I know opinions are going to be extremely divided on the twist here, but I'm holding off on any kind of strong reaction until we get more details in the next issue. For all we know, a reversal option could be revealed in the next chapter and that's what Roy and Starfire will pursue. However, one great thing about this is it gives what could essentially be a fresh start for the character. Considering his rocky history in the New 52, that could absolutely be a good thing if handled well and a solid way for fans to no longer argue over his altered origin. Only time will tell what direction this will go, but for now, you have my curiosity, Tynion IV. Read Full Review

This issue leaves things at a really interesting place really makes you stand up and pay attention to it. I'm just sort of asking myself where Tynion is going with this, and I really can't wait to see more. Tynion has teased a bunch of cool stuff on his tumblr that is bound to come up, and it all starts here, so hell yeah, I'm on board. The only thing is the art... hopefully at least the character issues I pointed out get fixed, because I've definitely seen worse, and at least would like to see the characters drawn correctly. Read Full Review

This issue revitalizes the series and gives it new breath. Arsenal aka Roy Harper and Kori aka Starfire go in search of Jason Todd aka Red Hood. Jason dropped off the face of the map to get rid of his past. It'll be explained in the next issue how he did this, how he left Bruce Wayne back in Gotham. There are many comedic moments and drama. There's the anti-villain Essence who blocks Arsenal and Starfire's path to find Jason. And there's an hilarious part with a native Himalyan person speaking English and then not speaking English. Overall, a very good read. Read Full Review

The plot is a little confusing, mostly because of the fact that it is needlessly nonlinear and the art is not the greatest. I'm not entirely sure what was happening throughout the book, but to the best of my knowledge, it was essentially a throw-away issue where Starfire and Arsenal are looking for Jason, who apparently took a Wayne jet, crashed it, and disappeared to a magical place from his past. Read Full Review

If you can get past the art though this sets up for what should be an interesting story arc that could cause some really major changes to this "Not-A-Team". Read Full Review

If you're wondering why I haven't mentioned Red Hood's actions at all besides his brief mention in the issue's beginning, it's not because I've forgotten the guy: it's because he's barely in it. We get some more dream world action with Roy and Starfire as they discover the Acres of All and an appearance by Jason towards the end, but not much more than that. Gopez is better at drawing this sort of stuff at least, what with the sprawling fantasy landscapes and gruesome looking monstrosities: Read Full Review

What? Really? Is this going to be permanent? DC has been doing a lot of soft reboots for their comics recently, from Stormwatch to Green Arrow. Is this their attempt with Red Hood and the Outlaws? Is Jason going to forget everything about his past and start off as some kind of blank slate? Sounds like an incredibly silly idea. I hope they reverse it before too long. Read Full Review

So, I'm reluctant but I'm pulling for Tynion to give me some good stories starring my namesake and his band of Outlaws. Well he sure can't do worse than Lobdell. And that makes me happy. Read Full Review

I feel like too often writers just decide to jump where ever they feel and sometimes it's detrimental to the story. I know James is a pretty good writer but I do not know how he will justify such a drastic change in Jason Todd. Only time will tell how this story plays out but for now I am not a fan. Read Full Review

I also really hated the art in this issue. The new artist Julius Gopez draws Roy really weird and the change in art styles is really noticeable. Read Full Review

In this issue, Tynion seems to be latching on to a formula that didn't work for Lobdell and doesn't quite work here. RHatO has been treated largely as a Jason Todd solo title and Tynion's emphasis on Kori and Roy Harper highlights the fact that the "Outlaws" are woefully underdeveloped as characters in their own right. In terms of the interpersonal relationships between the trio, Tynion is rehashing themes introduced by Lobdell a year ago without adding much to the mix. What RHatO desperately needs is a fresh start, and Tynion seems to agree. With the reboot at the end of the issue, it's possible that we'll get an entirely new team dynamic as Tynion settles into his run. Read Full Review

Issue #19 has an ending that'll get people talking but I didn't find Jason's actions believable after the progress that was made in the previous episode. Although we have a new writer with James Tynion IV, he pays so much homage to Lobdell's run that very little feels new and unless you're a big fan of Arsenal, you'll likely be bored by the lack of Jason Todd (who should have his own solo series, really). Those who enjoyed Lobdell's run will be intrigued by this tale and will surely come back for issue #20 but I'm concerned that the uninitiated might find this comic confusing and not give it another chance. Add all that with the often unappealing artwork and it's an issue that I'll likely never flip through again. Not awful, but far from memorable and nowhere near what I had hoped it would be. Surprisingly, the best appearance of Jason Todd you'll see today is actually in Justice League #19. Read Full Review

It looks like my abusive relationship with Red Hood and the Outlaws will continue on for awhile. Rather than bringing in a new and better vision, James Tynion IV is channeling Scott Lobell as the Outlaws follow Red Hood to the hidden city of K'un L'un... I mean Shangri La... wait maybe Nanda Parbat... I guess it's the Acres of All. Anyway, Tynion has them go there to catch up with Jason as he makes a bargain with the Hand... I mean the League of Assassins... the Ancient One maybe? Oh, screw it. They go to the overused cliche place with the overused cliche people. It's a bland execution of a poorly thought out premise. Read Full Review

Red Hood and the Outlaws #19 is a major bummer, but not as much as the god-awful Avengers #4 or Superman #13. Tynion is better than this. This is not the same man who's writing Talon right now, and I know he's somewhere in the head of the generic writer behind this disaster. Read Full Review

The issue also has an odd appearance by Essence who attempts to influence Arsenal through his dreams. The point of this subplot isn't very clear (or interesting), but it's arguably better than the beyond bland blank slate of Jason Todd we're left with as the issue closes. The consequences to this issue might be interesting, but this issue is a mixed bag. Read Full Review