Nightwing is undoubtedly one of the most beloved superheroes within the DC Universe, with one notable exception—Red Hood. Jason Todd, the first boy to assume the Robin mantle after Dick Grayson, has revealed the reason behind his animosity toward the hero he once aspired to become, shedding light on the origins of one of the Bat-Family’s most entertaining rivalries.
Batman and Robin #25 by Judd Winick, Greg Tocchini, and Andy Smith delves deeper into the strained relationship between Dick and Jason, as they, along with Robin Damian Wayne, join forces to rescue Red Hood’s recently kidnapped sidekick, Scarlet. This storyline sees Dick assuming the Batman mantle, adding a unique twist to the dynamics between him and Jason.
Despite their shared goal of rescuing Scarlet, the team-up is anything but friendly, with the animosity between the two further underscored in Red Hood’s internal monologue, where he admits to hating Nightwing due to Dick’s Bruce Wayne-pleasing tendencies.
As Jason and Dick fight alongside each other, Jason’s internal monologue unveils his belief that Dick could surpass Bruce as Batman due to the rage and anger within Dick that Bruce lacks. Continuing his thoughts, Red Hood remarks that Dick is attempting to emulate Bruce too closely, striving to be “the good son.” He then adds, “Man, I hate him,” revealing he hates the beloved hero because of his relentless pursuit of goodness as he tries to live up to the idealized image of the son and hero that Dick believes Batman would want him to be.
This internal monologue not only provides insight into Jason’s feelings towards Dick but also offers intriguing revelations about Jason’s character. In particular, the disdain with which Red Hood speaks about Dick appears more akin to jealousy. For example, much of Jason’s monologue revolves around his wish for Dick to descend to his level and allow his inner anger to consume him, mirroring Jason’s own struggles. Moreover, Jason’s pointed remark about Dick being “the good son” hints at his envy, suggesting that Jason views himself as the antithesis of what a good son should be.
In addition to Winick’s tenure in the 2009-2011 Batman and Robin run, Red Hood and Nightwing have encountered countless instances of conflict, such as the Nightwing: Brothers in Blood arc by Bruce Jones, Joe Dodd, and Paco Diaz, where Jason masquerades as Nightwing and embarks on a killing spree that tarnishes Dick’s reputation. Additionally, in Batman: Battle for the Cowl by Tony S. Daniel, Jason and Dick clash over the Batman cowl following Bruce’s presumed death. These narratives vividly depict the highly antagonistic, often hostile, and entirely entertaining dynamic between Nightwing and Red Hood.
Batman and Robin #25 is available now from DC Comics.