RHTO #14
Hoodies, WE ARE BACK FROM SPACE! And it is time to kick back and relax, that is if Superman wasn't knocking on the door. It seems the Man of Steel has something to say to the Outlaws, but what does have to deal with and how are the Outlaws gonna take a lecture from the boy scout in blue tights. Everything leads up to the last few pages which brings us into the DEATH OF THE FAMILY! With a guest artist, our last Rocafort cover, and intense story, this issue marks the beginning of a possible end to Jason Todd, but on to the review.
THE GOOD:
We start off with the gang heading back to Earth and Superman playing Intergalactic space cop. Apparently he has to ask Starfire a really important question. Jason says that there are only three things that make him afraid 1) Something happening to his mother, didnt end well. 2) Not having food, seems pretty legit for a street kid to say. 3) Superman, who can blame you. He is the most overly powered superhero in history, and has the ability to enslave the Earth if he chose to. Now I know Clark has a conscience and everything, but what if he went rogue, or went out of control (Justice League 14 has just come out btw). There is little that could stop him, save a kryptonite bullet. Jason says it perfectly "I dont trust anyone or anything with that amount of power". The gang discuss what they should do, with Isabel being the voice of somewhat reason. But the trio plus one decide to just teleport back to Earth, they are way to far away for Superman to catch up and he wouldnt even know where they would go. So the group teleports back to Starfire's hideaway home, but Supes isnt that dumb and meets them there almost instantaneously. Everyone starts attacking Superman, but to little effect. Roy, once again shows how awesome he is with the only weapon that did the most damage to Supes, with his trick arrows. Kori suggests they actually work as a team, cause frankly it has worked well in the past. They fighting stops when Isabel intervenes and actually makes everyone look pretty foolish. After everyone calms down, Superman explains his visit: it has to deal with Helspont in the Superman Annual. He asks if Kori encountered any Daemonite, which if anyone read she did. The Outlaws realize Superman's dilemma and just tell him to spit out that he needs their help, but Supes explains that it is taking alot just to stop him from apprehending the trio and see that they are charged for the crimes each on of them has committed. He even says that Batman has vouched for him, which is a huge surprise for Jason. He leaves a final word for Jason, that basically it is a shame that Jason chose the path he chose. Jason doesn't particularly care for Clark's assessment and Isabel asks for a ride home. Kori suggests that they try and find Helspont afterwards, and play along with being "heroes". But there is something I found peculiar, Roy's last thought bubble indicates a possible problem he is facing. He says maybe he should ask for their help, before it is too late for all of them. Definitely cryptic. But Roy soldiers on and flies Crux's ship to Isabel's home, in Gotham City no less. Jason says he is going to stay a couple days, and Jason and Isabel have a very passionate scene together. Next we see Jason getting out of the shower, with Isabel laying on the floor, possibly overdosed. Jason freaks out, saying that he would have known if she were an addict, and realizes that someone did this to her. He blames himself for her death, just like he blames himself for his mother's death. He holds her body, and realizes that the weatherman, Jack Napier, is talking to him. He says that Isabel isnt dead and that she will be alright, and that EMT's are on the way, as well as the police. If you havent guessed it, Jack Napier is one of Joker's aliases and he reveals himself to Jason and Jason swears that if she dies that he will kill him.
WHOOO that was intense. Although I felt that the art was inconsistent, Pascal did a really good job with Jason's face and Isabel. Last issue, I felt that Green wasn't a right fit, but I am very torn with this art. The story was great, and I cant wait until next month's issue.
THE BAD:
I can't believe I am saying this, but I sorta miss Green. I mean there were somethings I didn't like about his art, but Pascal was drastically inconsistent. There are some faces here that look incredibly creepy and are just too bad. Kori had a horrible looking face on one of the early pages, and the same with Roy a few pages later. Jason's helmet was also very poorly done, and I was disappointed because I liked Pascal's work in Superman's Annual. Also, Jason's face and Clark's face are too similar. On other other hand, he does draw Isabel alot better that Green has. Finally, I know Lobdell has had to change up his storyline but the solicits indicate that Superman is visitng the Outlaws because of Black Market technology. This was never indicated in the story, and the editors need to realize this. Jason was holding an alien tech weapon, but that could have easily been one of Crux's goodies that was left behind, or even one of Starfire's toys. I also feel that after DOTF, the Outlaws need to stay away from space and aliens for a while. We had alot of that, and I am pleased and ready to move on. I see the Helspont issue as a way to connect some past ties with the Superman series before Lobdell's run and the Superman Annual. It really should be left with Grifter and what not, not Red Hood.
OVERALL:
I gotta admit, I was worried about a Superman guest star, but it paved out really well. I think Lobdell did a great hob setting up for DOTF and Isabel has been used in a way that I am finally very happy and satisfied with. Joker's inital plan has left Jason already thirsty for some blood and with cops knocking down his door, it is going to look like a long night for Jason. This was a really good issue, that was held down with inconsistent art and a little bit of a false advertising (that is not necessarily Lobdell's fault). I definitely recommned this issue to every Hoodie, and to anyone who wants a taste of The Death of the Family!
