WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Batman and Robin #17!

Red Hood—especially the version from the Judd Winick era—is, without a doubt, my all-time favorite character, no contest. While he may not be getting a new solo series, the next best thing has happened: he’s returned to Batman’s narrative as a main character. But wait, there’s more—I’m already obsessed with how he’s being portrayed, something I haven’t been able to say in years.

As a Bat-Family fanatic, I make it a point to read all the Bat-Family-centric and related comics I can. So, it should come as no surprise that I’ve been closely following the Batman and Robin run, which was recently picked up by creatives Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Javier Fernández.

In this series, PKJ has fully committed to throwing Damian Wayne into the deep end of an identity crisis regarding his role as Robin, resulting in a breakdown in the Dynamic Duo’s partnership. Luckily for Batman—and for me—Red Hood is apparently ready to step in and fill the void left by Robin, as seen in the final pages of Batman and Robin #17.

Red Hood Officially Returns to Batman’s Narrative (FINALLY)

Batman and Robin #17 marks the complete breakdown of Damian and Bruce’s partnership as the Dynamic Duo, leaving Batman without a partner at a time when he can least afford it. Bruce is still recovering from a near-death experience following a brutal confrontation with the mass-murdering villain, Memento. Despite Oracle’s insistence that the Dark Knight rest and recover, Bruce refuses—a reaction Barbara clearly anticipated. She reveals that, if Bruce won’t be sidelined, she’s called in help. Right on cue, Batman—who has been lurking on the gargoyle-infested rooftops—is greeted with a simple, “Evening.”

Though the speaker remains hidden at first, Batman’s long-suffering sigh quickly clues the reader in—it’s Bruce’s second son and former Robin, Red Hood, lurking in the shadows. Batman, ever the self-proclaimed lone wolf, insists that he doesn’t need a partner. But Jason’s response is sharp and affectionate: “I’ll always love that about you, old man. No respect for your limitations.” Finally, Red Hood steps into view in a striking panel by Javier Fernández, as he and Batman leap off the rooftop together, making it clear that despite Bruce’s protests, he is, in fact, accepting Jason as his crime-fighting partner once again.

I’m Already Obsessed With PKJ’s Red Hood Voice & Characterization

I nearly died of happiness the moment I realized that the figure in the shadows was none other than the love of my life, Jason Peter Todd. While I would have been thrilled with any Red Hood appearance, by the end of their interaction, I was grinning ear-to-ear. As I can already tell that I’m going to love PKJ’s characterization of Jason, even after just a few short lines of dialogue. To me, Jason is pure emotion, though he tries to mask it with wit, banter, and an air of unseriousness. This moment perfectly captured that core aspect of his character.

Jason isn’t always one for teamwork, especially when it comes to Bruce. Yet, when Oracle called, he still came to his father’s aid. As Jason greets Bruce, he keeps things light with subtle teasing and backhanded compliments. But the truth is, he showed up for Bruce when he needed him—despite Bruce insisting he didn’t need help. I also love the dynamic PKJ has set up between them: Bruce exasperated by his son’s presence, and Jason taking the stance that it doesn’t matter if Bruce wants help—he’s getting it whether he likes it or not. Not to mention, I’m a sucker for Jason calling Bruce “Old Man.”