The day has come: a Hush sequel has officially started in Batman #158. It’s the last story arc before new numbering resets things, and the iconic creators Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee are back on board, so it’s clear this story isn’t some half-thought-out sequel. But can they come off the blocks hot, or does this first chapter in the new story arc feel like a dud?
First and foremost, Lee has not missed a beat, and the art is sometimes spectacular. It’s not only his highly detailed pencils but the framing of scenes. A small panel on any page has drama that adds to the scenes, reminding us he’s a great storyteller. There are full-page splashes but also great moments, like when Joker gets knives thrown at him.
As far as the story goes, Batman #158 opens with Batman stopping the Joker from dumping poisoned Joker fish into the Gotham water supply. The action leads to the Joker getting kidnapped, Batman being compromised, and the Bat-family worrying about him. There’s chaos, and someone is doing this on purpose.
What a page!
Credit: DC Comics
The opening leads to a Joker torture scene that’s pushing it for a Batman comic. If you have issues with teeth, maybe skip this scene! There’s detective work in the issue as well, and pretty much everything you’d want in a superhero comic.
Aside from setting up Hush 2, this issue also plays into the age-old question of why Batman doesn’t just kill these supervillains. They get arrested, thrown in Arkham, and return to the streets in no time. Hush appears to be on the rampage to finish the job for Batman once and for all.
Surprisingly, this is mostly a Joker issue. It’s the start of a larger mystery and more villains popping up, and it’s also easy to read without reading the first Hush story. On the reverse side, if you know nothing about Hush, you’ll still feel in the dark regarding this villain, though maybe that’s by design to sell graphic novels of the first series.
Batman #158 delivers a thrilling, well-crafted start to Hush 2, with Jim Lee’s art shining as a major highlight. The story sets the stage for deeper mysteries, compelling action, and Batman’s ongoing moral struggles. However, Hush’s presence is minimal, making this feel more like a Joker-focused issue than a true sequel—at least for now.
You must be logged in to post a comment.