DC K.O.: RED HOOD VS. THE JOKER #1 (DC COMICS)
The fate of the DCU will be in one person’s hands. It will not be given. The title will be earned through combat.
Darkseid is coming. After creating the Absolute Universe, the former lord of Apokolips wants more. It was revealed an Absolute Champion must be crowned to face off against the upcoming evil. This is no easy task. Heroes and villains have now been put into a deadly tournament. As it progresses, the challenges do not get easier. The latest round presents quite the showdown.
On one side is the most polarizing Robin in the history of the DCU. Jason Todd’s legacy is forever connected to one evil entity. Opposing him is the Clown Prince Of Crime responsible for Todd’s original death amongst other horrific acts.
DC K.O.: RED HOOD VS. THE JOKER #1 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Dustin Nguyen, Mark Morales, John Kalisz & Steve Wands (DC Comics) continues its’ “All Fight Month” movement.
Let’s get ringside for all the action.
DC K.O.: RED HOOD VS. THE JOKER #1 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Dustin Nguyen, Mark Morales, John Kalisz & Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
To say this fight is personal is a grave understatement. From the opening page, this point never escapes readers thoughts. The psychological scars are very evident as this fight begins. Snyder and Williamson play into this factor with unwavering drive. Todd’s inner monologue conveys the insanity behind his opponent. This steals some thunder away from a close victory. Watching the lengths Todd goes to makes an argument of how dangerous this fight is, even if he finds a way to survive.
As with all K.O. match-ups like this, the 2nd rounds allow creative teams to run with chances. Having Todd revert back to his Robin persona is a wild scenario to watch. This scenario recreates one of the most infamous Batman stories of all time. Fitting for the match-up but leaves more of a reflection of Todd’s avenging. The outcome is an exorcism to a certain degree. It gives some closure to one aspect, but how will it play long-term is the question. The third round redefines what Todd sees himself in. Watching his explanation of the Red Hood persona is extremely well-done. It leads into the closing round with much more behind it. Readers watch as the ending is more therapeutic. This issue surprises more than expands on the tourney. It was a refreshing change of pace that should strike a chord with the audience in between the chaos.
Art duties are split up between Camuncoli & Nguyen for this chapter. Nguyen takes the majority of the book’s images. Both let loose on the violence within moments of starting. The two page opening splash starts events with a dangerous stand-off. Bullets are flying fast as the two go for the kill. There are many unapologetic panels on display. Readers watch as Todd goes to work on exorcising demons. The blindness by design comes back to haunt. Their final moments at ACE Chemicals proves costly with a series of excellent two-page splashes. This proves to be a solid pivoting point into the latter and deeper rounds.
The second round (led by Camuncoli) will have fans buzzing about what unfolds. Watching the re-enactment of Todd’s Robin era presents a deeper rooted theme surrounding his character. No matter how one looks at it, this is his most memorable moment of a character. Seeing the anger pour off his face is prime example why. The reimaging pushes into the definitive round of the fight. A full page view of Jason choosing his final form is complimented by a string of non-stop spreads. The panels blend to usher in a brutal eight lifted. Seeing the painful demons leave results in a quiet yet stoic finish. The panels provide a full circle event which one character sorely needed. Even if the final full page might seem an easy resolve, it takes nothing away form the impact caused through combat.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
The most personal and brutal fight in DC K.O. delivers a surprising combo of drama and self-reflection. Snyder and Williamson address ghosts of the past while fighting in the present. The art teams escort readers through the many sides of Jason Todd to a stunning conclusion. How this ends provides a thunderous finish that shouldn’t be passed on for NCBD!
Let me know your thoughts on DC K.O.: RED HOOD VS. THE JOKER #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
