Calling Red Hood (Jason Todd) and Batman’s relationship complicated barely covers it. It took years for him to stop hating Bruce for not killing Joker after he murdered him (Batman: A Death in the Family). Then, when Jason went legit after becoming the Red Hood, Batman had doubts. He wasn’t sure if Jason would stop killing criminals. During the Red Hood and the Outlaws: Dark Trinity, Batman was proven wrong.
Jason had multiple opportunities to kill Black Mask and let him live. Some of it was because Jason didn’t want to prove his critics right. There was also the idea that he knew killing Black Mask makes him no better than the other villains in Gotham City. It would have felt good, but not worth it.
Towards the end of Issue No. 6, Batman asks Jason what happened to Black Mask. Red Hood is cryptic but says he didn’t kill him. Jason goes on to say that Batman’s method sucks (his words). Bruce asked what he meant. Jason said, “...all your law-and-order crap.” Batman couldn't help but laugh. That’s when Bruce brings up a point that people forget. Batman breaks the law all the time.
"The world might have enough just enough heroes, Jason. Maybe we can do with a few outlaws." -Bruce Wayne to Jason Todd.
Bruce says, "Jason. I break into private property without a warrant and beat people up. Almost every night. What about that sounds like law and order to you?" Jason asks if he’s okay with him not being Batman. Bruce says, “There’s already a Batman. We’re good.” After that, Jason says he has one more question. He asks if Bruce is hungry. And just like the first night they met, Jason and Bruce sat on the Batmobile and ate hamburgers.
There are plenty of heartwarming moments with Batman and his family. This is only one of them. Stay tuned to Caped Crusades as we explore them.
What other moments most from Batman, his family, and his enemies would you like to hear about? Email us at entertainment@fansided.com