Red Hood’s Most Controversial Look Takes a Turn for the Worse

WARNING: This article contains potential spoilers related to Robin’s storyline in DC’s Lex and the City #1!

When it comes to the Bat-Family, few members are discussed as much for their fashion choices as Red Hood. Known for his ever-evolving and often questionable attire, Jason Todd adds a new look that somehow makes even his notorious pill-head costume seem somewhat more palatable—a noteworthy achievement in costume design.

In To Live and Date in Gotham, part of DC’s 2025 Valentine’s Special—Lex and the City—written by Brendan Hay and illustrated by Stephen Byrne, this anthology features beloved characters navigating various romance-themed adventures. This particular story centers around Damian Wayne as he seeks dating advice from his older brother, Tim Drake.

DC's Lex and the City #1 Robins Red Hood

In a series of comedic events, Tim guides Damian through an elaborate practice date aimed at impressing Flatline. To enhance the experience and prepare for unexpected situations, Tim orchestrates a scenario where the waiter spills water on Damian’s lap. This waiter, however, is none other than Red Hood himself, hilariously adding to the evening’s entertainment while dressed in a ludicrous outfit.

Jason Todd’s New Red Hood Look: A Bizarre Blend of His and Joker’s Original Styles

Cover by Guillem March for Batman and Robin #23 (2011)

As the practice date unfolds, Jason is outfitted in an outfit that includes his iconic Red Hood helmet— a design that has been a staple from his debut in Judd Winick and Doug Mahnke’s Batman: Under the Red Hood and continued through various runs of Red Hood and the Outlaws. The absurdity peaks as he pairs the classic helmet with a typical waiter’s uniform, complete with a bright red bow tie that echoes the color of his hood. This combination results in an outfit that could arguably rival his infamous pill-head look from the Batman and Robin series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely.

What makes Jason’s attire in To Live and Date in Gotham particularly amusing is its resemblance to the original Red Hood costume worn by none other than the Joker. Fans familiar with both characters know that Joker initially donned the Red Hood mantle, complete with a pill-shaped helmet and a classic three-piece suit and bow tie, mirroring Jason’s current farcical ensemble. Essentially, this outfit stands as a hybrid of Jason’s early Red Hood attire and Joker’s first iteration.

Sure, the Pill-Head and Waiter Looks Are Bad, But This Red Hood Design Takes the Cake

Cover by Howard Porter for Red Hood / Arsenal #6 (2015)

Red Hood Arsenal #6 mask with lips and nose

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Cover by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cam Smith, and Dean White for Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 (2016)

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 Artemis Bizarro

While Byrne’s waiter-themed Red Hood costume may not aim for genuine seriousness, it serves as a reminder of how iconic Jason’s original helmet, designed by Mahnke, remains. This helmet has been pivotal in defining Jason’s character for many years, despite the current style featuring a half-mask that covers only part of his face—a look that is undeniably cool in its own right. However, the return of the classic Red Hood design, complete with the iconic helmet, would be a thrilling development for fans.

DC’s Lex and the City #1 is currently available from DC Comics!

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