This issue of Batman jumps right into the mystery of Hush’s return and his surprising team-up with the Red Hood. At the same time, it’s trying to handle a lot of other stories involving the Bat-Family and a bunch of Gotham villains. You’d expect great things from Loeb and Lee’s team, but this issue feels uneven. The artwork is amazing, but the story sometimes feels crowded, and the pacing is a bit off.
This is the third part of the sequel, and the story is getting more interesting now. Loeb adds more layers to the plotlines and throws in some unexpected twists. You’re left wondering what different characters are up to, making the story more engaging than the beginning. The comic addresses some of the early guesses online about who Hush really is, which adds to the mystery. Plus, new characters are showing up, making you curious about where the story is going.
The artwork by Jim Lee continues to be the highlight of this series. There are moments that remind you of how great the art was in the original “Hush” story. Lee shines with many characters in the panels, showing off his versatility. From Nightwing’s action poses, Batgirl leaping out of a building, to Bane’s powerful build and Hush’s creepy stillness, his character work is fantastic.
Credit: DC Comics
Even though the story is packed with plot points and characters, it sometimes lacks focus and depth. There are so many things happening at once, and the story moves so quickly that it sometimes hurts the character development and makes the overall story feel less connected. For example, Damian Wayne suddenly teaming up with Bane feels surprising, but the comic doesn’t really explain it well enough in this issue, making you question if it makes sense. This series reads chaotically and not in a good way.
Moreover, while Jeph Loeb’s ambition for the story is evident, certain elements feel somewhat forced. This can manifest in a few ways, such as moments where Batman’s inner deductions or his falling into obvious traps feel unnatural for the character, especially for readers accustomed to his more strategic and intelligent portrayals in recent canon. Furthermore, Loeb occasionally seems to disregard established Batman lore, a point illustrated by his depiction of Bane. Beyond Batman himself, the overarching plan of Hush remains frustratingly vague, leaving his manipulative actions without a clear ultimate goal. Even the introduction of new characters, like Armori, while visually interesting, can feel unoriginal, both in name and concept.
Credit: DC Comics
Despite these story problems, the artwork in Batman #160 is still a big reason to read it. Jim Lee, the inker and colorist Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair deliver incredible superhero art. Lee’s dynamic style, detailed work, and expressive characters are clear on every page. The action scenes have a lot of energy, and the classic character designs are still recognizable and impactful. Lee is great at showing how each character moves and looks, from Nightwing’s agility to Bane’s strength. The backgrounds, whether the Batcave or Gotham’s chaotic streets, are also very detailed, adding to the atmosphere. The teamwork between these three artists is a highlight.
Batman #160 is a visually stunning comic with exciting action and interesting mysteries. Jim Lee’s artwork is a success and a good reason to buy this issue. However, while it’s getting more complex, the story still has pacing problems and too many subplots that sometimes take away from the overall impact. Fans of Loeb and Lee’s previous work will likely find things to enjoy, especially the amazing artwork, but readers looking for a more focused and well-developed story might feel whelmed.
‘Batman #160’ Looks Great, But the Story is a Bit Much
Batman #160 is a visually stunning comic with exciting action and interesting mysteries. Jim Lee’s artwork is a success and a good reason to buy this issue. However, while it’s getting more complex, the story still has pacing problems and too many subplots that sometimes take away from the overall impact. Fans of Loeb and Lee’s previous work will likely find things to enjoy, especially the amazing artwork, but readers looking for a more focused and well-developed story might feel whelmed.
