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Jason Todd

Jason Todd is a fictional DC Comics character best known as the second Robin and later as the antihero Red Hood.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jason Todd is a fictional DC Comics character best known as the second Robin and later as the antihero Red Hood. He first appeared in Batman #357 in March 1983 and was later killed in the 1988 storyline A Death in the Family before being resurrected and reintroduced in Under the Hood in 2005.

Publication history

Jason Todd first appeared in Batman #357 in 1983 as a replacement for Dick Grayson in the Robin role. Later stories reworked his background and position in Batman continuity.

Death and return

The character was killed in A Death in the Family in 1988 and remained dead for many years in DC continuity. He returned in Under the Hood in 2005, after which he became Red Hood.

Characterisation

Jason Todd is usually written as a more aggressive and lethal counterpart to Batman and other Bat-Family members. His relationship with Batman is often strained because of his willingness to use deadly force.

Adaptations and media

Jason Todd has been adapted into animation, live-action television, and video games, with Red Hood becoming his best-known alternate identity outside the comics.

Key facts

  • Jason Todd was introduced as Batman’s second Robin after Dick Grayson moved on from the role.
  • He was killed off in the 1988 storyline A Death in the Family, an event strongly associated with the character.
  • Jason was later brought back to life and became Red Hood in the 2005 storyline Under the Hood.
  • He is commonly portrayed as an antihero or sometimes a villain, often in conflict with Batman.
  • The character has appeared outside the comics in television and video games.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jason Todd?
Jason Todd is a fictional DC Comics character who became Batman’s second Robin and later the antihero Red Hood.
When did Jason Todd first appear?
He first appeared in Batman #357 in March 1983.
What happened to Jason Todd in the comics?
He was killed in the 1988 storyline A Death in the Family, then later revived and reintroduced as Red Hood in 2005.
Why is Jason Todd important?
He is a notable Batman character because his death became one of the best-known events in DC Comics continuity, and his return reshaped his role into an antihero.
What is Jason Todd’s main alias?
His best-known alias after resurrection is Red Hood.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Todd
    Supports: First appearance, full name, Robin origin, early background.
  2. Fanlore — https://fanlore.org/wiki/Jason_Todd
    Supports: Death in A Death in the Family, return as Red Hood, media presence.
  3. DC Comics — https://www.dc.com/blog/2021/09/16/jason-todd-robin-red-hood-and-teen-titan
    Supports: Robin origin, connection to Teen Titans, role in DC continuity.
  4. Comic Book Resources — https://www.cbr.com/jason-todd-robin-red-hood-dc-comics-guide/
    Supports: First appearance, Robin and Red Hood identities, major character status.
  5. DC Comics — https://www.dc.com/blog/2025-09-09/the-real-jason-todd-a-red-hood-reading-guide
    Supports: Modern origin framing and Red Hood reading context.
  6. DC Database (Fandom) — https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Jason_Todd_(Prime_Earth)
    Supports: Red Hood identity, Batman Family and Outlaws affiliations.