Friday, September 27, 2019

Short Review: Red Hood (and the) Outlaw(s) #38

The X-Men gag on the cover was cute.

SPOILERS AHEAD

It feels like too much is being crammed into this issue at a breakneck speed. While previous arcs had sections where the story felt rushed (usually the endings) this seems like it's more than an editorial mandate. Both Devour and Doomed have short origins told although we really don't learn much about Devour himself. Just that Lex Luthor thinks their alike, there's still no sign of the romantic side hinted at in the Rocafort character design/description.

If it felt disjointed in this issue I'm worried about the rest of the arc since we still have other students to explore. Caden/Vessel still hasn't appeared since the Annual. Maybe there are too many students to properly fit into this.

The long overdue closure to the Ma Gunn bottle plot is underway. I have to admit I'm more than a little annoyed with Bizarro for this one. Previously Gunn seemed to be aware of the fact she was trapped when she asked Willis (was it really him?) for help. Now she thinks she's stuck because of a sudden fear of the outside? That might be a mistake or it might mean being there really messed with her head.

Artemis is far more forgiving with Bizarro than she was with smart Bizarro. Sure he can't remember what he did but it makes me worried that she'll let him slip up. I'm disappointed that we haven't seen much (maybe the Jason jab and Bizarro mentioning Jason teaching him morals) evidence of them missing him.

Jason's teaching methods are interesting especially when you consider his history. His brief "mentorship" with Damian was either a partnership (unclear since we don't see him give Jason Intel) or Jason doing all the actual research for him. Other than providing information he didn't get involved with the team, he never interfered. With Duella he knew he couldn't trust her but was willing to cut her some slack. When Jason was Robin everyone told him how he should proceed. Nothing was good enough and he just wanted to be himself when Batman was trying to make him into someone else. (Which Dick confirmed in the 2nd annual of this volume.)

So no, he's not going to tell them how to behavior or attempt to order them around, especially when their not even listening to him. Jason will let them learn by experience. They questioned his methods right off the bat hence a sparring match. They rush into battle and don't want to work together? He'll see how long it takes them to realize their not in danger.

I don't think there's any actual problem with his parental instincts although I find it funny that Shay does. The woman that pretty much told Jason she was morally grey is concerned about the guy that's literally there because he's worried about the students.

Did they do a Bamf twist (from X-Men) with Pup Pup? I don't know if I'd like that or not. The idea has techically been around for awhile with Pup Pup speaking to Bizarro as his conscience. Presumably he was a creation of Bizarro's mind. Which makes me think he might be the "smart" part Bizarro lost given form. He tested his theory for how to free Ma Gunn and assumes she's fine. Still he could also be from an alternate dimension. Remember that Outlaws comic Ma Gunn read that featured Pup Pup? Or him being part of the team in Bizarro's mind? It has been foreshadowed.

I didn't hate this but it wasn't one of my favorite issues.



Say What?: Really Artemis? You haven't seen Jason in months and you still gotta throw shade?

"World class eavesdropper."



Questions Asked?: How much does Shay know about Jason? Last issue he didn't tell her who he really was. But she still knew he had used the pit? Jason never questioned that? Now she knows his first name? He hasn't tood anyone his name since they met. I feel like I'm missing sections of the story.

Who was at the door? Caden should be inside already and I'd assume Lex Luthor could get there by other means.

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