RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS continues the proud tradition of the globally conscious political commentary. A complicated business indeed, but one in which RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS bravely pursues in the new “Ghosts of the Damned” story arc that begins in issue #9.

It is always a bold move when superhero comics step into the political arena. At the arrival of the comics medium in the 1930’s, the United States of America was on the cusp of a global war. Once the war began, comics were sent to U.S. troops as both a form of entertainment and inspiration while they remained abroad and separated from their families. The commentary incorporated in comics was relatively straightforward with messages like “support the troops” and “bring our boys home.” It made the war, in some ways, easier because it allowed the soldiers to keep their mind off their detrimental circumstances — even if that was for only ten to thirty minutes with a comic. While the messages may have grown more complex — the idea of comics tackling issues of our time remains the same.

ComicsVerse was fortunate enough to have a preview to this comic and in this exclusive preview, things aren’t going well for Red Hood and his team of fellow outcasts and rejects. In the Quraci city of K’Kyesh, there’s a stronghold of a resistance group fighting against the Supreme Leader Heinle. A massive explosion, however, leaves several dead and many more displaced as they flee the scene of the attack.

LISTEN: Need to brush up on Red Hood? Our “Origin of Batman’s Red Hood” podcast has you covered!

The United Nations is up in arms as streams of refugees put strains on neighboring countries. If this seems all too familiar, you should feel validated. RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #9 bravely and purposefully fictionalizes the Civil War in Syria using metaphors. The obvious parallels are as clearly intentional as they are heartbreaking.

In issue #9, the characters worry Supreme Leader Heinle has somehow obtained and found a way to use the mythical Bow of Ra that Artemis and Red Hood have been searching for. The bow, which contains the power of the sun, is too dangerous of a weapon to be left in the hands of a power-hungry authoritarian, and thus begins the plot of our story.

In this preview, it’s evident RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS isn’t shying away from the political aspect. Having the ability to turn off our televisions and close our newspapers is something we’re accustomed to. If we don’t want to hear bad news, we can easily just ignore it. RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS, however, rightfully forces us to pay attention to the suffering — its use of metaphors is a move that deserves applause. The praise goes to the creators of RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS, and, also, for DC as well.

Not only are comics at their best when they draw our eyes and hearts to the plights of the people in this world, but it’s also one of the reasons art exists, in any form at all. The fact that RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS chose to make this decision in issue #9 shows the compassion, emotion, and dedication that they had for this subject. The creators wanted to bring an emotional topic to the surface in a situation where you couldn’t turn off your television or close your newspaper. The creators wanted you to listen. They wanted to be heard. and that’s exactly what they’ve done in issue #9.

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #9 hits shelves on April 12. You owe it to yourself, and the world, to read this comic.