Legendary creative team Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee reunite for a new Batman mythos epic: Hush 2. While the original Hush storyline predates my time seriously diving into comics, I’ve heard the hype and iconic status surrounding the story and the characters at its core. Thus, this felt like the perfect opportunity to finally jump into the main Batman title, especially since I’ve been thoroughly impressed by Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman’s fresh and intriguing direction with Batman: Dark Pattern. So, the big question is: does Batman: Hush 2 live up to the considerable hype that precedes it? Let’s find out!
The comic starts with Batman investigating a lead from Gordon: some dangerous individuals plotting to poison Gotham’s reservoir – a clear catastrophe in the making. Right from the start, Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee plunge us into the action. Seeing Lee’s artwork again feels retro and nostalgic, a special treat given his demanding role leading a major publisher. The scene then shifts to Nightwing and Batgirl, engaging in lighthearted banter as they try to piece together Batman’s whereabouts after the Joker threw him into the reservoir and unleashed his grinning piranhas. Suddenly, Hush appears, seemingly torturing the Joker, though his ultimate fate remains ambiguous.
Meanwhile, Batman suspects he’s been compromised, unsure who is behind it all. The comic ends with a significant reveal for Batman, though readers already know the reveal. It sets up a mystery specifically tailored for the World’s Greatest Detective to unravel.
Credits: DC Comics
Batman #158 felt surprisingly formulaic to me. It’s rare that I finish a comic and feel completely detached, but that’s how this one landed. There’s a story present, but it didn’t grab me as something that felt essential. The line “Welcome back to the show that never ends” was clever. It made me wonder if it was a wink at the fact that this is a sequel nobody was clamoring for or a broader commentary on the relentless nature of comic book publishing. Either way, it’s an interesting thought to chew on within the context of this book.
On the art front, Jim Lee’s work still has that classic shine, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s a style that’s instantly recognizable and takes me right back. You can’t deny that Lee’s interpretation of Batman defined how the character is drawn today. He pioneered that modern, pulpy, and dynamic art style. His character designs are still fantastic – Batman looks powerful and imposing, and Nightwing and Batgirl haven’t looked this good in ages. Ultimately, though, as a debut issue, it didn’t quite live up to the hype. However, I’m still intrigued to see where this Hush 2 return saga goes.
Credits: DC Comics
Letterer Richard Starkings masterfully incorporates a vintage style, particularly with Batman’s internal blue steel word panels, which serve as an engaging play-by-play of the unfolding action. It’s always a treat to see Batman’s detective-like internal monologue, showcased wonderfully here. Furthermore, the lettering guides the reader smoothly from panel to panel, with Silence’s impactful “ON YOUR KNEES” being a standout example that dynamically shifts the panel’s layout. Alex Sinclair’s coloring complements this perfectly. Like Lee’s often muted approach, Sinclair creates a somewhat drab world, allowing distinct hues like Batgirl’s purple, Nightwing’s blue, and Talia’s green to truly pop, providing a consistent contrast against the backgrounds.
Batman #158 marks the return of the Hush storyline with a reunion of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, delivering classic artwork and setting up a mystery for Batman. Despite a familiar plot, the standout elements of this debut issue were undoubtedly Jim Lee’s iconic artwork, Richard Starkings’ vintage lettering, and Alex Sinclair’s vibrant colors. While these highlights intrigued me, the overall package didn’t win me over.
‘Batman’ #158 Review: A Nostalgic Return, But Does It Intrigue?
Batman #158 marks the return of the Hush storyline with a reunion of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, delivering classic artwork and setting up a mystery for Batman. Despite a familiar plot, the standout elements of this debut issue were undoubtedly Jim Lee’s iconic artwork, Richard Starkings’ vintage lettering, and Alex Sinclair’s vibrant colors. While these highlights intrigued me, the overall package didn’t win me over.
