What a long, strange trip it has been thus far. Thomas Elliot is back. He targeted the Joker to get at his old friend, Batman. This resulted in the Dark Knight having to save his enemy. These actions didn’t set well with Jason Todd.
After getting knocked out by Red Hood, Batman wakes to time running out. His journey takes him to a direct path with Elliot and his augmented squad. Luckily, Damian Wayne called for backup in the form of BANE?!
What a long, strange trip indeed…
BATMAN #161 by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair and Richard Starkings continues “H2SH”.
Let’s see if the latest issue changes course or sinks.
BATMAN #161 by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair and Richard Starkings (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The majority of this issue switches focus from Batman to Barbara Gordon. It is an upgrade in some aspects. Loeb has put in a few confusing points of character that just haven’t clicked yet. The Bane injection is arguably the most puzzling right now. Considering what he’s done to the Bat Family, seeing Damian call in a favor for him just doesn’t gel. The resolution is very quick in removing him form the equation. After this clunky beginning, the attention is diverted to another member of the Bat family.
Batgirl’s conversation with her wounded father is a positive area. Her dialogue comes across more as a concerned daughter than vigilante. It tries creating extra guilt on Bat’s conscience. Readers can debate how effective this ploy was. The move does launch into an unexpected confrontation. Seeing Barbara’s perspective teases either a dream sequence or more overbearing weight added to the drama. The former would be an easier explanation for the past issues. This does lead to a more awkward closing. Seeing the group formed to confront Batman raises a few eyebrows. While a slight improvement, the plot still has more questions than answers.
Lee’s art continues to be the story’s saving grace. Damian’s two page escape from Hush brings the tension to a head. It leads into some great action panes. The Bane situation is resolved with a near full page image. It helps to take one person off the board. Readers watch as one falls, there are plenty in wait. One notable target is Jim Gordon.
The conversation between father and daughter carries a certain gravity to the panels. This is interrupted by Batman eavesdropping via near full page. Once actions are taken, a strong two page splash moves players into position. Readers watch as a fight erupts that brings plenty of strong panels. The images convey the frustration mounting. It all comes to a defining close with the last page. The parting full image shows more have become involved. Whether this is a good or bad plan is debatable. With some characters on page, there raises a question of how all fit. Lee’s art ushers them into the story in style. That’s all that can be asked at this stage.
OVERALL GRADE: 6.5
The spotlight shines bright when Batgirl takes the lead. Outside of the emotional impact added there, the story still struggles with certain character involvement. Lee’s art is as steady as ever. Unless there’s a great deal of dream sequences to explain, H2SH has many unanswered questions at hand that hamper the sequel’s foundation.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Batman #161. Thanks for reading!