The Red Hood first appeared in Detective Comics #168 (February 1951), in the story "The Man Behind The Red Hood!".[2] In the original continuity, the man is later known as Batman's arch-nemesis "the Joker" was a master criminal going by the Red Hood alias, claiming to be a lab worker intending to steal $1,000,000 and retire. His costume consisted of a tuxedo, a red cape, and a large domed red helmet with no eye holes or facial features. While attempting to rob a playing card company, he was cornered and dove into a catch basin full of chemicals and swam to freedom, surviving because of a special breathing apparatus built into the helmet. The toxins in the vat permanently disfigured him, turning his hair green, his skin white and his lips red. Driven insane by his reflection, he recreated himself as "the Joker" and became Batman's greatest foe. A decade later, Batman reopens the case while tutoring a group of college students. To mock him, the Joker resumes the identity and tries to rob the college. However, a gardener, Owen "Farmerboy" Benson, captures him and takes his identity, planning to commit crimes with the Red Hood getting the blame. Batman realizes this Red Hood is a fake and captures Benson, who takes him to the real Red Hood. The Joker then reveals his origin.
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