Red X in the Teen Titans series originally was an alter ego created by Robin. Robin designed the Red X persona, complete with a black suit powered by a chemical called Zynothium and a skull-like mask, to infiltrate the villain Slade's ranks by pretending to be a villain himself. However, Robin's plan backfired emotionally, as the persona caused tension with his friends and blurred his moral lines
. Later in the series, the Red X suit was stolen by a mysterious thief who used it as a persona of his own. This new Red X became an enigmatic anti-hero and recurring character who operated independently, sometimes opposing the Titans, sometimes aiding them, but mostly acting selfishly and stealthily. His true identity was never explicitly revealed in the original show, and the character was portrayed as a thief rather than a villain or hero
. Fans have speculated extensively about Red X's identity. Some popular fan theories suggested he might be Jason Todd (a Robin from the Batman comics), a clone of Robin, or even an interdimensional version of Robin. However, the Teen Titans animated series itself did not confirm any secret identity for Red X, instead using the character symbolically as a representation of Robin's internal conflict with morality
. In the DC Comics universe, Red X's identity has been officially revealed as Brick Pettirosso, a student at Titans Academy, in the Teen Titans Academy series. This is a newer development separate from the original animated series and expands the character's lore within the comics
Summary:
- Original Red X: Robin's alter ego created to infiltrate Slade.
- Later Red X: A mysterious thief who stole the suit, acting as an anti-hero.
- Identity in the show: Never revealed; symbolized Robin's internal struggles.
- Comic canon identity: Brick Pettirosso, a Titans Academy student
