Product Description

Years ago, the Dark Knight suffered his greatest ever defeat...when the Joker killed Jason Todd, the second young man to adopt the identity of Robin. Now, a new player has entered Gotham's underworld: the 'Red Hood'. Fearless, expert in combat, armed with high-tech gadgets...he could almost be Batman himself, except for one crucial difference - the Red Hood is a killer. Blazing a trail through street dealers, superpowered heavies and crime lords alike, the Red Hood looks to be a major power in the making. Now, Batman must discover the identity of this mysterious newcomer, while continuing his own war on crime. But is the Dark Knight ready for the shocking truth?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18369 in Books
• Published on: 2006-01-23
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

About the Author
Judd Winick is one of comics' rapidly-ascending stars, having written for such titles as Detective Comics, Exiles, Green Arrow and Outsiders. Doug Mahnke has pencilled Superman: Man of Steel and Allens: Stronghold. He is now the regular artist on JLA.

Customer Reviews

Meh
Something about this just didn't work for me. Actually not much worked at all. I'm not great at reviewing something I didn't enjoy so this may sound a little contrived but Under The Hood really left me dissapointed.

If I compare it to my other Batman Novels, that is Year One, Long Halloween, Dark Knight Returns and Killing Joke, it simply doesn't hold a candle. Whereas those four little gems had me flipping through the pages in eager anticipation to find out the conclusion of each individual tale, Under The Hood felt like a chore.

It doesn't help that the artwork is pretty much is amongst the most generic and uninspired I've seen in a Graphic Novel. Not that the artwork it and of itself is bad per se but it's really just the same style as any number of bottem shelf monthly comics from your local newsagent. Compared to something like Road to Perdition or 300 or Sin City the artwork isn't nearly original enough to garner comment neither is it as beautiful as that found in The Killing Joke or The Long Halloween. Its just kind of...dull.

On another down note the story ain't up to much. I guessed who the Red Hood was before I even ordered the book and I was right. That said even if I wasn't the reader finds out several chapters before Batman removing any sense of surprise or climax.

This is a case of me not really knowing what all the fuss is about. This is pretty standard comic book filler. One reviewer refered to it as the start of a new era. If so it's not one I really want to explore further. Maybe V.2 is a the puppies glands but I'm not going to bother to check it out.

New Era!
The introduction of a new criminal !
Basically, Batman comes up against a new villan, who has modelled himself on the Jokers red hood. This guy however, goes after both the villans of Gotham, and crosses path with Batman when he starts killing them. The identity of the Red Hood, is a huge shock to Batman, and raises further questions.
This is a new chapter in the the Batman saga, and a brilliant story has been laid in motion. DC comics have done well recently, with the introduction of Hush as well as this new criminal, spicing up the stories even more.
The story and graphics are solid, and this book is a must buy, not just beacause of the great story, but because it hails a new era in Gotham!

Go on, hug a hoodie
An entertaining and well illustrated story. Best read after a Death in the Family as there are some nice little parallels. You see the ending coming a mile off but that doesn't mar your enjoyment. Good value too.