After a hand-to-hand fight with Jason Todd in the Batcave, Batman is all out of sorts with Hush’s constant pressure. He’s back, but why and what for is anyone’s guess. The sequel to Hush, titled “H2SH”, centers on Joker, and in Batman #160, it becomes clearer what Hush is up to.
Batman #160 opens with Batman reviewing security footage after Jason Todd incapacitated him in the Batcave. Key information is shared between Hush and Jason, which is likely meant to reach Batman via the security cameras. This scene, along with others in this issue, provides the most hints as to what has been happening in the series so far. The plan seems a little basic, though, so hopefully there’s more to it than simply making Gotham hate Batman for saving Joker’s life.
As the issue progresses, there are enlightening flashbacks to Bruce as a child, further proof Riddler means business about helping the Bat-family, and a confrontation with an enhanced human who can turn their arms into metal blades. It feels like a lot of progress compared to the previous issues.
Jim Lee brings his A-game once again with breathtaking full-page splashes and plenty of detail, no matter the size of the panel. Adding to his usual high bar are some neat cutaways to Batman being blasted with painful sound. Using a sketchier style, we see an almost bone-crunching pain overlaid with words being uttered.
The art can be stunning.
Credit: DC Comics
Where this issue fumbles is the dialogue, which can read in a clunky way. From cover to cover, I clocked dialogue that’s too on-the-nose, exposition dumps, and unnatural rhythms. Captions are generally good, but they’re also relatively brief, as they primarily focus on Batman’s tactical approach. It’s a lot of awkwardness paired with beautiful art.
Fans of Batman who have been paying attention may also lose it over the inclusion of Bane, who is brought into battle by Damian. Considering what Bane did to Damian, that feels like an impossibility.
Another element that doesn’t work is how easily it seems for Hush to recruit henchmen and Jason Todd to do his bidding. Likely, he has something to reveal, but he’s got two meta-powered henchmen that feel out of the ordinary for a more grounded series like Batman.
Also in this issue is a backup setting up Batgirl #7 by Tate Brombal and Isaac Goodhart. It’s not connected to the main story, but serves as a nice taste starter for the exploration of Batgirl’s mom in her main book.
Batman #160 advances the “H2SH” story with cinematic visuals and exciting confrontations, but its uneven dialogue and questionable character choices may leave longtime fans scratching their heads, even as they admire the view.
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