Well I must say like the first issue this is a fairly fast read, most of the issue focuses on Jason and his past with Talia Al Ghul and one of his training masters. The thing I really enjoyed about this is how human and somewhat sympathetic Jason feels in this issue, he’s a guy that’s been through a lot and he doesn’t seem to let his rage or anger get the best of him, he still keeps the lessons Batman taught him while also using the lessons his old assassin trainer taught him.
Jason is a man that does kill, but he’s doesn’t seem to be killing machine that enjoys killing for the sake of being cool and awesome, no this guy feels like a man searching for more than just the way of an assassin, Scott Lobdell does a decent job of making us like Jason Todd. As for Roy and Kori they at the moment still feel very wooden, all Roy did this issue was really talk everyone’s head off and help Jason and Kori kill some stuff, Starfire really didn’t do anything either but look pretty and help Jason with his mission.
I understand that Kori is a hot alien woman but Lobdell really needs to start giving her a little bit more personality, same with Roy Harper who just seems to be the joke of the team thus far. I know people are going to say the book is call “Red and the Outlaws” it’s not really a team book per say. I would have to disagree, if you are going to try and establish three major characters in one book, you as a writer need to figure out a way to balance each member so they all get an even amount of screen time and character development.
I really hope Roy and Kori get more development as this series progresses. Overall Red and Outlaws issue #2 was an interesting read, I’d say it’s worth the buy despite the gripes I had with it. The artwork is just gorgeous to look at Kenneth Rocaforts art is perfect for this type of book, I hope DC does not change this creative team as I’ve noticed they been changing creators on books during this new 52 revamp direction and pretty early on. This book gets 7 out of 10 for me.