The Following contains spoilers for Batman Incorporated #9, on sale now from DC Comics.
Just when fans thought Red Hood (Jason Todd) and the Joker’s relationship couldn’t become any more twisted, the Clown Prince of Crime shocks everyone and kills the former Robin’s father, Willis Todd, aka Wingman.
In Batman Incorporated #9 (by Ed Brisson, John Timms, Rex Lokus, and Clayton Cowles) the Joker was on a mission to corrupt every member of the titular team with the newly founded Joker Incorporated. The Clown Prince of Crime planted a bomb in every member of his new alliance and when the explosive detonates, it will kill the villain and spread his own brand of poison that is strong enough to kill the people around them.
This plan would force the members of Batman Incorporated to destroy the Dark Knight’s sacred “No Killing” rule. The team will be forced to decide to take a life to save many or to cause the deaths of innocent people by doing nothing. Either way, there will be blood on their hands.
The Joker Caused Red Hood's Father's Death
Red Hood’s father being a member of Batman Incorporated was inevitably faced with this difficult decision. Wingman and his colleague Dark Ranger cornered one of the Joker’s minions, Corvus Cawl, when Batman Inc.’s new leader Ghost-Maker told them the Joker’s plan. Wingman was perfectly fine with killing the villain, however, Dark Ranger was completely against it. The issue turned into a huge fight and while the two were occupied with one another, Corvus woke up and stabbed Wingman.
While the Joker did not directly kill Jason Todd’s father, there’s no arguing that he did cause Wingman’s death. Given the complicated and violent history between the two, the death of his dad will undoubtedly make Red Hood more bloodthirsty than ever before.
Batman Incorporated #9 written by Ed Brisson with art from John Timms and colored by Rex Lokus, is on sale now from DC Comics.