Review by Frank Plowright

A lot has happened since Parker Robbins’ first appearance in Blood from Stones. Then just a small time criminal who scammed his way through life, he took his opportunities and parlayed them into a seat at the big table. With his cloak of invisibility, and his natural smarts he was able to gather a massive gang of second-rate super villains and keep them sweet with constant scores.

Writer Jeff Parker delivers an interesting twist when he lays out what’s not been revealed. Robbins has also maintained his previous life. He returns to his wife and infant child early in the mornings, claiming he holds down assorted night jobs, and while he gathers untold wealth in his other identity they remain in a small apartment. He’s also loyal to his idiot cousin John, who’s been along for the ride, and since the previous volume Robbins has discovered the source of his powers and that they come at a cost. Events of that first volume also play a significant part in what occurs here.

Artist Kyle Hotz returns for another shot at the Hood, that’s not quite up to its predecessor. The tension derives from the machinations required to keep a platoon of villains from deciding one of them can organise better, and the secrets Robbins has fought to hard to keep appearing to have been revealed. At one point it appears innocents may pay the price.

If any confirmation were required given his appearances since Blood from Stones, at the conclusion of Dark Reign there’s only one path forward for the Hood.