Who is the Red Hood (and Scarlet)? SPOILERS from Batman and Robin 1 (2-3 Solicits)

[RonnieThunderbolts]

Over at the DC Message Boards Batman forum the theories of myself and other posters by the handles of mynameistopher, goteamventure2 and morrino have combined to give an educated guess at who the "new" Red Hood is in Batman and Robin, and who the character Scarlet is as well. I figured some of the posters around here would also like to see what we came up with, so here it is.

I posted on this subject here in the "Jason Todd- A Wasted Opportunity" thread as well on the day after Battle for the Cowl 3 came out. I am pretty sure that Jason Todd is once again/still the Red Hood, despite the different appearance. Also, as others have also already guessed, I think Sasha from the end of the first issue of Batman and Robin (the Toad's lackey Niko's daughter who watches on as Professor Pyg does something horrible to her father) is his sidekick in silhouette, and is the "Scarlet" character from solicits.

Here are some of the points that add to the theory's credibility...

In an interview here at CBR Grant Morrison says:

And also, we’ll being seeing Jason Todd in a different role than we’ve seen him before. But it’s a continuation of the “Battle for the Cowl” story

Combine that with another Morrison interview quote

The main villain for the second arc is a character I've wanted to work with for a long time and I think we've come up with a cool new take on his M.O.

If he is indeed referring to Jason as I believe he is, perhaps the new M.O. and different role is that of mentor to Scarlet. He had asked Tim to be his Robin a couple times, and Dick as well in Battle for the Cowl, so it would seem not only likely, but very natural for him.

In the IGN interview with Mike Marts that said the Red Hood would be in Batman and Robin used an image of Jason's old Red Hood duds, although Mr. Marts had this to say:

Well that card there just says Red Hood. We're assuming that Jason may have perished at the end of Battle for the Cowl #3. So don't assume that he's under the hood. We're not sure who is under the hood. All I can say is that Grant is planning a story arc called "The Return of the Red Hood."

Although he tries to obscure the interviewers initial assumption it is Jason, the combination of his words and the Grant Morrison interviews make me more sure than I was from the issue # 3 solicit alone, like I was two weeks ago, that it is indeed Jason Todd.

The hint I refer to in the August solicit for Batman and Robin # 3, the text mentions the Red Hood, and refers to who could possibly/probably be the Red Hood's new sidekick:

The future looks bright for the new Dynamic Duo as they prove themselves in battle, but lurking in the shadows is a mysterious red-hooded vigilante. Also, the origin of Scarlet!

In the issue prior's solicit, issue # 2 in July gives evidence to support the idea that Sasha is this sidekick, Scarlet:

Meanwhile, the mysterious Sasha escapes from Professor Pyg and vows vengeance on the people who killed her father.

I don't mind this at all. If we are correct, I like the direction it could take Jason Todd, and I think the Red Hood and Scarlet as a more hardcore vigilante analogue to Batman and Robin could be a fun dichotomy.

[dreyga2000]

Clap...Clap...:biggrin:

I appauld you and all others in involved in this theory... Usually theories that are posted are built of baseless speculation and pessimistic assumptions... But this it actually well backed and pretty, darn convincing....

I was really wondering about this Red Hood stuff... This helped greatly in queched my curiousity for the moment while fueling my already growing interest...

[AiyokuSama]

It will be interesting, to be sure :)

I'm a little confused on the "new look" myself since dressing as the Bat is one thing, but Jason said he didn't want to wear costumes any more. I wonder how they are going to explain this.

[Name Already Taken]

I would speculate something similar compared to the OP's theory. After rereading B&R today and combining that info from the end with other solicits mentioned before, I would guess it would be definitely possible.

Not to try and threadjack too much, but down the road I would love to see a story with Jason as the Joker's Robin when things stabilize a bit regarding all of the new Bat titles. A kind of ultimate irony in Bruce's face when he does return and retake the mantle he has worn for so many years. Jason is crazy, and I would love to see him playing into Mr J's plans to eff with batman mentally.

I look forward to where Batman and Robin[/I] is going, especially the intro to future rogues for Damian as a future Batman.

[nepenthes]

no offense Ronnie but your theory became pretty obvious as soon as Morrison mentioned outright he was using Jason and an image of Sasha and the Red Hood standing side by side appeared on the dcu blog. It would be a clever bait-and-swith if it turned out not to be true.

I would speculate something similar compared to the OP's theory. After rereading B&R today and combining that info from the end with other solicits mentioned before, I would guess it would be definitely possible.

Not to try and threadjack too much, but down the road I would love to see a story with Jason as the Joker's Robin when things stabilize a bit regarding all of the new Bat titles. A kind of ultimate irony in Bruce's face when he does return and retake the mantle he has worn for so many years. Jason is crazy, and I would love to see him playing into Mr J's plans to eff with batman mentally.

I look forward to where Batman and Robin[/i] is going, especially the intro to future rogues for Damian as a future Batman.

I'm guessing you havn't read Under the Hood? joker was the guy who killed Jason remember. And Tony Daniels hackjob on him in BotC?.....I really doubt any other writers will want to go near that....

[RonnieThunderbolts]

no offense Ronnie but your theory became pretty obvious as soon as Morrison mentioned outright he was using Jason and an image of Sasha and the Red Hood standing side by side appeared on the dcu blog. It would be a clever bait-and-swith if it turned out not to be true.

Why would I be offended? You seem to agree with me. I didn't think it was some top secret thing, but I hadn't seen anyone mention it anywhere here, and at other boards I already saw people speculating that the Red Hood's sidekick was all sorts of other characters aside from Sasha. I just thought it was worth mentioning and sharing for any of those who hadn't made the connections here.

Clearly this is what they want us to think, and the most likely scenario, that is all I meant to say.

[SpideyZERO]

So Scarlet is the daughter of the victim in #1 who will become Red Hood's partner?

I thought she's dead in issue 1 :D

[Name Already Taken]

I'm guessing you havn't read Under the Hood? joker was the guy who killed Jason remember. And Tony Daniels hackjob on him in BotC?.....I really doubt any other writers will want to go near that....

No, that was one of the few arcs about Jason I have read. Regarding my own speculation above, I think Jason is just messed up enough to be Joker's future protege. I jumped off on a tangent with that post, and have no proof whatsoever. Jason is crazy enough to go down a very dark route in light of recent story lines like BfTC. What better way to try and get back at Bruce personally than to become the psychotic sidekick of his worst enemy in the future?

None of what I said ties to the current storyline (other than how meesed up Todd is feeling pushed aside), but I kind of just threw my own two cents in for what I thought was an interesting concept, and something I wouldn't mind seeing down the road. It wasn't meant to be construed as anything concrete or serious storywise. I still think the Red Hood will be Jason from the solicited panels at the end of B&R, maybe with someone related to whatever plot Grant is putting together right now for the Red Hood's sidekick. I wasn't trying to cross wires initially when I wrote my previous post. I was drifting a bit off topic for personal s &g's, that is all.

[AiyokuSama]

I think Jason is just messed up enough to be Joker's future protege.

I just can't see it. I don't think thee is a reasoning out there, that could justify it. Jason Beat Joker within an inch of his life and then had him put back together by veterinarians (because the mob doctors wouldn't touch the Joker) so he could try to manipulate Bruce into killing him, thus showing how much he cared for Jason.

Yes, Todd is messed up, but I don't think it's in a way that could bring about him being the Joker's Robin.

[Retro315]

I agree that it's highly likely that Jason Todd and this girl, Sasha, are the Red Hood and Scarlett. Naturally it's going to be how it's pulled off that seals the deal on awesome idea or lame duck.

But I can definitely get on board with Morrison's train of thought. Red Hood? Scarlet? As if Batman needed more elements from "Robin Hood" added in.

[Violently Apathetic]

I don't mind this at all. If we are correct, I like the direction it could take Jason Todd, and I think the Red Hood and Scarlet as a more hardcore vigilante analogue to Batman and Robin could be a fun dichotomy.

I'm wondering just what Scarlet would have to do to be more hardcore than our current Robin. Bite off the heads of bats?

[Quinnhop]

I'm expecting Sasha's story to play out much like that of the character Shosanna from "Inglorious Basterds".

That is to say...tragically. But, also, quite badass-edly.

[Karl O'Neill]

Nice Theories guys. I look forward to discovering them when reading the issues.

[Will44]

Nice detective work Ronnie! I was curious who this new side kick would be for the Red Hood and Sasha makes a great choice.

Anyone else think that Sasha looks a lot like Stana Katic from Castle?
http://www.abcmedianet.com/showcontent/primetime/castle/castle_i/katic.jpg

Another Photo in a Red Jackt (http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3952708352/nm1065664)

[HopeLantern]

Nice theory. Very, very credible indeed.

This is probably a minor point, but I wonder how they will explain Jason going back to the Red Hood identity in a modified costume, as opposed to just keeping his "Gatman" outfit?

[stillanerd]

I got to say, RonnieThunderbolts, well done. Although I think having Jason Todd be the Red Hood again is too predictable and easy, I do admit the idea of the two former Robins, Dick and Jason, becoming archenemies is a nice angle for Morrison to go down.

And brilliant deduction on the new Sasha character being the Red Hood's sidekick, Scarlet. It would also be interesting if Damien found himself attracted to Scarlet when he and Dick fight what is essentially an "Anti-Batman and Robin."

Still, if the Red Hood is going to be a vigilante-type like Jason Todd was, I do think it would be a neat twist and a nod towards Batman history if he was actually the Joker and that this is another role he's adopted for himself due to Batman's "demise."

[Captain Jim]

I just can't see it. I don't think thee is a reasoning out there, that could justify it. Jason Beat Joker within an inch of his life and then had him put back together by veterinarians (because the mob doctors wouldn't touch the Joker) so he could try to manipulate Bruce into killing him, thus showing how much he cared for Jason.

Yes, Todd is messed up, but I don't think it's in a way that could bring about him being the Joker's Robin.

I agree.

I agree that it's highly likely that Jason Todd and this girl, Sasha, are the Red Hood and Scarlett.

I agree with this too.

Jason has been hadled so badly the last couple years, it looks like they asked Morrison to revamp him. I don't think BFTC will be ignored though; I suspect Jason was written as he was in Battle to prepare the way for this.

[Red_Knight]

Personally, I have no doubt that Jason Todd will (once again) be the Red Hood, and that Sasha from B+R #1 will be his sidekick. Of course, Mike Marts isn't going to give it all away in an interview. It's his job to try and maintain the mystery.

We should take into account that Mike Marts has also been trying to make us believe that Red Robin -- the bo-wielding master dective looking for Bruce Wayne -- might not be Tim Drake, the bo-wielding master detective who does not believe Bruce is dead. I don't think anyone's buying that one. If it looks like a Robin, acts like a Robin, and wears a robin's costume, it's probably a Robin. :tongue:

Given Jason's past as the Red Hood, his well-documented interest in acquiring a sidekick, and, of course, Morrison's statement that Jason would pop up in B+R, I don't think there's any logical reason to assume that this Red Hood will be anyone new. Which is the right call, IMO. I can't to see what G-Mo might have up his sleeve for Jason. The poor dude has been majorly mishandled since Winick brought him back from the grave. Hopefully, G-Mo will be able to end this trend and provide him with a new, interesting direction.

[Quinnhop]

Given Jason's past as the Red Hood, his well-documented interest in acquiring a sidekick, and, of course, Morrison's statement that Jason would pop up in B+R, I don't think there's any logical reason to assume that this Red Hood will be anyone new. Which is the right call, IMO. I can't to see what G-Mo might have up his sleeve for Jason. The poor dude has been majorly mishandled since Winick brought him back from the grave. Hopefully, G-Mo will be able to end this trend and provide him with a new, interesting direction.

I actually loved Judd Winick's take on Jason.

It was Countdown and BftC that ruined him again.

But I agree, if anyone can fix the damages done, it's Morrison.

[Red_Knight]

I actually loved Judd Winick's take on Jason.

I agree! I guess my last post didn't make that clear. What I meant to say is that Jason was mishandled ever since Winick was abruptly booted off the Bat books in the wake of FC.

It was Countdown and BftC that ruined him again.

Countdown I agree with, but I think his treatment in BftC was actually a step in the right direction. And a direction, IMO, is something Jason hasn't really had since way before Countdown.

[Retro315]

I actually loved Judd Winick's take on Jason.

It was Countdown and BftC that ruined him again.

But I agree, if anyone can fix the damages done, it's Morrison.

I agree, and I think that the reason why it damn near has to be Jason Todd under that mask is because frankly, there can be no other reason why he's not appearing in Winnick's book other than "Morrison is using him". What else would trump Winnick's need to use him? There isn't anything.

Anyway, here's Philip Tan's variant cover for "Return of the Red Hood" part 1. It's freaking awesome, although Tan's got to make his head bigger ... it looks pinheaded and unrealistic. That kind of works with Quitely because there's a little more stylistic license, but Tan's stuff is really crisp and contrasty and his head needs to be bigger.

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/992/992100/batman-and-robin-20090605110636053.jpg

Dollotron Scarlet still looks a little hideous, but I figured in the hands of a more standard style artist she'd come off as a little bit freaky-hot.

[Red Lotus]

I got to say, RonnieThunderbolts, well done. Although I think having Jason Todd be the Red Hood again is too predictable and easy, I do admit the idea of the two former Robins, Dick and Jason, becoming archenemies is a nice angle for Morrison to go down.

I like Todd better as a foe for Grayson then Bruce.

[Spiffy]

So Scarlet is the daughter of the victim in #1 who will become Red Hood's partner?

I thought she's dead in issue 1 :D
I think we're going back to the classic "driven insane by grief" plot device.

What's unclear is whether or not she gets one of those doll masky things stuck to her face by Professor Pyg, or if she's wearing some temporary facsimile, or if maybe in a "classic" kind of twist she "does it to herself" in her madness. That last one is the kind of pathos Batman aims for.

[Captain Jim]

I agree! I guess my last post didn't make that clear. What I meant to say is that Jason was mishandled ever since Winick was abruptly booted off the Bat books in the wake of FC.

Countdown I agree with, but I think his treatment in BftC was actually a step in the right direction. And a direction, IMO, is something Jason hasn't really had since way before Countdown.

I agree with Red Knight. But I think you mean IC, not FC, don't you?

[Name Already Taken]

I'm liking Quitely's art, but for me at least, Philip Tan has the covers I want to buy. Nevermind the great differences in style for the title, but I would rather pick up Tan over Frank for the cover. So far, Quitely's renderings are decent for covers while pursuing the popart style of another era, but Tan's are something I admire with the detail. Now Frank put some pretty good lines in for the #3 cover, but it isn't something I would like to purchase, even with the color added to it.

Yes, I know, don't judge a book by its cover and all, but even with the work in the interior panels I still don't think FQ is ready for cover work yet. With the color added his work really stands out (even after one issue) and I can appreciate it, but for a newcomer on a title, the dressing just doesn't click.

[Name Already Taken]

And before I get ragged, it is apples and oranges. I am aware of that. Frank's covers look ugly and overdrawn at first, but grow on you even if you don't like them initially. I fall in this camp, but I will pick up the alternates for this title while they are offered.

[James Conniff]

I like it Ronnie. It just makes so much sense. My first thought when I saw the Red hood image with two pistols in hand and a long back cape was "So Jason is the Red Hood again?" And the girl we saw in issue one being turned into his own personal sidekick as a Dark reflection of Batman and Robin is a great theory. It just fits so damn well.

[Ghost Shark]

So does Grant have a fetish for guys with red bubble helmets or something? ;)

http://comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/9/7723_20051111052415_large.jpg

Looking forward to this a LOT! And I like Tan's take on the Red Hood as well.

[hYPE]

I agree, and I think that the reason why it damn near has to be Jason Todd under that mask is because frankly, there can be no other reason why he's not appearing in Winnick's book other than "Morrison is using him". What else would trump Winnick's need to use him? There isn't anything.

Anyway, here's Philip Tan's variant cover for "Return of the Red Hood" part 1. It's freaking awesome, although Tan's got to make his head bigger ... it looks pinheaded and unrealistic. That kind of works with Quitely because there's a little more stylistic license, but Tan's stuff is really crisp and contrasty and his head needs to be bigger.

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/992/992100/batman-and-robin-20090605110636053.jpg

Dollotron Scarlet still looks a little hideous, but I figured in the hands of a more standard style artist she'd come off as a little bit freaky-hot.

This is Jason Todd? I can see it I suppose. Does anybody think that Tim Drake will be Red Robin?

[dreyga2000]

Does anybody think that Tim Drake will be Red Robin?

Everybody does...

[agentofthebat]

he will be.

[Superbeast]

I have a feeling Sasha will align with Red Hood after Dick and Damian fail to save her from the doll process. They'll both be victims of Batman's failure to protect the future of Gotham from it's current ills so they will appoint themselves the new improved Gotham guardians. I also don't think Pyg will survive this story and Jason will kill him.

[Lemurion]

I think moving Jason to become Dick's arch-enemy is brilliant. It's probably the best use of the character they could have come up with. Especially if Damian is drawn to his crimefighting style as well.

Lots of possibilities - though they would work better if Dick has enough time in the cowl to play some of them out.

[nepenthes]

I have a feeling Sasha will align with Red Hood after Dick and Damian fail to save her from the doll process. They'll both be victims of Batman's failure to protect the future of Gotham from it's current ills so they will appoint themselves the new improved Gotham guardians. I also don't think Pyg will survive this story and Jason will kill him.

you have a feeling? are you sure you didn't just see an image blatantly confirming that, or have you always just been lucky with hunches

[Superbeast]

you have a feeling? are you sure you didn't just see an image blatantly confirming that, or have you always just been lucky with hunches

How they end up paired together has not been confirmed. That's what I'm speculating about. As far as I know the pages for the next 3 issues of B&R haven't been leaked so no, I haven't seen any images confirming exactly how they will end up together. Have you? If so, please feel free to post them up, I'm always game to see uninked pages of future issues. Please, where is this image that confirms exactly what happens to Pyg and where Red Hood first meets and talks to Sasha? I'd really like to see it.

Next time how about keeping your wiseass remarks to yourself or alternatively add something constructive to the thread if that is something you are capable of doing.

[Spiffy]

This is Jason Todd? I can see it I suppose. Does anybody think that Tim Drake will be Red Robin?
Nope! Zero! Zilch. Nobody. :tongue: :rolleyes: :biggrin:

I think moving Jason to become Dick's arch-enemy is brilliant. It's probably the best use of the character they could have come up with.
I dunno. The other side of that argument is that making Jason his Arch-enemy is ultimately kind of predictable. And it gets back to that whole wacka-doo "why did that idiot Tim let him out of jail (or was it the nuthouse?)" thing. I mean that never tracked for me. Did we ever get to see Dick and Tim argue about that?

you have a feeling? are you sure you didn't just see an image blatantly confirming that, or have you always just been lucky with hunches
To be honest, that seems to be a pretty bad habit by a lot of people on boards like this. They see something and agree with it, but communicate that as "I have a hunch" or "I have a feeling" or worst of all, "it occurs to me". Seeming like they are claiming to have spontaneously invented the theory (often right in a topic with dozens of people already discussing it), even though they mean no such thing. No sense in cutting down any one person too hard about it, because it happens constantly. It just seems to be an awkward way of indicating someone's guts approve of a current theory.

[Superbeast]

To be honest, that seems to be a pretty bad habit by a lot of people on boards like this. They see something and agree with it, but communicate that as "I have a hunch" or "I have a feeling" or worst of all, "it occurs to me". Seeming like they are claiming to have spontaneously invented the theory (often right in a topic with dozens of people already discussing it), even though they mean no such thing. No sense in cutting down any one person too hard about it, because it happens constantly. It just seems to be an awkward way of indicating someone's guts approve of a current theory.

Dude, until the issue is out there is no confirmation Jason is back as the Red Hood, Pyg's fate or exactly what motivates Sasha to join him. It's all speculation and that's what I'm doing, speculating about what's likely to happen in the next few issues. If it's all out in the open outside of the DC offices and I'm just way behind on things, let me know. I've not seen any pages depicting Pyg's death, Red Hood taking his dome off or the speech box overlays as Sasha is being sold the idea of being a sidekick personally myself.

[Captain Jim]

Let's keep it nice, okay people?

[dreyga2000]

I severly doubt that Pyg will die especially after Grant's blurb about trying to add more Batman Villains into the playground.... Nor any of the members of the circus of strange....

[MarsHottentot]

I severly doubt that Pyg will die especially after Grant's blurb about trying to add more Batman Villains into the playground.... Nor any of the members of the circus of strange....

Add to that the fact that Pyg is 99% likely to be the Professor Pyg who meets a gruesome demise at the hands of... The Third Batman / Azrael 2? Jason Todd? Tim Drake?... in Batman #666 and it's a safe bet he's not going anywhere for a while.

I'd like to point out the fact that because BOTH Quitely and Tan depict Red Hood as having a bizarrely small dome - too small to fit a human skull into - that that can't be an accident. There's something to that.

I still think it's Jason Todd, but not exactly as we expected him to be.

[jinxit]

Hmmmmm interesting, It could be Jason Todd but I'm leaning more to Doctor Thomas Elliot aka Hush

[AJM]

Hmmmmm interesting, It could be Jason Todd but I'm leaning more to Doctor Thomas Elliot aka Hush

????????????????????????????

[Sn4tcH]

????????????????????????????

Well... Tommy Elliot did have red hair. :biggrin: