d have his own squad in Red Hood and the Outlaws. Since then, Bruce Wayne has returned and Jason has been welcomed into the Bat-Family, but the other members of the squad are still kept at arm’s length. He continues to use increasingly deadly weaponry and more aggressive vigilante tactics, although he has recently shifted to non-lethal means. He didn’t do it for Bruce, as he said in the most recent Cheer finale, but rather for himself and his own path.
Granted, that’s not everything, but it gives you a decent idea of who Jason Todd is and what has characterized him throughout his career, and now you’re ready for Titans season 3?
Let us know what you think in the comments, and as usual, you can reach out to me on Twitter @MattAguilarCB to discuss all things Titans and DC!
Jason Todd is Batman’s second Robin, who was killed in the comic book series The Death of Superman. Reference: jason todd death titans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jason Todd relationship with Batman?
Jason Todd is Batmans second sidekick. He was killed by the Joker and later resurrected as the Red Hood.
Who was Jason Todd to Batman?
Jason Todd was a former Robin who was killed by the Joker.
Is Jason Todd a bad Robin?
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