…because what Jason Todd needs is Lex Luthor all up in his business.

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artist: Pete Woods
Colors: Rex Lokus
Letters: ALW’s Troy Peteri
Covers: Dan Panosian & Yasmine Putri
Editors: Jamie S. Rich; Rob Levin
Publisher: DC Comics

First and foremost, maybe I’m missing something but what in the actual hell is up with Jason’s various dads? You guys. I’m so confused. I have no idea if Willis Todd has been playing possum, Bruce Wayne has been undercover or if there’s an entirely new player on the board who has been watching over Jason through the entire Prince of Gotham arc. In any case, whoever they are they, like almost everyone (with rare exceptions which I’ll get to in a bit), severely underestimated Jason’s intelligence and long term planning.

As I suspected from jump Jason’s dismantling of Penguin’s empire, and setting Cobblepot up to finally reap what he’s sown over the years, was the true endgame of his return to Gotham. Well, that and taking care of those who’ve stood by him up until this point. There’s a moment of extreme kindness that Jason shows that just made me smile so hard my face hurt. It’s the epitome of paying it forward, of faith having feet, that just warmed my cold little heart.

Pete Woods, Rex Lokus and ALW’s Troy Peteri do such a wonderful job of illustrating the moment above, of showing in the facial expressions of those on the receiving end of Jason’s generosity just what it means to them, that it is just fantastic.

We end with Jason, once more trying to get away from Gotham and all it entails, but not being allowed to as one of the few who never underestimates him: Lex Luthor, makes his presence known. What does Lex want with Jason? I guess we’ll find out…

Three* Brainiac Drones out of Five

*The rule still stands, until I find out what’s going on with Artemis and Biz.