Exploring the Controversial Batman Story Arc: Red Hood and Batgirl’s Potential Romance

The desire for a romantic connection between Batgirl and Red Hood has long been a topic of speculation among comic book enthusiasts. The idea has even made its way into story arcs, albeit with some controversy. This article delves into the intricacies of a particular story, "Batman - Three Jokers," that attempted to introduce this dalliance between the two characters. However, the story is fraught with contradictions and inconsistencies, making it a contentious topic in the Batman universe.

Introduction: Red Hood and Batgirl in "Batman - Three Jokers"

In BATMAN - THREE JOKERS - Book Two, there was an attempt to weave a storyline that brought together Batgirl and Red Hood. This storyline was aimed at exploring the romantic potential of a relationship between Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) and Jason Todd (Red Hood). However, the execution of this plot was far from ideal. The attempt was criticized for its groundlessness and awkwardness, particularly within the context of the story's convoluted narrative.

The Background and Canonicity of "Batman - Three Jokers"

The story "BATMAN - THREE JOKERS" is not considered to be canon in the Batman universe, and for good reason. This story arc has several significant continuity gaffes, making it a less than ideal addition to the Batman lore. The main concept for this arc was hinted at within the "DARKSEID WAR" stories but fell short in execution. The comic had intended to create a thread between Batgirl and Red Hood, but it was marred by a series of plot holes and contradictions that made it difficult to take seriously.

Continuity Gaffes and Contradictions

One of the most significant issues with "BATMAN - THREE JOKERS" is the discontinuity in the portrayal of characters, particularly Joe Chill. In "BATMAN - THREE JOKERS," Joe Chill's personality is completely opposite to his depiction in the "DARKSEID WAR" saga. In one story, he is unabashedly and adamantly conceited, while in the other, he is contrite and repentant. This inconsistency casts doubt on the storyline's credibility and makes it hard to accept as a true part of the Batman universe.

Another key issue lies in the conflicting origins of the Joker. In "BATMAN - THREE JOKERS," the Joker is portrayed as a failed comedian who tragically loses his pregnant wife. However, this origin story is turned upside down by the final pages of the comic, flouting the established continuity of the character.

Editorial and Narrative Flaws

The editorial and narrative choices in "BATMAN - THREE JOKERS" culminate in a weak and lacking story. The storyline was intended to connect expressively and directly with other established arcs in the Batman lore, such as "THE KILLING JOKE" and "PUSHBACK." While these connections were viable, the execution was marred by contradictions and inconsistencies. This created a narrative that was far from streamlined or coherent, rendering it a subpar addition to the Batman universe.

The romantic sub-plot between Batgirl and Red Hood within "BATMAN - THREE JOKERS" was itself a poorly conceived concept. It was introduced awkwardly and lacked foundation within the characters' individual histories. The romance was a self-defeating proposition, as it could not effectively integrate with the overarching narrative and character dynamics established in both comic books and other media.

The Verdict: Is "BATMAN - THREE JOKERS" Worth Reading?

To sum up, "BATMAN - THREE JOKERS" is not considered a stand-alone story in the Batman canon. While the storyline attempted to introduce a relationship between Batgirl and Red Hood, the numerous contradictions and continuity issues make it a questionable addition to the Batman lore. The feeble narrative and weak sub-plots make it a challenging read for fans of the series. However, for those interested in exploring the intricacies of comic canon and the challenges of integrating new storylines into established narratives, this comic provides a fascinating—and cautionary—case study.

Conclusion

The attempt to bring together Batgirl and Red Hood within a coherent and believable storyline highlights the complexities of balancing character development and continuity in the intricate world of the Batman universe. While "BATMAN - THREE JOKERS" may not be the definitive story of the couple, it offers insight into the challenges of narrative consistency and the importance of maintaining canonical integrity in comic book storytelling.