Red Hood / Arsenal #6 “Punchline!”
Written by: Scott Lobdell
Art by: Denis Medri
Colors by: Blond
Cat’s TidBits: We are obviously wondering if Joker’s Daughter truly in fact killed Arsenal. They wouldn’t do that though, right? Kill off the main character? This issue will basically clear that important information up. Red Hood / Arsenal #6 continues the storyline of the gang of misfits who are trying to hunt down Jason and Roy. We expect to see the continuation of Red Hood and Arsenal leaving Gotham and going back to their Rent-A-Bat duties, but that comes to a halt again.
I basically caught up in reading this comic book to this current issue in a couple of hours and although there were some parts that made me laugh out loud, I also had to come to the realization that this comic book is lacking just a little more of that oomph that makes a comic book go from ‘Well, that was good’ to “Oh my gosh, that was so good!’ I have to agree with Josh’s review on Red Hood / Arsenal #5 (Review), when he mentions that Lobdell is the Michael Bay when it comes to these amazing characters that are lacking their potential when we read them. Get it together, just saying.
For me, I am actually loving the whole ‘bros’ portrayal that Jason and Roy have. I don’t know if it’s because it’s the way that I talk and I understand their lingo or because I secretly want to be part of their bromance. Either way, I don’t have to be convinced that they are so in love with each other, but with that being said, maybe Lobdell needs to focus on the storyline rather than convincing us at every panel that they are ‘bros’. Seriously though, thumbs up if you would totally be that kid that plays a “prank from a dorm somewhere” and call 555-RED-ARSE to Rent-A-Bat [Red Hood / Arsenal #3].
Let’s get to the reason why we’re here though. Picking up from where Joker’s daughter makes her grand entrance with her colorful attire, we are now heading into unmarked territory. Bad Jokes. I guess I’ll let it slide though, since technically the Joker makes jokes all the time, but he always had that mysterious attitude where you think, ‘Really Joker… but what are you planning though?’ I don’t second guess myself when I am reading her jokes and assume that she has this amazing hidden plan along, but I guess that’s the punchline. Ha, get it? I’m just glad we’re done with that Underbelly villain and we now have Joker’s daughter to focus on. I really like her character, but I would also wish she wasn’t so young. Joker is supposed to have this evilness about himself and if I can count the many times that I would have thought about how his daughter would turn on to be, she would not be my first choice. Am I the only that’s thinking that? Guess it is so we can keep referring to how Jason sees himself in her and the battles that Roy is still struggling himself.
I don’t want to say too much and give away the entire story, but I will say one thing. Lobdell attempted to redeem himself by coming up with a better storyline than the last few issues with Underbelly. Can we just agree to disagree that Underbelly was a lame character, hate to keep bringing him up, but really.
*Warning: Spoilers Ahead*
The Good:
You have a small moment within this issue where Jason talks about his time with Batman and I have to admit, I almost, almost, shed a tear. Oh, and also this. (Click at your own risk!)
ARSENAL ISN’T DEAD,WOOHOO! I think we knew that wasn’t going to happen though.
The Bad:
The art is really getting to me. At times, I really enjoy it. Then I start paying attention a little closely and their faces look like cartoons! I know this was mentioned in a past review, but yeah. I don’t like it. Especially when their hair looks on point all the time, let’s get their faces to look a little more like how awesome their hair usually looks. Just me?
Recommended If:
- You’re so digging the bromance and secretly wish you were part of their squad.
- If you like Joker’s Daughter… with good and bad jokes baggage.
- Red Hood and Arsenal, must I say more?
Overall: I had fun reading this issue and I actually am excited to see what Joker’s Daughter will bring to the table, let’s see what #7 has in store for us now. What do I expect? More bromance and more jokes. Hopefully funny ones this time.
Score: 6/10
