18 years later, a single Red Hood line remains Jason Todd’s defining moment in comics. Die-hard fans are likely familiar with this quote, which encapsulates the heartache and betrayal between Batman and his second Robin that readers have come to associate with their dynamic. Its profound impact led to its inclusion in DC’s animated universe, cementing its significance in the comic publisher’s history.
Judd Winick’s Batman: Under the Red Hood is not only one of the most iconic Bat-Family-centric narratives but also one of the best DC Comics of all time. As such, it’s no surprise that fans will find a treasure trove of memorable dialogue, including a quote that has become a defining aspect of Jason Todd’s character and one of his best moments in his comics discography.
This particular quote comes from Batman #650 and marks the climax of the ongoing conflict between Batman and Red Hood when Jason demands Batman tell him why the Joker is still alive even after the clown murdered him.
“I’m Not Talking About Killing Cobblepot and Scarecrow or Clayface, Not Riddler or Dent… I’m Talking About Him. Just Him. And Doing It Because… Because He Took Me Away From You.”
Jason Todd Speaking to Batman in Under the Red Hood About Joker
To answer Jason’s question about why the Clown Prince of Crime is still alive, Batman admits that he did want to kill Joker after he murdered Jason. However, he couldn’t bring himself to cross that line because it would be too easy, and he could “never come back” from such a sin. Jason is unimpressed with this answer and tearfully argues, “I’m not talking about killing Cobblepot and Scarecrow or Clayface, not Riddler or Dent… I’m talking about him. Just him. And doing it because… Because he took me away from you.” Thus, one of the greatest lines in comic history was born, simultaneously ripping out the hearts of tens of thousands of fans.
What makes this line so profoundly powerful is the raw emotion imbued in it. Despite being printed dialogue, the reader can almost hear Jason’s voice breaking when he says, “Because he took me away from you.” This dialogue reveals a hurting little boy crying out to his father, who he feels has abandoned and betrayed him, rather than an emerging crime lord. Hence, giving readers a complete perspective change when it comes to who the Red Hood is. Additionally, the sheer amount of emotions—anger, hurt, confusion, and the need for retribution—that Winick conveys in such a short sentence makes it a masterpiece.
Related
DC Just Undermined 19 Years of Red Hood Character Development with 2 Words
After 19 years of applause-worthy character development, DC Comics has reduced Red Hood to his most superficial traits with just two words.
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Batman: Under the Red Hood’s Jason Todd Is the Character’s Purest and Truest Form in Comics (& Will Never Be Topped)
Image Is Jock’s Main Cover For Batman Annual #25
The emotional depth of this line marks it as Red Hood’s best moment in comics, as it establishes the core motivations of his character—his pain and confusion at not being avenged by his father. It introduces a central struggle for Jason: reconciling the two different versions of Bruce he perceives—the father who gave him a home and purpose, and the stranger who seemingly never cared about him since his murderer still walks the earth. This moment is unparalleled, depicting Red Hood at his purest and truest form, and will never be topped, as the past 18 years have proven.
Batman: Under the Red Hood TP is available now from DC Comics!
BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD TP (2011) | |
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Red Hood
Jason Todd is a complex figure known for his tumultuous journey as Batman’s second Robin. Initially impulsive and rebellious, he’s resurrected after a tragic death, becoming the vigilante Red Hood. Armed with intense combat skills and a moral ambiguity, he challenges Batman’s methods, navigating a path between heroism and anti-heroism in Gotham’s unforgiving streets.
