There are two ways to look at being second. The optimists see it as first runner-up, the glass half full. The pessimists see it as half empty. In the comic world, “second” often carries its own weight. Early second printings were simply minor tweaks such as a different border or a stamp, but over time they evolved into opportunities for remarkable variant covers. In some cases, these second printings have even eclipsed the value of their originals.
Graphic novels have risen as the preferred way to experience a story arc or mini-series. There is no waiting weeks for the next issue. No fragile handling is required, and no bags or boards are needed. Readers get instant gratification with a complete story in around a hundred pages. They can serve as anthologies of ashcan or debut pages, or compile serialized issues into a cohesive narrative that can be enjoyed from start to finish.
Batman first cleared the streets of gang activity in the 1999 one-shot Batman: The Hill, written by Christopher Priest (Black Panther) and artist Shawn Martinbrough (Thief of Thieves).
Red Hood: The Hill brings Jason Todd, the Red Hood, back to his old neighborhood. He returns to protect The Hill from resurging threats, reconnect with old friends, and forge new alliances. Korlee’s son has taken up his father’s former operations under the guise of legitimate business, prompting a group of local vigilantes to rise in defense. They are guided by a mysterious elder, Ms. Ahsha, who bears a deliberate resemblance to Toni Morrison and may have ties to either the League of Shadows or the Court of Owls.
The narrative moves between Batman’s past, Red Hood’s personal history, and The Hill’s uncertain future. Old villains resurface and disappear, allies lend a hand, and the residents struggle to survive each day. Central to the story is the tension between Dana Harlowe, who leads the vigilantes as Strike, and her twin sister Denise, an investigative reporter and community activist. Dana’s methods clash with Denise’s vision of protection, while Jason Todd navigates his own dark history and guides the new generation.
The second printing of Red Hood: The Hill cements its place within the larger Batman canon. It captures the complex intersection of past regrets, the pursuit of redemption, and the consequences that ripple through the community. For Jason Todd, The Hill embodies all that duality.
Even for readers unfamiliar with the backstory, this graphic novel stands on its own. Martinbrough’s storytelling, paired with Tony Akin’s and Sanford Greene’s striking art, with inks by Stefano Guadiano and Shawn, offers a gripping narrative steeped in lore yet accessible to newcomers.
Easter eggs for long-time DC fans are abundant but never overwhelm the story’s central heart. This is a story about a community fighting for survival, a hero confronting his past, and a future still being written.
Red Hood: The Hill is available now online and at local comic book shops. It is a must-read for fans of Red Hood, Gotham, and layered, community-driven storytelling.
