In October of 2002, a new dynamic dup invaded Gotham City. Legendary artist Jim Lee (X-Men, Wild-C.A.T.S.) and Jeph Loeb (Batman: The Long Halloween) were making a special Batman story. The result was “Hush”. A childhood friend of Bruce Wayne’s past becomes a dangerous rogue. The story became an instant smash with readers. Its legacy still holds up 23 years later.
At New York Comic Con 2024, it was unveiled that the pair was reuniting for “Hush 2”. The news set the comic world on its axis. Early orders indicate another huge success on hand for DC Comics. Can the pair deliver to the high bar of their predecessor tale?
BATMAN #158 by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair and Richard Starkings looks to answer that question and much more!
Let’s take a closer look at the return of Hush!
BATMAN #158 by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair and Richard Starkings (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Loeb sets up a solid bait and switch for the initial start. Tying events back to the first encounter with Joker is an instant win. Batman’s narration walks readers through his breakdown. The scene seems more complex than it feels. Joker supports the claim even though it feels forced. Readers watch as the result starts bringing in more familiar faces. Knowing dynamics, one seems very unlikely. It works as one person is pulling all the string from the shadows.
Hush debuts with a bold strike. For anyone that might have forgotten his ruthlessness, Loeb reminds readers quickly. The scenes play out as cold and unforgiving. It works well to bolster the tense mood. Batman’s response mirrors the sense of urgency. This pushes events into the closing act. From this point, the pieces start forming in front of Batman. The writing telegraphs a few moments before the final panel. It leaves events in a sturdy point with much room to grow. Welcome back Hush indeed.
I don’t know if there’s enough adjectives in the dictionary to describe Lee’s art. Readers are witnesses to a return of greatness. The detail on the poisoned fish is unmatched by him and Williams. This moment gets overtaken via a fantastic two page splash. Batman’s full page underwater scene pops due to Sinclair’s coloring. Even a smaller panel showcasing a new character jumps off the page. This is all due to the flawless skills of the returning artist.
The detainment of Joker is terrifying by even Joker standards. Lee’s attention to the dimensions of Joker’s bruised face speaks volumes. It’s toppled by the close-up of Hush’s eyes. They come across as broken and twisted. It is very similar to Batman’s growing paranoia. The action sequences start rolling as events go to the close. A full page image of Batman finding Joker proves to be a turning point. With the shorter panel structure, Lee maximizes the spacing. It constructs its’ reveal with a moderate impact. This shows off the art team’s skills. They take a minor move and give it a major point. Expect more of this style moving forward.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.6
Loeb and Lee return to Gotham City with a superb debut installment. Loeb’s writing constructs a layered chess match. Lee, Williams and Sinclair put on an incredible display of storytelling with their art. It covers up some of the foretelling plots. Readers will have much to discuss with this chapter.
Let me know in the comments below you thoughts on Batman #158. Thanks for reading!