Greatest comic book characters – 56. Red Hood
First comic book appearance: Under the Red Hood (as Red Hood), Batman No. 357 (as Jason Todd)
Jason Todd was so despised that fans voted for him to be killed. You have to be truly hated for that to happen. DC Comics brought him back 17 years later and turned him into a villain named Red Hood. Someone who wanted to make Batman/Bruce Wayne pay for not killing Joker for murdering him. Fun character, but still pretty bad. Fast forward to him becoming a hero. Now, he’s up and running.
Jason Todd needed a makeover more than any comic book character in history. He couldn’t remain the whining guy with guns who wasn’t evolving. The last ten years have been where he’s shined. Leading the Outlaws (two different teams), developing layers of emotions, and still remaining a badass. Hopefully, he’ll continue to improve and become someone even better.
Greatest comic book characters – 55. Batwoman
First comic book appearance: 52 No 7 (as Kate Kane) 52 No. 11 (as Batwoman)
This writer wishes he knew who Kate Kane was when she debuted. He would have been on the bandwagon years ago. Instead, he’s playing catch up. Even still, you can tell she’s something special from the first time you read her in a comic.
Unlike some of the members of the Bat-Family, Kate Kane isn’t someone who looked up to Bruce. She led her own life, career, and had her own training. She’s known for telling Batman what really needs to be done and not waiting for his approval on things. Why? Because she’s her own hero. It’s reasons like that why she seems more trusted by him and other heroes in Gotham.
Another part that must be mentioned is her being out and proud. Kate Kane doesn’t hide her love for women. This is the kind of representation that’s needed in comic books. She isn’t a stereotypical character. Proving that there is space for more diverse characters.