Following the shocking events of the last issue, Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s Batman #159 pushes the Dark Knight towards a pivotal choice. With Nightwing, Batgirl, and Red Hood involved, what impossible decision must Batman make? Let’s find out!
The issue picks right up in Crime Alley, with Batman rushing a nearly dead Joker to Dr. Leslie Thompkins for a risky operation. When the Joker starts waking up mid-procedure, Batman’s forced to put him in a coma. Then, against Leslie’s advice to take him to a real hospital, Batman decides to move the unconscious Joker to the Batcave. Once there, he starts pondering who the Joker really is, although honestly, it feels like a question he would have asked himself many times before over their long history.
Things really heat up when Red Hood shows up and tries to shoot the unconscious Joker. Batman stops him, and they engage in a fight that ends with something truly shocking and out of character. The entire scene undoubtedly evokes the painful history surrounding Jason Todd. Still, it also feels somewhat repetitive, as if we’re revisiting the same ground as the “Under the Red Hood” story, among others. There’s also a quick side story with Nightwing and Batgirl encountering a villain sporting a cool new look. The issue then concludes abruptly, with the Joker and Jason gone, and a surprising new partner is revealed working alongside the troubled vigilante.
Credit: DC Comics
Reading this comic was a frustrating experience. It doesn’t have a charming vintage feel, just a dated one. Honestly, if this were presented as an Elseworlds story, disconnected from the main continuity, some of the choices might have landed better.
Objectively speaking, the central premise is baffling: why the desperate effort to save the Joker? He’s the Joker – leaving him to face the consequences seems far more logical than this frantic rescue attempt. Adding to the confusion is the doctor’s reaction; she seems completely unfazed by treating one of Gotham’s most notorious villains, handling it as if it were any routine day. Does she not recognize him?
As for the plot, even acknowledging it’s only the second issue, it feels incredibly thin. So far, we’re seeing recycled elements from past storylines and characters acting in ways that don’t fit, without much new or compelling material being introduced.
On the positive side, the artwork is stellar. Jim Lee draws arguably the best Batman, perfectly captured in a panel of him sitting – the imposing silhouette, the strategic use of shadow partially covering his face – it’s just undeniably cool. The comic also features numerous double-page spreads, and Lee, a master of his craft, makes them look fantastic. Seeing his dynamic layouts is always a treat.
Credit: DC Comics
Batman #159 presents a frustratingly thin and dated plot, centered on Batman’s baffling decision to save the Joker, which leads to recycled conflicts with Red Hood and questionable character choices. Despite the illogical narrative, the comic is visually salvaged by Jim Lee’s stellar and dynamic artwork, which remains a significant highlight.
‘Batman’ #159 Review: Looks Amazing, Reads Rough
Batman #159 presents a frustratingly thin and dated plot, centered on Batman’s baffling decision to save the Joker, which leads to recycled conflicts with Red Hood and questionable character choices. Despite the illogical narrative, the comic is visually salvaged by Jim Lee’s stellar and dynamic artwork, which remains a significant highlight.
