The mysterious Red X was one of the breakouts from the Teen Titans animated series, and now this fan-favorite antihero is heading to the DC Universe.
The Teen Titans animated series introduced audiences to a number of classic DC heroes and villains, ranging from well-known to genuinely obscure. But it also introduced some new characters to that particular version of the universe, including the fan-favorite thief with a surprisingly noble heart, Red X.
Since this mystery hero is about to make his way into the DC Universe as part of DC’s Future State event, we’re taking a look back at Teen Titans’ Red X and how this minor villain remained at the center of an unsolved mystery that could make its way into the DC Universe.
Red X was introduced in the episode of the same name from the first season of Teen Titans. A sleek new criminal in Jump City, Red X was a genuinely dangerous tactician and fighter, quickly dispatching Raven, Beast Boy, Starfire, and Cyborg whenever he encountered them. Clad in a full black suit with a skull mask, a torn cape and a distinctive red X across his chest, Red X proved almost impossible to catch by the Teen Titans, largely thanks to his most versatile tool — a minor teleporter powered by the volatile element Zynothium that gives him unpredictable speed the heroes couldn’t match. Eventually, Red X did well enough to impress the likes of Slade and earned an audience with him. It was revealed Red X was actually Robin undercover to try to get close to the villain.
This resulted in the Teen Titans growing distrustful of Robin for a time, especially considering he’d used his time with them to develop strategies to defeat them — just like his mentor Batman has done to the Justice League. Robin turned away from the identity and swore to never use it again. But not long after, the costume was stolen by a mysterious individual. Seeking more Zynothium to fuel the suit, Red X hunted down Professor Chang — the scientist Robin got the initial supply from — in the third season episode “X.” When Chang eventually kidnapped most of the Titans, Robin was forced to work with Red X to save his teammates. Although they were successful — and Robin was able to steal the teleporter from him — Red X was able to make his escape.