Fanlore:Featured Article Archives/2023: Week 39
Jason Todd is a Batman character known as the second Robin and later as the modern Red Hood.
Originally created to succeed Dick Grayson as Robin, Batman's sidekick, Jason was ultimately killed off in the storyline 1988 A Death in the Family. Several years later, Jason returned as the murderous criminal Red Hood in the 2005 storyline Under the Hood; ever since he has remained active as a villain or antihero, in the comics and in various media adaptations.
Many would agree that the 2010 animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood is the catalyst for Jason's rise in popularity among the general public, as well as kick-starting a fresh following of newer fans. For a character whose death was voted on by fans, Jason has gone on to make high-profile appearances in various forms of media outside of comics, including television series and video games. His character as the reincarnated Red Hood has attracted a robust fanbase, and thusly has become a fan favourite in the DC fandom.
In response to Jason's story, fan works often explore topics related to trauma, morals, and family dynamics. Although his characterisation in the fandom can vary widely due to contradictions and inconsistencies in different canon materials, the majority of fan works revolve around Jason's relationships with Bruce Wayne and the Batfamily.