One of DC Comics' biggest unexplained mysteries is the true identity of Red X. Originally debuting in the Teen Titans animated series, Red X was brought into comic continuity in Future State: Teen Titans. With his identity yet to be revealed, it seems like his real self could be a member of the current Bat-Family: Clownhunter.

Red X debuted in the third season of the Teen Titans animated series. Originally a disguise used by Dick Grayson as part of a mission to get closer to Deathstroke, Robin hid his identity from his teammates as he feared it would blow his cover. However, after abandoning the Red X persona, a new version of the character popped up who served as a vigilante with no clear allegiance. The person who adopted the mantle was never revealed. Fan theories have long speculated that Jason Todd was under the mask, while more recent guesses suggest that Damian Wayne could be Red X. It seems the character is Bat-Family adjacent, and our theory is it's Bao Pham aka Clownhunter.

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Clownhunter first appeared in Batman #96 and was created by James Tynion IV and Jorge Jimenez. He rose from the chaos of the Joker War, as he took vengeance into his own hands, brutally killing a number of the Clown Prince of Crime's henchman with his bloody, Batarang baseball bat. Batman has watched over Bao and protected them from Ghost-Maker, who wanted to end his killing spree. The teen vigilante has been a great addition to Gotham. So what connects him to Red X? His age, some similar symbols, a connection to the Bat-Family, and his mindset.

Red X Bo Pham

In DC's dark future, the new Red X emerges. Nightwing frees him from prison to help against the threat of the Four Horsemen. He tells him he was right about the mask. Clownhunter has yet to appear in any of DC's Future State titles, so it's possible he was put in prison for being too violent (a tendency Bao has shown). Bao's costume as well as his hairstyle are filled with X's. His color scheme also matches up with Red X's ensemble.

What also lines up is the character's age. Bao is a teenager. Considering Red X will be part of the upcoming Teen Titans Academy book, at least age-wise, it makes sense that it could be him.

Clownhunter-in-DC-Comics-Joker-War

Now, obviously, this is just a theory, but there are enough fun details that line up pretty well with Clownhunter eventually becoming Red X. Would DC Comics allow a new character to fill that role? That's TBD. But, among the many candidates, Bao has the personality, similar design elements, as well he is the right age to become the new Red X. It would be a pretty cool next step for the character.

Next: Teen Titans: DC Explores Nightwing and Starfire's Breakup in New Comic