I’m Convinced That DC’s Best Hero/Villain Rivalry Is This One Everyone Forgets (& You Can’t Change My Mind)

I am utterly convinced that DC has forgotten about its best ‘hero’/villain rivalry—Red Hood and Black Mask—given how little they utilize the two characters. While some might consider this a controversial choice for the top spot in ‘DC’s best rivalry,’ I firmly believe there is no better pair. Jason and Roman’s interactions are some of the most chemistry-filled and funniest in comics, and they are long overdue for a return.

I first fell in love with the dynamic between Roman Sionis and Jason Todd after reading Judd Winick’s Batman: Under the Red Hood, and I’ve been obsessed with their interactions ever since. In my opinion, no other two characters can match the antagonistic chemistry and banter shared between Red Hood and Black Mask.

Their dynamic is unparalleled, with an engaging balance of wit and hostility that has made me a fan forever. In the following sections, I will delve deeper into why their UtRH dynamic is the best, exploring key moments and interactions that highlight their unique relationship.

Black Mask and Red Hood Have an Unbeatable Chemistry That Makes Them Infinitely Entertaining

One of my absolute favorite aspects of Under the Red Hood is the banter between Black Mask and Jason; there is nothing quite like it. I have yet to find another comic that matches the wit and quips exchanged between these two. A standout moment is when Jason calls Roman after stealing one of his shipments, and Roman greets him with, “Just talk, I’m listening. But when I say ‘I’m listening,’ I’m also thinking about killing you.” This line is not only one of the funniest in the history of comics but also showcases the unique dynamic between these characters.

However, Jason isn’t to be overlooked in this scene, as he gives as good as he gets, taunting Roman in a way that is both badass and hilariously absurd. I particularly enjoyed when Jason initially asked what he could call Sionis, throwing out names like “Mr. Mask” and “Blackie.” Jason’s audacious demand for fifty million dollars to return the shipment he had stolen from Sionis was another entertaining move, prompting Mask’s great line: “Fifty? What, you trying to budget a movie?” These examples illustrate how the characters bounce off each other, resulting in an unprecedentedly entertaining story and dynamic.

Their Conflict Relies on Good Ol’ Storytelling Rather Than Shock Value

One of the things I most applaud Winick for in Under the Red Hood is keeping the conflict between Black Mask and Red Hood refreshingly simple. Beyond the characters themselves, the story is a classic crime boss versus crime boss scenario, and that’s precisely what makes it so effective. This straightforward conflict lays a solid foundation, allowing the characters to shine without being overshadowed by a convoluted plot or forced shock value. As a result, Mask and Hood’s dynamic thrives.

Winick also excels by not making the dynamic between Jason and Roman overly edgy or serious. Both Red Hood and Black Mask have their humorous quirks, primarily expressed through their sharp dialogue. This levity adds a much-needed balance to the otherwise serious elements of the story, such as drugs, violence, and crime. By incorporating this humor, fans aren’t overwhelmed or bored by the mature conflict. In short, Winick weaves a story with complementary elements that enhance each other, making the narrative and characters both exceptionally engaging and compelling.

Jason Todd and Roman Sionis Are Equally Strong Characters, Making for a Stronger Dynamic

Another reason I believe Black Mask and Red Hood form DC’s best rivalry—at least in Batman: Under the Red Hood—is their equal strength as characters. Neither depends on the other to be engaging; they are just as compelling individually as they are together. If two characters can’t stand on their own, their dynamic will ultimately fall flat. The fact that Red Hood and Black Mask both have equally strong, distinctive personalities is most likely the main reason for my love of their interactions. Adding to this, they also have exceptionally unique voices.

Too often, characters’ voices and personalities get muddled when interacting, but this is something that the Black Mask and Red Hood dynamic doesn’t suffer from, despite both being morally gray characters. For example, if I gave you these two lines of dialogue, “Oh, my goodness gracious. I’ve been bamboozled!” and “…despite me getting in bed with your twisted, grenade-throwing butt!” you’d probably be able to identify which line was said by Jason and which was said by Roman. This clarity and distinction in their voices further solidify their place as the best rivalry in the DC Universe.

DC Needs to Bring Red Hood and Black Mask’s Rivalry Back to Comics

The rivalry between Black Mask and Red Hood deserves a return to the comics because it exemplifies a dynamic that is uniquely compelling in the DC Universe. Their interactions are distinguished by equally strong personalities and distinctive voices, which create a natural and engaging chemistry. Unlike other rivalries that rely on shock value or convoluted plots, the Black Mask and Red Hood conflict is rooted in genuine character development and straightforward storytelling. This allows their banter and antagonism to shine without gimmicks, making their exchanges both entertaining and meaningful.

Moreover, the potential for new and exciting stories is immense. Black Mask and Red Hood’s unique chemistry has not been explored nearly enough, leaving a wealth of untapped narrative possibilities. Their proven track record of engaging readers shows that reintroducing their rivalry would satisfy long-time fans and attract new readers seeking fresh, dynamic storylines. By capitalizing on this underutilized yet potent dynamic, DC can deliver stories that are both entertaining and deeply resonant. Hence, this is my officially plea to DC to return the Red Hood and Black Mask rivalry to comics.

Batman: Under the Red Hood TP is available now from DC Comics!