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Batman Hush Saga #1-2
Batman Noir: Hush
The colors are drained and the shadows come alive in this stark take on a dark classic! Presented in its original pencils and ink artwork by industry legend Jim Lee, BATMAN NOIR: HUSH highlights the grim, gritty atmosphere of Batman and Gotham City, and pits the Dark Knight against a city overrun with its legendary villains. As the likes of the Joker, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy and more throw Batman’s life into chaos, little do they know they have become pawns to the enigmatic Hush in an elaborate game of revenge against Bruce Wayne.
This truly unforgettable story by two of comics’ top talents, writer Jeph Loeb (BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) and artist Jim Lee (JUSTICE LEAGUE: ORIGINS, SUPERMAN UNCHAINED), presents the Caped Crusader’s most personal case yet in stark black and white! Collects BATMAN #609-619 in black and white.
This truly unforgettable story by two of comics’ top talents, writer Jeph Loeb (BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) and artist Jim Lee (JUSTICE LEAGUE: ORIGINS, SUPERMAN UNCHAINED), presents the Caped Crusader’s most personal case yet in stark black and white! Collects BATMAN #609-619 in black and white.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Jeph Loeb
1,576 books1,425 followersJoseph "Jeph" Loeb III is an Emmy and WGA nominated American film and television writer, producer and award-winning comic book writer. Loeb was a Co-Executive Producer on the NBC hit show Heroes, and formerly a producer/writer on the TV series Smallville and Lost.
A four-time Eisner Award winner and five-time Wizard Fan Awards winner (see below), Loeb's comic book career includes work on many major characters, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America, Cable, Iron Man, Daredevil, Supergirl, the Avengers, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, much of which he has produced in collaboration with artist Tim Sale, who provides the comic art seen on Heroes.
A four-time Eisner Award winner and five-time Wizard Fan Awards winner (see below), Loeb's comic book career includes work on many major characters, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America, Cable, Iron Man, Daredevil, Supergirl, the Avengers, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, much of which he has produced in collaboration with artist Tim Sale, who provides the comic art seen on Heroes.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,282 reviews
September 23, 2023
(A-) 81% | Very Good
Notes: A grandiose, sprawling, byzantine epic, it's about exploiting vulnerabilities and the tactical manipulation of memory.
Notes: A grandiose, sprawling, byzantine epic, it's about exploiting vulnerabilities and the tactical manipulation of memory.
September 26, 2021
A (now) classic Batman story that I think holds up very well.
This is one that I've read multiple times in multiple editions, and I really think that the 15th Anniversary edition is very well done. I loved seeing all the Easter eggs that I'd missed over the years pointed out to me. <--did you know Jean Grey and Gwen Stacy were buried in the Gotham Cemetary? I always miss stuff like that if someone doesn't shove my face in it, so it was a nice bonus to have the artist spoon feeding it to me in the back of the comic.
If you haven't read this story, then the gist is that someone knows Bruce Wayne is Batman and is out to destroy him. This villain is targeting not only Bruce but the people Bruce loves.
Speaking of people Bruce loves, he and Selina...?
Bow chicka wow wow
Ok. So, the whole time you're trying to figure out who is the mastermind behind all of these attacks, and every time your think you've gotten to the Big Reveal, the rug gets snatched out from under you.
Tons of red herrings all over the place!
So whodunnit?
Hush. It's a secret.
Also, if you've only watched the animated version, you're in for a surprise. The comic and the movie have some pretty big differences. <-I can't really say much more without spoiling the whole thing.
Highly Recommended!
This is one that I've read multiple times in multiple editions, and I really think that the 15th Anniversary edition is very well done. I loved seeing all the Easter eggs that I'd missed over the years pointed out to me. <--did you know Jean Grey and Gwen Stacy were buried in the Gotham Cemetary? I always miss stuff like that if someone doesn't shove my face in it, so it was a nice bonus to have the artist spoon feeding it to me in the back of the comic.
If you haven't read this story, then the gist is that someone knows Bruce Wayne is Batman and is out to destroy him. This villain is targeting not only Bruce but the people Bruce loves.
Speaking of people Bruce loves, he and Selina...?
Bow chicka wow wow
Ok. So, the whole time you're trying to figure out who is the mastermind behind all of these attacks, and every time your think you've gotten to the Big Reveal, the rug gets snatched out from under you.
Tons of red herrings all over the place!
So whodunnit?
Hush. It's a secret.
Also, if you've only watched the animated version, you're in for a surprise. The comic and the movie have some pretty big differences. <-I can't really say much more without spoiling the whole thing.
Highly Recommended!
December 9, 2022
Collecting Batman #608-619, the superb Jeph Loeb / Jim Lee team-up that sees Batman being mightily confused and attacked from all sides, both by villains and heroes, as a person from his past seeks to wreak havoc on his life. Co-stars Catwoman, Oracle and Robin, as well as appearances by Superman, Nightwing, Huntress and more. A truly memorable Batman story. 8 out of 12 - Four Star read :)
2012 read
2012 read
January 24, 2019
It was okay. The graphics were great!!! Read it on Kindle Unlimited!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
January 30, 2015
I had such a hard time deciding how to rate this one. I liked it and I didn't like it. I'm going with a four star..just because I love me some Batman and there are several really good things about this book.
Like: Batman and Catwoman. Do I like them together doing the smoochie smoochie? Well, somewhat.
I thought it would be hotter than it was..I mean come on, they are both awesomeness..but well it kinda fizzled in this book.
But here? Pure hawt.
Yes, I know I'm weird. I've been told that before.
The artwork: Frigging amazing.
Ohhhh Bats-you are looking good.
They story was fairly decent at times. I liked him teaming up with Superman and I figured out who the bad guy was before the end, but it's not a bad book.
What I thought was over the top:
Too much going on. Why does the Batman series that I've read have to have every bad guy that he has ever fought in each book? I felt sorry for the poor guy because he was running around like a chicken with his head cut off.
In the end this is one of the better Batman books I've read. He is on the darker side and I love him when he gets all angry and angsty.
ETA: I forgot this! My friend Hulk boy aka Jeff recommended this to me. He seems to know the comic books I might like..if he would quit ignoring Kelly and I lately because we Goldblum/Groinkick/Vomit gif him to death.
Like: Batman and Catwoman. Do I like them together doing the smoochie smoochie? Well, somewhat.
I thought it would be hotter than it was..I mean come on, they are both awesomeness..but well it kinda fizzled in this book.
But here? Pure hawt.
Yes, I know I'm weird. I've been told that before.
The artwork: Frigging amazing.
Ohhhh Bats-you are looking good.
They story was fairly decent at times. I liked him teaming up with Superman and I figured out who the bad guy was before the end, but it's not a bad book.
What I thought was over the top:
Too much going on. Why does the Batman series that I've read have to have every bad guy that he has ever fought in each book? I felt sorry for the poor guy because he was running around like a chicken with his head cut off.
In the end this is one of the better Batman books I've read. He is on the darker side and I love him when he gets all angry and angsty.
ETA: I forgot this! My friend Hulk boy aka Jeff recommended this to me. He seems to know the comic books I might like..if he would quit ignoring Kelly and I lately because we Goldblum/Groinkick/Vomit gif him to death.
February 11, 2016
Jim Lee Superstar,
Or: How Many Fights Can You Pack Into One Book?
Batman vs. Killer Croc, Batman vs. Catwoman, Huntress vs. assorted “street punks,” Killer Croc vs. Batman and Catwoman, Poison Ivy vs. Catwoman, Batman vs. Superman, Harley Quinn vs. almost everybody, Batman vs. Joker… These are just the major fights of the book’s first half, there are many more. As you can imagine, fighting takes up a good chunk of the story. The remaining pages… well, they are little more than the desperate attempt to justify all the fighting, really. And they don’t always succeed, either. In short, Hush isn’t much of a story.
Still, I found myself admiring the sheer professionalism displayed by both writer Jeph Loeb and superstar penciller Jim Lee. It is obvious that they were both fully aware of the rules of the game - they knew what the fans wanted, and that’s exactly what they delivered: as many fight scenes as possible, featuring as many well-known characters as possible, all drawn in Lee’s trademark sketchy, angular, overblown action style. It isn’t my thing, really, but Lee sure knows how to wow the fans, and Loeb wisely steps far into the background, well aware that a book with the name Jim Lee on the cover must really do only one thing: let the superstar strut his stuff. It does not necessarily have to make sense.
So what’s the verdict? It’s a book that achieves what it wants to achieve, and I think that deserves some credit. Many even consider Hush a Batman classic, maybe especially those who grew up with the exaggerated superhero style Lee helped develop in the early 1990s. And yet, personally, I don’t like Hush. I think you have to be a major admirer of Lee's style to really love this book - if not, you'll just file it under "empty spectacle." 2.5 stars, I'd say, bumped down because… well, I guess bigger isn’t always better.
Or: How Many Fights Can You Pack Into One Book?
Batman vs. Killer Croc, Batman vs. Catwoman, Huntress vs. assorted “street punks,” Killer Croc vs. Batman and Catwoman, Poison Ivy vs. Catwoman, Batman vs. Superman, Harley Quinn vs. almost everybody, Batman vs. Joker… These are just the major fights of the book’s first half, there are many more. As you can imagine, fighting takes up a good chunk of the story. The remaining pages… well, they are little more than the desperate attempt to justify all the fighting, really. And they don’t always succeed, either. In short, Hush isn’t much of a story.
Still, I found myself admiring the sheer professionalism displayed by both writer Jeph Loeb and superstar penciller Jim Lee. It is obvious that they were both fully aware of the rules of the game - they knew what the fans wanted, and that’s exactly what they delivered: as many fight scenes as possible, featuring as many well-known characters as possible, all drawn in Lee’s trademark sketchy, angular, overblown action style. It isn’t my thing, really, but Lee sure knows how to wow the fans, and Loeb wisely steps far into the background, well aware that a book with the name Jim Lee on the cover must really do only one thing: let the superstar strut his stuff. It does not necessarily have to make sense.
So what’s the verdict? It’s a book that achieves what it wants to achieve, and I think that deserves some credit. Many even consider Hush a Batman classic, maybe especially those who grew up with the exaggerated superhero style Lee helped develop in the early 1990s. And yet, personally, I don’t like Hush. I think you have to be a major admirer of Lee's style to really love this book - if not, you'll just file it under "empty spectacle." 2.5 stars, I'd say, bumped down because… well, I guess bigger isn’t always better.
August 11, 2020
Hush is without doubt one of the worst Batman books of the last 15 years but what makes it even worse is how highly it's rated by so many comics readers.
Well, I re-read this recently because I couldn't remember a thing about it from the first and only other time I read this years ago and what did I find? Good reason for why I couldn't remember a thing about it.
So I wrote an article on its many failings here
Well, I re-read this recently because I couldn't remember a thing about it from the first and only other time I read this years ago and what did I find? Good reason for why I couldn't remember a thing about it.
So I wrote an article on its many failings here
March 17, 2025
Hush is a Batman story that has aged well. This is what you get when you pair DC's most popular artist with its most popular character, making the most of Lee's idiosyncratic pencils by letting him illustrate almost all of Batman's popular allies and rogues. The story by Loeb dives deep into Batman lore, except, incidentally for Hush, who is an entirely new character.
August 4, 2016
Batman and Catwoman sitting in a tree, K-I–S-S- .. . Okay, enough with that.
What I find fascinating is that nearly every Batman graphic novel I’ve read recently has been a good/great one. Forbidden Planet lists their top 50 graphic novels of all time. Batman has 5. No one else comes close. Many of the major comic writers have all tackled Batman: Frank Miller, Grant Morrison, Alan Moore, Jeph Loeb, Ed Brubaker, Neil Gaiman, Chuck Dixon etc. etc.
https://forbiddenplanet.com/picks/50-...
What makes Batman such a compelling character and fodder for some of the greatest stories ever written? In short:
1. His tragic background – After he witnessed his parents being murdered during a botched robbery attempt, Bruce Wayne vowed to rid Gotham City of crime. It’s this unrelenting pathos that drives the character.
2. He’s only human – Unlike his buddy, Superman, Batman has no superpowers. He uses his wits, athletic prowess and all the Bat toys a bilionare-playboy can buy. He won’t break the law (much) and he absolutely won’t kill. Unlike Superman, he’s prone to darkness, hence the whole Bat theme. In this volume, he beats the crap out of the Joker (let’s face it, the Joker had it coming. For a long time) and almost kills him.
3. His supporting players – A bunch of Robins, Nightwing, Batgirl, Batwoman, Oracle, Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, Catwoman and Ace, the Bat Hound. All iconic in their own right.
4. His rogue’s gallery – Batman probably has the greatest group of villains in the history of comic books. Only Spider-Man comes close. And because he won’t kill, they’re endlessly recycled.
5. He’s a scientist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqBSnQ...
6. The Batusi – not really.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8BZDw...
The review (finally). Batman is being stalked by an unknown antagonist. This villain is using/controlling many of Batman’s foes in unique ways. Batman moons over getting kissed by Catwoman. He’s kind of lonely so he invites her into the inner Bat-circle-of-friends. Jeph Loeb’s story combines nicely with Jim Lee’s muscular art. An excellent Batman story!
What I find fascinating is that nearly every Batman graphic novel I’ve read recently has been a good/great one. Forbidden Planet lists their top 50 graphic novels of all time. Batman has 5. No one else comes close. Many of the major comic writers have all tackled Batman: Frank Miller, Grant Morrison, Alan Moore, Jeph Loeb, Ed Brubaker, Neil Gaiman, Chuck Dixon etc. etc.
https://forbiddenplanet.com/picks/50-...
What makes Batman such a compelling character and fodder for some of the greatest stories ever written? In short:
1. His tragic background – After he witnessed his parents being murdered during a botched robbery attempt, Bruce Wayne vowed to rid Gotham City of crime. It’s this unrelenting pathos that drives the character.
2. He’s only human – Unlike his buddy, Superman, Batman has no superpowers. He uses his wits, athletic prowess and all the Bat toys a bilionare-playboy can buy. He won’t break the law (much) and he absolutely won’t kill. Unlike Superman, he’s prone to darkness, hence the whole Bat theme. In this volume, he beats the crap out of the Joker (let’s face it, the Joker had it coming. For a long time) and almost kills him.
3. His supporting players – A bunch of Robins, Nightwing, Batgirl, Batwoman, Oracle, Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, Catwoman and Ace, the Bat Hound. All iconic in their own right.
4. His rogue’s gallery – Batman probably has the greatest group of villains in the history of comic books. Only Spider-Man comes close. And because he won’t kill, they’re endlessly recycled.
5. He’s a scientist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqBSnQ...
6. The Batusi – not really.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8BZDw...
The review (finally). Batman is being stalked by an unknown antagonist. This villain is using/controlling many of Batman’s foes in unique ways. Batman moons over getting kissed by Catwoman. He’s kind of lonely so he invites her into the inner Bat-circle-of-friends. Jeph Loeb’s story combines nicely with Jim Lee’s muscular art. An excellent Batman story!
September 13, 2020
I've read Hush in the past (Batman: Hush, Vol. 1, Batman: Hush, Vol. 2), but this one is some kind of collector's edition or something.
Except I didn't actually open the book at the library.
So.
Yeah, it turns out that Hush Unwrapped is meant to showcase Jim Lee's penciling.
Which, to be fair, are really impressive. However, I'm not a fan of black and white comics. Not only that, but it's is really hard in some of the panels to tell exactly what is going on. Especially the action scenes.
I enjoyed the story, but I wouldn't recommend this version to someone who hasn't read it before. This is something geared more toward fans of Lee's art or fanatic collectors.
Except I didn't actually open the book at the library.
So.
Yeah, it turns out that Hush Unwrapped is meant to showcase Jim Lee's penciling.
Which, to be fair, are really impressive. However, I'm not a fan of black and white comics. Not only that, but it's is really hard in some of the panels to tell exactly what is going on. Especially the action scenes.
I enjoyed the story, but I wouldn't recommend this version to someone who hasn't read it before. This is something geared more toward fans of Lee's art or fanatic collectors.
August 24, 2012
An unknown enemy is trying to destroy Batman at the same time he enters into a relationship with Catwoman. But who knows all of Batman's secrets?
I've been hearing about Hush since it was coming out in monthly format and finally decided to give it a chance. It was totally worth it.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first. While I liked Jeph Loeb's work on Batman: The Long Halloween, I thought it felt a little padded. As for Jim Lee, I was wondering if he still had that old magic. I was not disappointed.
Hush pits Batman against many of his foes, including a new one, Hush. Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Joker, Harley Quinn, Croc, and others all make appearances. Batman's relationship with Catwoman is explored, as are his relationships with other members of his supporting cast. Jim Lee's art has come along since his days as the flavor of the month artist that made his mark on X-Men before helping form Image.
I do have a few gripes, however.
Hush is the best Batman book not written by Scott Snyder that I've read in a long time. It's not earth shattering but is highly recommended.
I've been hearing about Hush since it was coming out in monthly format and finally decided to give it a chance. It was totally worth it.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first. While I liked Jeph Loeb's work on Batman: The Long Halloween, I thought it felt a little padded. As for Jim Lee, I was wondering if he still had that old magic. I was not disappointed.
Hush pits Batman against many of his foes, including a new one, Hush. Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Joker, Harley Quinn, Croc, and others all make appearances. Batman's relationship with Catwoman is explored, as are his relationships with other members of his supporting cast. Jim Lee's art has come along since his days as the flavor of the month artist that made his mark on X-Men before helping form Image.
I do have a few gripes, however.
Hush is the best Batman book not written by Scott Snyder that I've read in a long time. It's not earth shattering but is highly recommended.
August 6, 2008
I guess I'm mostly alone in not thinking much about this title -- but here are my reasons:
SPOILERS BELOW
********************************************************************************
I don't think Lee's artwork is right for this story. I know this is a very "personal taste" kind of thing - but so be it. His work is very "high-def", and I think mysteries are more effective with subtle, even murky images...I don't want to see each individual sinew of Batman's bicep, and I don't think it helps set the tone of the story.
While the mystery was fun to try and solve, and the twists and manipulations were surprising, the final reveal of the criminal was a huge letdown. The childhood friend? Really? He was so bitter that his mom survived Wayne's surgery, that he waited years - became a renowned surgeon - and plotted to destroy Wayne's son - all the while "pretending" to be a good kid???? Okay, even if I could accept that he was acting like a good kid, while really being full of hate -why would his hate be directed at Bruce? Why wouldn't he just make another attempt on his mother's life? And why would he go to the trouble of becoming a surgeon when all he wanted to do with his life was inherit a fortune? I dunno - just seems really weak to me.
SPOILERS BELOW
********************************************************************************
I don't think Lee's artwork is right for this story. I know this is a very "personal taste" kind of thing - but so be it. His work is very "high-def", and I think mysteries are more effective with subtle, even murky images...I don't want to see each individual sinew of Batman's bicep, and I don't think it helps set the tone of the story.
While the mystery was fun to try and solve, and the twists and manipulations were surprising, the final reveal of the criminal was a huge letdown. The childhood friend? Really? He was so bitter that his mom survived Wayne's surgery, that he waited years - became a renowned surgeon - and plotted to destroy Wayne's son - all the while "pretending" to be a good kid???? Okay, even if I could accept that he was acting like a good kid, while really being full of hate -why would his hate be directed at Bruce? Why wouldn't he just make another attempt on his mother's life? And why would he go to the trouble of becoming a surgeon when all he wanted to do with his life was inherit a fortune? I dunno - just seems really weak to me.
February 5, 2025
8.1/10
Something is wrong. To be fair, life has never been exactly peachy for Bruce, but this, this is different. Batman is used to facing criminals, fighting them either physically or mentally. But nothing makes sense anymore. The villains don't act normal. It's like they are part of something bigger. A game..
A game that it's made to defeat him, destroy him. Worst part is that is made not for Batman, but for Bruce. Someone knows...
Can the world's greatest detective solve the mystery before it's too late?
This has become one of the must read arcs, and for a good reason. We know Loeb can write a good Batman. A Batman that is relatable. Loeb's Bruce is a genius, in top physical condition, yet he isn't invincible. Jim Lee's pencils are second to none. The art is dynamic and the storytelling from panel to panel is easy to follow.
I have to say though, that the mystery is much harder for Batman to solve then it is for the reader. It's fairly easy to guess who is Hush. However i do understand why it's hard for Bruce to unravel the mystery. Also there is one part of the plot that doesn't make sense.
I have the DC compact edition. If you want an edition that doesn't take much space in the library and is cheap than it definitely is worth it. I always preferred the traditional paper over the glossy one, so that's another plus. The letters are quite smaller, so if your vision is not the best maybe choose the standard TP or HC.
Something is wrong. To be fair, life has never been exactly peachy for Bruce, but this, this is different. Batman is used to facing criminals, fighting them either physically or mentally. But nothing makes sense anymore. The villains don't act normal. It's like they are part of something bigger. A game..
A game that it's made to defeat him, destroy him. Worst part is that is made not for Batman, but for Bruce. Someone knows...
Can the world's greatest detective solve the mystery before it's too late?
This has become one of the must read arcs, and for a good reason. We know Loeb can write a good Batman. A Batman that is relatable. Loeb's Bruce is a genius, in top physical condition, yet he isn't invincible. Jim Lee's pencils are second to none. The art is dynamic and the storytelling from panel to panel is easy to follow.
I have to say though, that the mystery is much harder for Batman to solve then it is for the reader. It's fairly easy to guess who is Hush. However i do understand why it's hard for Bruce to unravel the mystery. Also there is one part of the plot that doesn't make sense.
I have the DC compact edition. If you want an edition that doesn't take much space in the library and is cheap than it definitely is worth it. I always preferred the traditional paper over the glossy one, so that's another plus. The letters are quite smaller, so if your vision is not the best maybe choose the standard TP or HC.
August 13, 2012
Never have I read such an emotionally satisfying Batman tale.
As much as I loved The Dark Knight Returns (and what sixteen year old comic book geek in 1986 didn't?), there is something inaccessible about Frank Miller’s Batman that always pushed me two paces to the side. Jeph Loeb’s Batman, though, is a different guy.
Well, he’s the same guy, but Batman Hush invites us into Batman/Bruce in a way I’ve never experienced. I can’t pin down exactly why, but there are a few possibilities. First, he’s physically and emotionally vulnerable in ways I didn’t expect. He doesn’t just take a beating; he comes as close to death as he’s ever come, and it weakens him for every fight he faces for the rest of the comic. He doesn’t just care about people around him, he actually falls in love, opens himself to love and embraces the love that was always and already there. The invulnerable Batman and “Teflon” Bruce actually come together with a little bit of humanity, and this time around he actually listens to his allies and takes advice. Wow! Second, it could be that, for the first time since the Dark Knight era of Batman dawned, I’ve read a story arc that put Batman’s need for vengeance at the end of the queue. It still appears, particularly in Batman’s umpteenth beating of the Joker, but it doesn’t dominate the man, which means it doesn’t dominate the story. Third, and maybe most importantly, Batman Hush finally finds a balance between the Dark Knight and the World’s Greatest Detective. The two incarnations become one. Sure the mystery is a bit clunky, but Loeb really tries to deliver suspense, offering clues and red herrings like all good mystery writers should, and the cracks in the mystery are mercifully papered over by Jim Lee’s stunning pencils. Which leads to number four -- the art. Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Lois Lane, Huntress, Oracle, they’re all sexy as hell. Nightwing, Robin, Superman, Batman, they all look the part of heroes. Joker, Clayface, Killer Croc, Scarecrow, R’as Al Ghul, Two-Face, Riddler, they all have their menace and madness intact. The flashbacks are beautiful, the action is often in motion, literally, the depth of the landscape and even the rain of Gotham is tangible. It is truly a luscious visual experience, and it perfectly captures all of the things Loeb wanted his Batman/Bruce to be.
Batman Hush hit every emotional chord in me, and I loved being played. Even Batman’s mindfuck victory over the mastermind of the Hush conspiracy was what I wanted it to be. And then Selina Kyle walked away. So perfect.
Now, I admit that there are thematically superior Batman tales (most of Miller’s work and Alan Moore’s unparalleled The Killing Joke come to mind), but Batman Hush is know slouch, and it did everything else very right. For the first time in a long time I could actually see myself choosing a DC title over a Marvel -- that's gotta be worth five stars.
As much as I loved The Dark Knight Returns (and what sixteen year old comic book geek in 1986 didn't?), there is something inaccessible about Frank Miller’s Batman that always pushed me two paces to the side. Jeph Loeb’s Batman, though, is a different guy.
Well, he’s the same guy, but Batman Hush invites us into Batman/Bruce in a way I’ve never experienced. I can’t pin down exactly why, but there are a few possibilities. First, he’s physically and emotionally vulnerable in ways I didn’t expect. He doesn’t just take a beating; he comes as close to death as he’s ever come, and it weakens him for every fight he faces for the rest of the comic. He doesn’t just care about people around him, he actually falls in love, opens himself to love and embraces the love that was always and already there. The invulnerable Batman and “Teflon” Bruce actually come together with a little bit of humanity, and this time around he actually listens to his allies and takes advice. Wow! Second, it could be that, for the first time since the Dark Knight era of Batman dawned, I’ve read a story arc that put Batman’s need for vengeance at the end of the queue. It still appears, particularly in Batman’s umpteenth beating of the Joker, but it doesn’t dominate the man, which means it doesn’t dominate the story. Third, and maybe most importantly, Batman Hush finally finds a balance between the Dark Knight and the World’s Greatest Detective. The two incarnations become one. Sure the mystery is a bit clunky, but Loeb really tries to deliver suspense, offering clues and red herrings like all good mystery writers should, and the cracks in the mystery are mercifully papered over by Jim Lee’s stunning pencils. Which leads to number four -- the art. Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Lois Lane, Huntress, Oracle, they’re all sexy as hell. Nightwing, Robin, Superman, Batman, they all look the part of heroes. Joker, Clayface, Killer Croc, Scarecrow, R’as Al Ghul, Two-Face, Riddler, they all have their menace and madness intact. The flashbacks are beautiful, the action is often in motion, literally, the depth of the landscape and even the rain of Gotham is tangible. It is truly a luscious visual experience, and it perfectly captures all of the things Loeb wanted his Batman/Bruce to be.
Batman Hush hit every emotional chord in me, and I loved being played. Even Batman’s mindfuck victory over the mastermind of the Hush conspiracy was what I wanted it to be. And then Selina Kyle walked away. So perfect.
Now, I admit that there are thematically superior Batman tales (most of Miller’s work and Alan Moore’s unparalleled The Killing Joke come to mind), but Batman Hush is know slouch, and it did everything else very right. For the first time in a long time I could actually see myself choosing a DC title over a Marvel -- that's gotta be worth five stars.
February 1, 2026
According to Goodreads, I read Batman: Hush in 2018. I have to recollection of reading this book. As I was reading it again, there was nothing that I recognized until the reveal at the very end!! That being said I loved this book. Which makes it the more strange that the only part I remember was the ending.
December 23, 2019
The artwork. The action. The dialogue. The characters. Everything about this was ON POINT.
June 3, 2018
This was a harrowing Batman story: exciting, enigmatic, loads of guest stars - and a surprise ending. Up there in the greatest works of the ever-expanding Batman cannon.
May 13, 2021
Hush. It's hush hush, keep the villain a secret. Jeph Loeb said it started out as a joke. But no joke, it's a well written mystery. I'm no mystery expert, nor the world's greatest detective. But you're guessing and second guessing until the very end. So it gets points for high readability and entertainment value alone.
Hush is this: Batman is doing his normal rounds when the villains are suddenly acting and fighting with uncharacteristic superiority, and he realizes that someone smarter and more strategic is pulling the strings. But why? And more importantly, who? Turns out that they know Batman intimately and exploit every weakness and predictable response until the very end. Ooo, who's it gonna be?
Well, your options are many. Damn near all of the villains are here: Killer Croc, Clayface, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, The Joker, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul. And of course two others, whom I can't name to avoid spoilers. I think Mr. Freeze is the only one missing. Jim Lee's artwork, especially the splash pages, with Scott Williams' colors, is absolutely stunning. Lee draws the most dynamic and fluid fights of probably any artist, and Batman fights them all with great athleticism and vigor.
There are many heroes: Batman, Tim Drake/Robin, Nightwing, Superman, Catwoman, Huntress, Oracle, and Jim Gordon. This is a character driven story, and they're at their most emotional and personal, real, fragile and caring humans under their masks.
Themes of love and loss run throughout, new love mirroring old love and magnifying loss. Both Tommy Elliot and Bruce suffer loss, it binds them together. Yet Batman, apart from professional support, is essentially alone. His pain and thirst for revenge fuel his passion. But at some point the "monster of fear" can't always be an absolute. So I appreciate the tenderness between Batman and Catwoman, because that's extremely rare in Bat books, and it's nice to see that Bruce does have a heart.
I also wanted to mention that Loeb makes a Knightfall reference. Bruce has a severe injury and Oracle calls Dr. Shondra Kinsolving, who, if you remember, healed his broken back. And Oracle tells Alfred she'll have Dick wreck the Porsche. That was awesome, if you have any idea what I'm talking about.
So the mystery isn't perfect. But it ebbs and flows, deepens and twists, keeps you reading, and I'm therefore forgiving. The fights are epic and beautifully illustrated. The villains are viciously skilled. The heroes are tough but fallible. And Gotham, as usual, is a dark throbbing heart of viscerality. I can't find much fault here. Loeb has written a riveting story in true form to Batman. And if you love it, there's an Absolute version available.
July 1, 2017
Absolutely fantastic.
Though, holy spoilers, Batman.
Hehehe.
I suppose you have to expect that with such a long running series, but honestly this doesn't keep me from wanting to read the previous stories any bit even though I know what's going to happen now. Plus, I kind of knew bits and pieces from the movies, the animated series, and the video games already so I can't really complain that much.
I really love all of the women in this universe, though Catwoman will always be my favorite. I've loved her since Batman: Returns and when I found I could play as her in Arkham City I couldn't preorder that game fast enough. I'm also curious about The Huntress now, she seems like a really interesting character and one that I'm not at all familiar with. Though a quick look at Wikipedia (warning, don't go there if you don't want spoilers) shows that she was the main character of Birds of Prey, a show on the WB that I vaguely remember. Huh. I'll have to see what comics I can find at my library that have her in them.
Batman will always be my favorite comic hero. I think it's because he doesn't actually have any super powers that I love him so much (it also didn't help that I thought he was pretty *ahem* sexy in the '90s cartoon ...) I will forever hear Batman as Kevin Conroy.
I think it's difficult to please fans of any of the long running series, but this graphic novel is pretty much a fan's dream come true. Some might say they mashed too much into the story, too many characters and such, but I think it all really worked to show just how much Batman and Bruce Wayne have been battling over the years.
If you're a Batman fan, this story really shouldn't be missed.
Though, holy spoilers, Batman.
Hehehe.
I suppose you have to expect that with such a long running series, but honestly this doesn't keep me from wanting to read the previous stories any bit even though I know what's going to happen now. Plus, I kind of knew bits and pieces from the movies, the animated series, and the video games already so I can't really complain that much.
I really love all of the women in this universe, though Catwoman will always be my favorite. I've loved her since Batman: Returns and when I found I could play as her in Arkham City I couldn't preorder that game fast enough. I'm also curious about The Huntress now, she seems like a really interesting character and one that I'm not at all familiar with. Though a quick look at Wikipedia (warning, don't go there if you don't want spoilers) shows that she was the main character of Birds of Prey, a show on the WB that I vaguely remember. Huh. I'll have to see what comics I can find at my library that have her in them.
Batman will always be my favorite comic hero. I think it's because he doesn't actually have any super powers that I love him so much (it also didn't help that I thought he was pretty *ahem* sexy in the '90s cartoon ...) I will forever hear Batman as Kevin Conroy.
I think it's difficult to please fans of any of the long running series, but this graphic novel is pretty much a fan's dream come true. Some might say they mashed too much into the story, too many characters and such, but I think it all really worked to show just how much Batman and Bruce Wayne have been battling over the years.
If you're a Batman fan, this story really shouldn't be missed.
April 21, 2021
I loved this comic!!
The story line, the drawing, the drama, the romance, the mystery, it was all beautiful! This is probably one of my favourite comics I have read so far.
I really enjoyed the underlying mystery throughout the entire comic and all the bad guys we get to see! (Also Superman and Lois make a guest appearance and who doesn't love those two? - Lois calls him Smallville *eeek*)
The relationship between Batman and Catwoman was so interesting and unique. They have been hinting at their relationship within many of the previous comics and I was seriously happy when they finally admitted they actually liked each other!
What annoys me with all the Batman comics I've read, they always do a flashback of the night that Thomas and Martha Wayne were killed.
I know that was THE moment in Bruce's life that critically changed him forever but we all know the backstory, we do not need to be reminded of it every 10 pages.
Other than that small detail, I thoroughly enjoyed this comic and can't wait to eventually re-read it!
The story line, the drawing, the drama, the romance, the mystery, it was all beautiful! This is probably one of my favourite comics I have read so far.
I really enjoyed the underlying mystery throughout the entire comic and all the bad guys we get to see! (Also Superman and Lois make a guest appearance and who doesn't love those two? - Lois calls him Smallville *eeek*)
The relationship between Batman and Catwoman was so interesting and unique. They have been hinting at their relationship within many of the previous comics and I was seriously happy when they finally admitted they actually liked each other!
What annoys me with all the Batman comics I've read, they always do a flashback of the night that Thomas and Martha Wayne were killed.
I know that was THE moment in Bruce's life that critically changed him forever but we all know the backstory, we do not need to be reminded of it every 10 pages.
Other than that small detail, I thoroughly enjoyed this comic and can't wait to eventually re-read it!
July 17, 2026
── ໒ 🌃 ⋆ 5 stars ★ ´ˎ˗
⤿ read in Italian ┊🗒┊
⟡ ❝ Per instaurare paura nei loro cuori sono diventato un pipistrello. Un mostro della notte. E nel farlo sono diventato proprio come tutti i mostri...solo...? ❞
⤿ As I said this was one of the first comics I read as a beginner in the DC comic universe and even though the plot involves many characters from Gotham's stories, I did not find this confusing at all. We follow Batman as he's trying to figure out who is manipulating and involving all these different villains and some of his friends to destroy his life. In my opinion this story is well thought out and to be honest I wasn't bored one bit throughout the whole book. In fact I read it in a day (and that's the origin of my toxic trait that says I can easily finish every comic in one day). Since the story involves a lot of DC characters, their backstories are explained a little through Batman's thoughts, that's why i didn't find this that confusing overall, but that might just be me.
Now that I've read a little more about this universe (I'm not saying I know how many times superman goes to the bathroom in a day, I'm still new and don't know every single thing so don't come at me) I can say Batman Hush is a very good start to dig deeper into the emotions of this character, his motives and his "code". One of the main plot lines is in fact about the romantic involvement with Catwoman, which might sound silly but to Bruce it's difficult to let people all the way into his life and I think this fear is well explored. Plus they're hot. We also get to know about things that torment him like Jason Todd's death, and more.
All this to say I looooved this, the art is fucking beautiful. It's so detailed and the drawings of Bruce's past are stunning. The plot really kept me on my toes and I liked the plot twists. One of my favorite parts was when Bruce went to Metropolis and met with Lois and Clark, I love them so much it's not even funny why can't they adopt me or something.
꒰ა 🌃 ˗ pre-read ˖⋆.
now that i graduated from high school people have been asking me “what are your goals in life?” my honest reply to this question right now is “I want to become the biggest DC comics nerd”
⤿ read in Italian ┊🗒┊
⟡ ❝ Per instaurare paura nei loro cuori sono diventato un pipistrello. Un mostro della notte. E nel farlo sono diventato proprio come tutti i mostri...solo...? ❞
ᝰ┊thoughts . . .
𐔌✒️ This was the second comic that I read about Batman and I can definitely say it only increased my curiosity towards this world and especially this character. I didn't write a review right after finishing the comic because I wanted to get a better understanding of Batman as a character before writing anything... so I read some more and I'm not saying I'm an expert now but I definitely know him better than when I started this book.
⤿ As I said this was one of the first comics I read as a beginner in the DC comic universe and even though the plot involves many characters from Gotham's stories, I did not find this confusing at all. We follow Batman as he's trying to figure out who is manipulating and involving all these different villains and some of his friends to destroy his life. In my opinion this story is well thought out and to be honest I wasn't bored one bit throughout the whole book. In fact I read it in a day (and that's the origin of my toxic trait that says I can easily finish every comic in one day). Since the story involves a lot of DC characters, their backstories are explained a little through Batman's thoughts, that's why i didn't find this that confusing overall, but that might just be me.
Now that I've read a little more about this universe (I'm not saying I know how many times superman goes to the bathroom in a day, I'm still new and don't know every single thing so don't come at me) I can say Batman Hush is a very good start to dig deeper into the emotions of this character, his motives and his "code". One of the main plot lines is in fact about the romantic involvement with Catwoman, which might sound silly but to Bruce it's difficult to let people all the way into his life and I think this fear is well explored. Plus they're hot. We also get to know about things that torment him like Jason Todd's death, and more.
All this to say I looooved this, the art is fucking beautiful. It's so detailed and the drawings of Bruce's past are stunning. The plot really kept me on my toes and I liked the plot twists. One of my favorite parts was when Bruce went to Metropolis and met with Lois and Clark, I love them so much it's not even funny why can't they adopt me or something.
꒰ა 🌃 ˗ pre-read ˖⋆.
now that i graduated from high school people have been asking me “what are your goals in life?” my honest reply to this question right now is “I want to become the biggest DC comics nerd”
October 27, 2025
The Batman: Hush 15th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is a comic book compilation of Batman issues #608 to 619 written by Jeph Loeb, penciled by Jim Lee, and inked by Scott Williams. Not to bury the lead, but I loved the series for its insightful romp through the Batman Rogues Gallery of villains and cameo appearances of friends and lovers.
Batman has an extensive list of criminals that repeatedly choose to commit acts intended to cause either personal financial enrichment or grievous bodily harm to others. The ones included in these 12 issues are: Killer Croc, Joker, Riddler, Two-Face, Catwoman, Lady Shiva, Ras Al Guhl, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Clay Face. Cameos are made by: Talia Head, Oracle, Jim Gordon, Robin, Night Wing, Huntress, and even Superman.
The plot involves a major new villain manipulating the old Batman villains to attack and overwhelm Batman. The problem with this plan is that although the criminals like the idea, they are more intent on their own machinations than the overall good (for the villains of course). I love the story with its abundance of characters, but the glut prevents some serious characterization. It is only the Catwoman / Batman romance that serves up the pathos.
To end, this is a high recommend, not just for the gorgeous artwork (which it has in droves), nor the tremendous cameos, but because the story, its pacing and the way it unfolds into a big reveal, felt kind of perfect to me.
Batman has an extensive list of criminals that repeatedly choose to commit acts intended to cause either personal financial enrichment or grievous bodily harm to others. The ones included in these 12 issues are: Killer Croc, Joker, Riddler, Two-Face, Catwoman, Lady Shiva, Ras Al Guhl, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Clay Face. Cameos are made by: Talia Head, Oracle, Jim Gordon, Robin, Night Wing, Huntress, and even Superman.
The plot involves a major new villain manipulating the old Batman villains to attack and overwhelm Batman. The problem with this plan is that although the criminals like the idea, they are more intent on their own machinations than the overall good (for the villains of course). I love the story with its abundance of characters, but the glut prevents some serious characterization. It is only the Catwoman / Batman romance that serves up the pathos.
To end, this is a high recommend, not just for the gorgeous artwork (which it has in droves), nor the tremendous cameos, but because the story, its pacing and the way it unfolds into a big reveal, felt kind of perfect to me.
August 7, 2024
باتمان نوار: هش؛ واحدة من أفضل قصص الكوميكس التي قرأتها لشخصيتي المُفضلة "باتمان، وفي العموم. لكونها تحمل بُعد عميق لشخصية "باتمان"، طريقة تفكيره، ووضعه في العديد من الاختبارات الصعبة، التي يختبر فيها مبادئه وقوانيه، بشكل قاسي.
تبدأ قصتنا عندما يُفاجئ "باتمان" أن العديد من خصومه يقومون بالعديد من الجرائم المتتالية، بداية من "بويزون آفي"، و"كات وومن" و"الجوكر"، و"هارلي كوين"، ولكنه يُلاحظ أنها ليست طريقتهم المُعتادة، هناك عنف أكثر من المُعتاد، ويبدوا بالنسبة له، وكأن أحد يُحركهم، يتلاعب بهم، وكأنهم بيادق، يخدمون ملك أعظم. ومع تداخل بسيط من طرف "سوبرمان"، فتستطيع "كات وومن" أن ترجع لرُشدها، لنشهد علاقة من أعقد العلاقات في تاريخ القصص المصورة؛ بينها وبين "باتمان"، فهل سيجدوا فعلاً السعادة المُنتظرة لهم؟
ولكن الحكاية تكون أكبر من ذلك، بظهور أطياف من الماضي، صديق طفولة حميم، وعدو لم يكن في الحُسبان، ولا يراه "باتمان" أنه جدير بالمنافسة كالجوكر مثلاً. القصة تحمل أبعاد فلسفية في شخصية "باتمان"، لماذا لا يقتل أعداءه؟ الذين قد قتلوا له أصدقاء ومعارف، وحتى الذين يعيثون في جوثام فساداً.. وقد أُختبر "باتمان" بطريقة قاسية لهذا المبدأ الذي يمتهنه، المبدأ الذي كما قال هو ما يُفرقه عنهم، فهو يرى نفسه من الداخل شخصاً سيء، كم هو قاس على نفسه "بروس وين"!
تتوالى الأحداث، والمفاجآت، وظهور شخصيات عديدة، بعضها كان له تأثير جلي، والآخر كان ليجعل القصة تستمر إلى الأمام، كسوبرمان مثلاً، وتتوالى الإلتواءات حتى النهاية، التي فاجئتني، وجعلتني أرى القصة من منظور آخر تماماً، وأن "هش" يحمل فكرة أكبر بكثير مما يبدو.
رسومات القصة النوار "بالأبيض والأسود" فقط جميلة، ومُبهرة، وأحياناً كنت أجد نفسي أقف عن بعض الصفحات أتأمل في بعض الرسومات ومدى دقتها.
فيلم الأنيميشن المُقتبس غير كثيراً من الأحداث، ووجدت أن ذلك التغيير لم يكن موفقاً، فقد شوه شكل العلاقة بين "باتمان" و"كات وومن" وتلك النهاية التي وصلت عليها دون حرق لأحداث الفيلم أو الكوميكس. ويُنصح بالكوميكس بكل تأكيد.
June 6, 2021
Reread: 06/06/21
It starts off with Batman fighting his villains and something with Killer Croc but something goes wrong and he finds weird happenstances and so he investigates and that leads to him fighting Poison Ivy but then he goes to metropolis and he has to face off against his best friend Superman and its an epic fight and we see the mysteries unfold and it leads to a big gauntlet of all his villains from Harley to Joker to Ra's Al Ghul and all, team up with Nightwing and Huntress but finally when the mystery is revealed who it is and then the final fight, revelations and all happen its so worth it and every dot is connected and it makes sense and finally a great conclusion and t also poses some questions regarding Joker and Catwoman which was good. It just shows the tragedy that is Batman and the various dilemmas on it but Jim Lee's art here is the main highlight here with every panel detailed and all and the colors just sparkling! Just wow!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Its an interesting book and like details the coming of Hush this mysterious adversary that has made Bruce's life hell as he has to face a gauntlet of his enemies and also heroes. That fight between Superman and Batman is epic and the romance between Batman and Catwoman is just *chefs kiss*. The main thing is Jim Lee's art, each panel, each page feels like a poster and is a masterpiece. The writing by Jeph Loeb is just perfect.
It starts off with Batman fighting his villains and something with Killer Croc but something goes wrong and he finds weird happenstances and so he investigates and that leads to him fighting Poison Ivy but then he goes to metropolis and he has to face off against his best friend Superman and its an epic fight and we see the mysteries unfold and it leads to a big gauntlet of all his villains from Harley to Joker to Ra's Al Ghul and all, team up with Nightwing and Huntress but finally when the mystery is revealed who it is and then the final fight, revelations and all happen its so worth it and every dot is connected and it makes sense and finally a great conclusion and t also poses some questions regarding Joker and Catwoman which was good. It just shows the tragedy that is Batman and the various dilemmas on it but Jim Lee's art here is the main highlight here with every panel detailed and all and the colors just sparkling! Just wow!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Its an interesting book and like details the coming of Hush this mysterious adversary that has made Bruce's life hell as he has to face a gauntlet of his enemies and also heroes. That fight between Superman and Batman is epic and the romance between Batman and Catwoman is just *chefs kiss*. The main thing is Jim Lee's art, each panel, each page feels like a poster and is a masterpiece. The writing by Jeph Loeb is just perfect.
May 31, 2018
I remember trying this back when it was a blue cover trade, and a green cover trade, and not liking it.
Batman: Hush, Vol. 1, Batman: Hush, Vol. 2
One can hardly say that if it like it now, it's because my tastes have matured. Broadened, maybe.
No, I remember what I didn't like- I generally hate all flashbacks to forgotten childhood friend of "Master Bruce," although like most things Batman, everything that's been done can be re-done.
As far as the Chinese box style plot, with a twist on every twist, and involvement (at some level) with many many famous friends and enemies- that was all well and good. Typical Jeff Loeb, I'd say.
Batman: Hush, Vol. 1, Batman: Hush, Vol. 2
One can hardly say that if it like it now, it's because my tastes have matured. Broadened, maybe.
No, I remember what I didn't like- I generally hate all flashbacks to forgotten childhood friend of "Master Bruce," although like most things Batman, everything that's been done can be re-done.
As far as the Chinese box style plot, with a twist on every twist, and involvement (at some level) with many many famous friends and enemies- that was all well and good. Typical Jeff Loeb, I'd say.
April 7, 2025
Jeph Loeb's writing was never that good, but somehow he got the opportunity to work with great artists and entire comics publishing companies let him do whatever he wanted so that ended up with iconic stories.
That's what Hush is: Batman illustrated by Jim Lee in a storyline allowed to use every iconic character. So of course it was a hit. The art is excellent, among Jim Lee's very best even if the skintight look is a little too 90s for the modern era.
In a mystery that didn't make sense (seriously, the Joker is allowed to just go free because "Harvey Dent" got his lawyer license back??) Batman goes on a tour meeting all the best villains and side characters. He teams up with/fights Catwoman, Superman, and Nightwing. One by one he faces off against Poison Ivy, the Riddler, Ra's al Ghul, the Riddler, and Scarecrow.
I won't spoil the ending revealing who was the mastermind Hush, nor will I hint at the retcons, but what was exciting at the time turned out to be disappointing upon rereading. Still, this is a pretty good self-contained Batman book to recommend to comic novices who just like to see cool drawings and read about their favorite film and television hero.
That's what Hush is: Batman illustrated by Jim Lee in a storyline allowed to use every iconic character. So of course it was a hit. The art is excellent, among Jim Lee's very best even if the skintight look is a little too 90s for the modern era.
In a mystery that didn't make sense (seriously, the Joker is allowed to just go free because "Harvey Dent" got his lawyer license back??) Batman goes on a tour meeting all the best villains and side characters. He teams up with/fights Catwoman, Superman, and Nightwing. One by one he faces off against Poison Ivy, the Riddler, Ra's al Ghul, the Riddler, and Scarecrow.
I won't spoil the ending revealing who was the mastermind Hush, nor will I hint at the retcons, but what was exciting at the time turned out to be disappointing upon rereading. Still, this is a pretty good self-contained Batman book to recommend to comic novices who just like to see cool drawings and read about their favorite film and television hero.
August 11, 2016
4.5 stars
Wow. This is probably my favorite Batman comic!
I went into this thinking that I already knew who Hush was. I thought it was . But there were so many twists and turns in this that I soon realized I had no idea who Hush was and I was caught completely off guard at the end. I like that, at its core, it's a classic detective story. And I love that they did that because it stays true to who Batman is: a detective.
I also really loved all the character cameos. This is like the definitive modern Batman stand-alone comic (if I may say so). You get a good look at many of his Rogues, his friends/family, and him as a man. He was just so greatly written, with a lot of inner struggle and emotional baggage to deal with.
Jeph Loeb did a stunning job with this story and Jim Lee's artwork was perfect. I would recommend this to all Batman fans.
Wow. This is probably my favorite Batman comic!
I went into this thinking that I already knew who Hush was. I thought it was . But there were so many twists and turns in this that I soon realized I had no idea who Hush was and I was caught completely off guard at the end. I like that, at its core, it's a classic detective story. And I love that they did that because it stays true to who Batman is: a detective.
I also really loved all the character cameos. This is like the definitive modern Batman stand-alone comic (if I may say so). You get a good look at many of his Rogues, his friends/family, and him as a man. He was just so greatly written, with a lot of inner struggle and emotional baggage to deal with.
Jeph Loeb did a stunning job with this story and Jim Lee's artwork was perfect. I would recommend this to all Batman fans.
May 20, 2025
2025 review - still pretty damn great. I just love the flow of the story and the whole hidden mystery of who hush is. I also think just a lot of good work done on Bruce and Catwoman and pretty much the whole crew of villains and sidekicks. the art is absolutely gorgeous by Jim Lee, so that's a big plus. That it is a great entry point for people who've never really read Batman stories as I've always enjoyed this story a lot even when I started reading DC comics, but still love it now even years later of reading so many comics.
2015 review - More like a 4.5 but this is pretty damn close to being one of my favorite Batman stories. After many told me to check out such famous titles as Long Halloween or Killing Joke I was finally glad to stumble upon this one and fall nearly in love with the story line.
The pacing is damn near perfect. It starts exciting and stays that way. Someone is hunting Batman behind the scenes, using his Rogue Gallery to slowly tear apart the cape crusader. We bring in a few new characters but mostly keep the most famous of the famous, including Croc and Joker, and give us some life into the story.
The big reveal seemed obvious, and I liked the way they handled it, but I didn't love the idea spawning from it. Which would be the return of someone famous. I actually enjoyed this idea far better.
Either way amazing art, wonderful pacing, great fights, and perfect amount of issues, Hush is nearly the perfect Batman story in my eyes.
2015 review - More like a 4.5 but this is pretty damn close to being one of my favorite Batman stories. After many told me to check out such famous titles as Long Halloween or Killing Joke I was finally glad to stumble upon this one and fall nearly in love with the story line.
The pacing is damn near perfect. It starts exciting and stays that way. Someone is hunting Batman behind the scenes, using his Rogue Gallery to slowly tear apart the cape crusader. We bring in a few new characters but mostly keep the most famous of the famous, including Croc and Joker, and give us some life into the story.
The big reveal seemed obvious, and I liked the way they handled it, but I didn't love the idea spawning from it. Which would be the return of someone famous. I actually enjoyed this idea far better.
Either way amazing art, wonderful pacing, great fights, and perfect amount of issues, Hush is nearly the perfect Batman story in my eyes.
February 17, 2024
Well, I've finally read Hush and ... I'm not mad??? But I also didn't love it??? The way that people were hyping up the story didn't quite match what I saw when I finally got around to reading it.
First and foremost, many people love Jim Lee's art, and whilst I understand why (it's very similar to the bright and beautiful art of The Wicked + The Divine) it doesn't do anything for me. I know I will die on this hill but Tim Sale is the man to go when it comes to illustrating Batman. The way that man plays with dark colours and shadows just perfectly matches what I want my caped crusader to stand for. This bright style of Lee's with a lot of attention to detail and action scenes doesn't fit Batman, as I envision him. I loved the way in which the flashbacks were drawn but I don't know if that was even Jim Lee. Those were beautiful watercolour drawings devoid of almost every color. Gosh, I loved that.
Second of all, the story wasn't all that great; especially given the fact that Loeb did something similar in Batman: The Long Halloween (which is up to this day one of my favourite comic books). I like the fact that he introduces us to all of these iconic villains and heroes of Gotham City (and even Metropolis), but this time around, the plot that was tying all of these subplots together was kinda weak and not that engaging.
The story depicts a mysterious stalker called Hush who seems intent on sabotaging Batman from afar, by using all of his villains against him, as well as various members of the Bat family and Batman's close ally Superman. So, we get Poison Ivy, the Riddler, the Joker, the Scarecrow, even the Penguin shows up in one panel, and of course — my one and only — CATWOMAN.
The main reason why I wanted to read Hush was that I knew Batman and Catwoman were making out in this one. LMAO. I was pleasantly surprised that this comic book explores so much more than that because for a short time, the two are as good as dating. They're kissing all the time, Bruce reveals his true identity to Selina (SUCH A BIG DEAL!) and they want to start trusting each other more. And even though their ending was bittersweet (Selina realises that Bruce suspects her of being in on Hush's crimes, and then goes on to tell him: "We are who we are. That's why it works. Maybe someday, you'll come to trust that. Until then..."), I thought it was the perfect way to end their relationship. For now. Ya'll know I'm dying to see them back together.
But yeah, I didn't care for the whole Hush thing. I thought it was extremely obvious that Tommy Elliott was Hush and therefore I didn't understand why Batman needed that long to put the pieces together. Also Harvey Dent coming back to life ... nah, man, first of all, I hated how Jim Lee drew him, and second of all, it was a cheap plot device.
My favorite moments — apart from all the BatCat action of course — were the Joker's entrance into the story (standing over Tommy's dead body with a gun in his hand saying "Now, that's how you make an entrance!" ICONIC!) and Alfred being the icon that he usually is ("I can only offer him soothing I fear he sorely lacks. Love.") and also the little boy, Edward, that Batman saves in the beginning from Killer Croc. When the detectives tell him that they will safely get him home, he says: "I don't wanna go home. I want to stay with Batman." MOOD! Oh, and I loved seeing Dick all grown up. Gosh, ma boy. The last time I encountered him was in Batman: Dark Victory as he met Batman for the first time ... so to see him all of these years later still by his side, now as Nightwing and no longer as Robin, made me all soft inside. We stan!
So, overall, Hush wasn't as clever, innovativ or beautiful as I would've liked it to be... but it's still a solid Batman story and may even serve as a good introduction to people who don't know where to start with Batman since you are introduced to almost all of the important characters.
First and foremost, many people love Jim Lee's art, and whilst I understand why (it's very similar to the bright and beautiful art of The Wicked + The Divine) it doesn't do anything for me. I know I will die on this hill but Tim Sale is the man to go when it comes to illustrating Batman. The way that man plays with dark colours and shadows just perfectly matches what I want my caped crusader to stand for. This bright style of Lee's with a lot of attention to detail and action scenes doesn't fit Batman, as I envision him. I loved the way in which the flashbacks were drawn but I don't know if that was even Jim Lee. Those were beautiful watercolour drawings devoid of almost every color. Gosh, I loved that.
Second of all, the story wasn't all that great; especially given the fact that Loeb did something similar in Batman: The Long Halloween (which is up to this day one of my favourite comic books). I like the fact that he introduces us to all of these iconic villains and heroes of Gotham City (and even Metropolis), but this time around, the plot that was tying all of these subplots together was kinda weak and not that engaging.
The story depicts a mysterious stalker called Hush who seems intent on sabotaging Batman from afar, by using all of his villains against him, as well as various members of the Bat family and Batman's close ally Superman. So, we get Poison Ivy, the Riddler, the Joker, the Scarecrow, even the Penguin shows up in one panel, and of course — my one and only — CATWOMAN.
The main reason why I wanted to read Hush was that I knew Batman and Catwoman were making out in this one. LMAO. I was pleasantly surprised that this comic book explores so much more than that because for a short time, the two are as good as dating. They're kissing all the time, Bruce reveals his true identity to Selina (SUCH A BIG DEAL!) and they want to start trusting each other more. And even though their ending was bittersweet (Selina realises that Bruce suspects her of being in on Hush's crimes, and then goes on to tell him: "We are who we are. That's why it works. Maybe someday, you'll come to trust that. Until then..."), I thought it was the perfect way to end their relationship. For now. Ya'll know I'm dying to see them back together.
But yeah, I didn't care for the whole Hush thing. I thought it was extremely obvious that Tommy Elliott was Hush and therefore I didn't understand why Batman needed that long to put the pieces together. Also Harvey Dent coming back to life ... nah, man, first of all, I hated how Jim Lee drew him, and second of all, it was a cheap plot device.
My favorite moments — apart from all the BatCat action of course — were the Joker's entrance into the story (standing over Tommy's dead body with a gun in his hand saying "Now, that's how you make an entrance!" ICONIC!) and Alfred being the icon that he usually is ("I can only offer him soothing I fear he sorely lacks. Love.") and also the little boy, Edward, that Batman saves in the beginning from Killer Croc. When the detectives tell him that they will safely get him home, he says: "I don't wanna go home. I want to stay with Batman." MOOD! Oh, and I loved seeing Dick all grown up. Gosh, ma boy. The last time I encountered him was in Batman: Dark Victory as he met Batman for the first time ... so to see him all of these years later still by his side, now as Nightwing and no longer as Robin, made me all soft inside. We stan!
So, overall, Hush wasn't as clever, innovativ or beautiful as I would've liked it to be... but it's still a solid Batman story and may even serve as a good introduction to people who don't know where to start with Batman since you are introduced to almost all of the important characters.
November 29, 2008
One of the best Batman stories ever done.
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