REVIEW: Dexter deserves more in ‘Red Hood and the Outlaws: Rebirth #1′
To sum it all up..
One way or another, Jason “Red Hood” Todd is definitely a fan favorite probably due to his anti-hero persona and/or his extreme methods of handling justice to his targets, to the conundrum of the Dark Knight whenever they meet and even confront one another. Scott Lobdell and the ever improving Filipino artist Dexter Soy go further […]
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Posted
July 27, 2016 by Paul Ramos
FULL REVIEW
One way or another, Jason “Red Hood” Todd is definitely a fan favorite probably due to his anti-hero persona and/or his extreme methods of handling justice to his targets, to the conundrum of the Dark Knight whenever they meet and even confront one another. Scott Lobdell and the ever improving Filipino artist Dexter Soy go further to explain why these dark crusaders are at odds in the first place in the continuing DC REBIRTH phenom that is RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS REBIRTH #1.
Scott applies the non-linear narrative approach to explore and explain Todd’s beginnings that are basically a rehash of the previous Red Hood/Second Robin’s rise, fall and yes, rebirth prior the Flashpoint moment. Even the inclusion of the controversial and infamous Bat-event DEATH IN THE FAMILY is retold and tries to fit the new continuity, particularly The New 52 schema (proof, the new Batman costume shows the present situation). Well, Scott is everything but innovative and creative. To make things more interesting, his brand of storytelling remains the same as usual–plenty of thought balloons in many pages to emphasize Todd’s trust issues with the Caped Crusader. It is evident that Todd still wants to prove himself, but Scott’s way of delivering and executing his script and breakdowns is essentially nothing thought provoking nor worth retelling at all.
The true illuminating force in this issue is basically Dexter Soy. On the personal level, I admire Soy’s patience to Scott’s overall average script. Soy’s interiors speak volume of transcending the writer’s so-so writing style in making this one a visual treat, particularly his intricate and highly detailed illustrations of the Gotham skyline and background, plus Batman and Red Hood’s respective headquarters. And, his execution of the sequential paneling makes reading Scott’s nigh corny deliveries bearable, if not manageable. In short, Soy deserves a better writer!
However, some of the colors spoil some of Soy’s excellent interiors, especially some of the faces that are felt so pale to look upon. And to add insults to injuries, where are the Outlaws like Star Fire and Red Arrow/Arsenal? Oh Scott!
Red Hood and the Outlaws Rebirth #1 really showcases the ever increasing artistic execution of Dexter Soy. I would even argue that he practically do the heavy lifting to make this issue something worth your time and savings, aside from tackling the roots of Todd’s odds with his former master. The rest is basically an average read.
