I just think Jason Todd should get into historical fashion again.
Batman #413 // Countdown Presents: The Search for Ray Palmer: Gotham by Gaslight #1
Image description: First image is part of a comic page from Batman #413, showing Bruce Wayne in a suit walking up to a young Jason Todd, in a museum. Bruce reaches toward Jason with a smile and says, “Good afternoon, Jason...I didn’t expect to run into you here.” Jason turns to him and smiles back, holding a tiny notebook and pencil in his hand, and he says, “Bruce! Hi! I left you a note when I got home from school. Right now our class is studying European history--the Napoleonic Wars--but the school thought it would be a good idea for us to take advantage of this opportunity, too.” Jason gestures at a display of three historical women’s outfits, then he says, “Like, that stuff over there is all old clothes people were actually wearing at the time of those wars. Some of it’s pretty interesting...And they said we could do extra credit on this Japanese stuff, if we wanted to pull our grades up. My history grade could use the help...”
Second image is part of a comic page from Search for Ray Palmer: Gotham by Gaslight #1, showing a 19th century Gotham City with people milling around. Jason Todd is standing staring around the city, dressed in period-typical clothing with a dark top hat and jacket. Behind him are Donna Troy, Kyle Rayner, and Bob the Monitor, all dressed in similar Victorian outfits. Jason’s narration boxes say, “It’s really weird, but as alien as this place is, I know it well. Gotham City is Gotham City no matter where or when you find it. I can see myself living here. I can feel the rightness of that. I would fit here, I think, in ways I dont everywhere else...”
Third image is a cropped part of a comic page from Batman #413 showing Bruce, Alfred, and Jason in the Batcave, near a desk and various equipment. Bruce is in his Batsuit without the cowl, smiling at Jason who is wearing civilian clothing sitting at the desk where there is a book and papers. Alfred is carrying a tray with a glass of water over to Jason. Bruce leans against the desk as he says, “Maybe they couldn’t...but your guardian is a little better informed than they are. What’s your report on?” Jason says, “Oh...a comparison of everything in the Tahara Exhibit with everything we’ve learned about England in the early nineteenth century...weapons, clothes, pots, pans, art...I don’t know if I’ll ever need to know that stuff again, but my teacher loves it.” Jason takes the glass from Alfred as Alfred tells Bruce, “I took the liberty of looking over Master Jason’s report when he’d completed it, Master Bruce. It seemed most comprehensive. I’m certain the professor will be impressed.” Jason grins and says, “Thanks, Alfred. I guess I shouldn’t worry too much about missing a couple of nights on patrol. After all, not even Batman and Robin can be everywhere at once.”
Fourth image is a cropped comic panel from Search for Ray Palmer: Gotham by Gaslight showing Jason in Victorian clothing, tapping the shoulder of Bob the Monitor as Kyle and Donna watch from behind. Jay says, “Wait a minute...we’re trying to find the impossible and we’re overlooking the perfect resource...Bob--does this world have a Batman yet?” Bob says, “Indeed. A few other costumed heroes as well...”