REVIEW: ‘DC K.O.: Red Hood vs. The Joker’ Issue 1

DC K.O.: Red Hood vs The Joker Issue 1 is published by DC Comics and written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, art by Dustin Nguyen and Giuseppe Camuncoli, inks by Mark Morales, colors by John Kalisz, and letters by Steve Wands.

This is Round 8 of All Fight Month. Red Hood gets the chance to seek revenge against the Joker, the man who killed him.

Out of all the rounds in this tournament, DC K.O.: Red Hood vs The Joker Issue 1 has the most history attached to it. The others are interesting clashes, but this one is personal. Joker brutally beat Jason Todd to death with a crowbar, in one of the most iconic and disturbing moments in comic book history. But now, years later, Red Hood has the chance to level the score. That hostility and desire for vengeance flow through every page and into each subsequent round.

The origins of both competitors are tied to DC K.O.: Red Hood vs The Joker Issue 1, from Ace Chemicals to Jason’s life as the Red Hood and Robin. The fighting is visceral and violent, with both characters resorting to fists and weapons, anything they can lay their hands on. The ending is fascinating because it really could go either way. But it’s satisfying, emotional, and meaningful. There’s also a conclusion to the battle on the Justice League Watchtower, a daunting one that brilliantly sets up the next issue of the main event.

This round places Red Hood at the heart of it, with Jason serving as the narrator. For him, his whole history is on display. His life, his death, his second life. He has a drive towards making Joker pay. All of his planning before the tournament had gone towards preparing for the clown. So much of this issue is about Red Hood’s identity. So much of who he is has been created by both The Joker and Batman.

One of the significant questions that starts to surface is: what has Jason Todd created for himself? As for the Joker, his dialogue is understated. He’s not the noisy, manic creature that he can be, but more exists as a target for Red Hood. What does become clear is that Joker stopped being human a long time ago.

The art is exceptional throughout. There’s a focus on violence and remembrance. Every round features a blast from the past in stone form. A classic costume, or a location that holds so many haunting memories, so many flashbacks occur within DC K.O.: Red Hood vs The Joker Issue 1. All the artists excel at revulsion. Both characters are going for the kill. They are shooting and slashing. The form changes demonstrate the duo’s combined history. There are some terrific redesigns that present Todd in multiple guises and outfits, even to his turn as Robin, with the gloves and the cape.

Joker has some hideous features throughout DC K.O.: Red Hood vs The Joker Issue 1 , especially as Red Hood unleashes his secret weapon. There’s a particular emphasis on teeth, brittle and breaking, which makes the skin crawl. The second round features an onslaught of brutality, with a pummeling and a round-ending moment that is a direct, sensational reference to Death in the Family.

The colors are intriguing because of how they suit the background. In the opening bout, the sky and surroundings are scarlet. This means that Red Hood’s colors are almost the same as what’s behind him, not letting his tones pop. The Joker stands out much more, not letting him hide. But the clown ducks into Ace Chemicals, and the radioactive green suddenly makes him look much more at home.

The vibrancy of both competitors increases as the issue progresses, especially when the yellow and green of Robin’s costume appear. The lettering is terrific, with frequent use of SFX that capture the noise and intensity of the action.

DC K.O.: Red Hood vs The Joker Issue 1 is a revenge story that revels in reminiscing. It’s more than just a single fight within an event. It’s a chance to get payback after decades of trauma and bloodshed. The competitors are forced to fight, so Joker can’t slip away and hide. And it’s great for Red Hood to get this chance, instead of Batman, as he gets the opportunity to avenge himself. The art is spectacular because it not only looks incredible, but turns this round of the tournament into a direct sequel to Jason’s death.

DC K.O.: Red Hood vs. The Joker Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.