It has been a hot minute but H2SH is returning to comic shops. Tommy Elliot has emerged with a vengeance. After defeating the Joker, Elliot looks to make Batman’s life a living hell. The former childhood “friend” has forced Batman to be the savoir to the Clown Prince of Crime.
His actions haven’t set well with the Bat Family. Jason Todd became involved. He was followed by Damian Wayne and BANE?! Also, Nightwing & Batgirl have an allaince with The Riddler?!
There’s a lot to unpack with this story.
BATMAN #162 by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair, Tyler Smith and Richard Starkings continues its’ very polarizing tale.
We’ve waited long enough. Where do things go from here?
BATMAN #162 by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair, Tyler Smith and Richard Starkings (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Five chapters in and there’s a lot left in question. Loeb’s writing tries establishing Hush’s manipulations on the Bat family. In execution, there are some awkward landing spots. From the initial start here, Batman’s monologue depicts one riddled with extremes. One of which is the brutal method of dealing with his allies. There isn’t a sense that he is the hero in these moments. They come across like a paranoid traveler lost in direction.
The conversation with Catwoman feels more like a brewing fight than a talk between lovers. Readers sense the dialogue won’t flow as easy as it should. There’s never a let-up of Batman’s convictions with self guilt. Even as other Bat-fam arrive, the internal voice never switches off its’ harder takes.
Readers get some relief when Hush is revealed in the shadows. While brief, it chops up the brooding presence of Batman. The Red Hood/Huntress portion feels forced into the mix. Its’ briefness helps get to the close. There’s a few tricks attempted to sway the readers. They never get off the ground as the final page brings Batman into a somewhat full circle moment. There are just too many forced pieces that divert an organic push for Batman’s latest escapades.
Lee and company continue to be the saving grace of this series. Batman’s face-off with his family leads into a solid two page splash. Showing the tragic pasts of Nightwing and Batgirl attempts to make Bat’s moves more sympathetic. This moves events into the Catwoman portion of the book. Their tension is easy to witness. In this capacity, they come across more as bitter enemies than previously star-crossed lovers.
Damian Wayne’s two page splash amps up pacing. While brief, it hits key points before Riddler steals spotlight. Panel set-up puts a good spin on their confrontation. Hush’s attack carries more purpose when unleashed. The half page shot of Huntress deflecting fire ushers in a pause on the brooding. Jason Todd’s party crashing feels very traditional in set-up. Nothing seems too out of place here. Readers watch as the closing gets a few new looks added into play. A bold two page splash kicks in the door for the final page. Bearing witness to the final full page, where things go from here is literally anyone’s guess.
FINAL GRADE: 6
Had it not be for Lee’s art, this story might be all but lost. The writing pushes a tense combative nature between Batman and allies. Lee lifts this chapter higher with excellent visuals. It’s still anyone’s guess where Batman’s latest landing spot takes him.
Let me know your thoughts on Batman #162 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!