Red Hood Wasn't Invited To Be Part Of The Bat-Family's Fresh Start
The Bat-Family has seen plenty of difficult times over the years, but being free of Zur-En-Arrh has Batman reconsidering his priorities. In a bid to truly live as part of Gotham and part of the family, Batman is creating a new home called Pennyworth Manor, and the whole extended family received an invitation...except Red Hood. Jason's absence, while not surprising, signifies just how turbulent his relationship with the others still is.
Batman #149 – written by Chip Zdarsky, with art by Steve Lieber – sets up a new chapter for Bruce Wayne and his family. After losing control of himself to Zur-En-Arrh and making a number of hurtful decisions, Batman is trying to start over in a big way.
Batman's New Era Could Give Bruce & Jason A Chance To Make Amends
Red Hood's absence at Pennyworth Manor speaks volumes about the current state of Jason's relationship with his family, but there is room for change. Some part of Jason will always want to be included; a desire also beautifully illustrated in Batman: Urban Legends #6 when he nearly succumbs to Cheer Gas to stay in a vision of everyone living as a happy family. If Bruce ever does want to bring his son back into the fold, he'll need to extend more than an invitation, however. Red Hood isn't currently involved with Batman's rebuilding efforts, but there's hope for the future.
Despite that, Jason sacrificed himself to stop Zur and Failsafe in Batman #148, proving how far he's willing to go for family. Yet Red Hood remains something of a pariah, left on the outskirts, and it appears that hasn't completely changed.
Red Hood's Absence Is A Reflection Of His History With The Bat-Family
Bruce Wayne has pushed away or alienated most of the Bat-family at some point, but the distance never sticks the way it does with Jason. While the two had some degree of tension during Jason's Robin days, they have experienced little besides conflict during his time as Red Hood. Jason often pushes back against Batman’s rules and won’t always take a back seat to them if he believes another path is necessary to help someone or save Gotham.
Beyond their differences as vigilantes, the lingering hurt remains over Batman's refusal to kill the Joker in the wake of Jason's death.
The Bat-Family Is Moving Into A New Home
He doesn't intend to make the move alone. All former Robins, Signal, and all three Batgirls receive an invitation to join him, but Red Hood is notably absent from the crew. As Batman surrounds himself with the core members of his family, Jason Todd is excluded.
Rather than return to Wayne Manor, Batman begins anew with a derelict mansion he has dubbed “Pennyworth Manor.”
