Chapter Text
A Marxist and socioeconomic critique of the modern superhero genre, wherein the bourgeoisie utilizes the 'hero' as a mechanism of cultural hegemony to maintain systemic oppression; specifically, by presenting the proletariat with a narrative of controlled opposition that reinforces the sanctity of the status quo while deradicalizing the potential for collective class struggle.
A prominent case study of this framework is found in Gotham City.
Here, theoretical critique finds its material reality in the Batman. By moralizing the preservation of an exploitative status quo, Batman acts as a violent deterrent against genuine proletarian uprising, effectively conditioning his ‘Robins’ to serve as paramilitary pawns of the state. To break this cycle, one must move beyond the Caped Crusader’s sanctioned dissent; for the Red Hood, independence is found only in disrupting the system at its core, seizing the means of production and transforming Crime Alley from a site of controlled struggle into a liberated community of self-determination.
Yet the spark of liberation is not confined to the city of Gotham. It eventually seeps into the cracks of every society, and somewhere east of the Atlantic, it’s finally catching fire. Deep within the heavily fortified walls of Nanda Parbat, a revolt of its own is brewing within one of the most ancient hierarchies. This is where our story begins: not with a grand declaration of intent, but with a quiet, hurried exit through a shadowed tunnel. Our hero’s exile is over, and the past Jason Todd once fled is now the only place left for him to run.
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“Is it really worth giving up a second chance at taking control of your life? This convoluted revenge scheme of yours?” Talia raises a singular eyebrow, unimpressed. Jason throws himself onto the bed in his room at Nanda Parbat, hoping she will get the hint to leave him alone.
Okay, to be fair, Talia is definitely only saying that to try and get Jason off Bruce’s back. Kind of hard having an emergency safe place for your kid when his dad may end up dead. As much as he hates to admit it though her words ring true. Jason’s finally getting the second chance at life he thought he was getting when he met Bruce. Is he really going to let Bruce ruin it for him again?
“What are you getting at Tals? You couldn’t have brought these objections up anytime in the past three years?” Jason’s crime alley accent still shines through, despite being away from Gotham so long. He raises his head from its place planted in his pillows, shooting her an irritated look.
“Contrary to what you may think child, I have brought it up. You were so out of your mind after the pit, I’m not surprised you don’t remember it. I am simply asking you to reevaluate what this is all for. You claim you want revenge and to ensure Park Row is safe. Getting rid of Bruce or his new bird doesn’t seem like it would help you achieve either of those things, when your problem is with the clown.” Realizing she isn’t going to let this go, he gets up so Talia can't loom over him anymore. It’s only somewhat effective, she just has that kind of presence.
“Bruce betrayed me. He buried me and picked a new kid before I was cold in the ground. Him and this new rich kid aren’t going to keep Crime Alley safe when they don’t even understand the root of its problems, Talia. If I kill them it won’t make much of a difference there.”
"If you see the problems, why not fix them yourself? Let that be your revenge- doing his work better than he ever could. If you truly understand more than your father, what’s stopping you? Kill the clown if you must, but let that be the end of it. Do not be defined by events long past." She stiffly lays a hand on his shoulder, a rare display of affection from the demon’s daughter. Jason visibly deflates, the fight leaving him as he mulls over her idea.
For so long his life has been defined by his shitty parental figures or lack thereof. He technically is an adult, having quietly celebrated his 18th birthday over a year ago. Why shouldn’t he focus on what he wants to be instead of always worrying about people he hasn’t seen in years? Having lived in poverty and then on the street for the first 12 years of his life, maybe he can do more than contribute to the endless cycle of violence that exists in Gotham.
The moment of softness between the unofficial mother and son duo breaks when a young child enters the room rather abruptly.
“Mother, I believe you may have been correct in your suspicions of disloyalty among the League.”