Batman #159 is written by Jeph Loeb and published by DC. Artwork is by Jim Lee, inks by Scott Williams, colours by Alex Sinclair and letters by Richard Starkings. Main cover art (left) is by Lee and Sinclair.
Batman #159 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
After the shocking events of the last issue, Batman must make the hardest decision of his life! Guest-starring Nightwing, Batgirl, and Red Hood!
Review
The second part of DC Comics’ ambitious H2SH storyline lands in comic book stores today. After an intriguing start which was very light on the titular villain, this second issue hones in on the Batman/Joker relationship. With just four more chapters in the story it seems Loeb and Lee aren’t in a rush to get to Hush, instead opting to explore the villain’s impact on the Dark Knight and his family.
Picking up in the wake of last week’s devastating attack on Joker, Batman has choices to make. Loeb really centres Batman #159 on Bruce’s decision-making process. But he does so through circumstances which leave him little time to contemplate the consequences. It all adds up to an issue in which Batman makes some questionable choices but does so based on fight-or-flight reactions. It’s an interesting way to tackle the character so early in the storyline given that not much action has taken place yet.
It gives H2SH an odd sense of pacing which hasn’t quite found its footing yet. The events unfolding on the page are compelling to read. But they don’t fully compute based on events so far. It feels like a little more time is needed on building up Batman’s mental state in reaction to the news that Hush is seemingly back on the scene. Just a couple of extra pages to communicate that Bruce’s foundations are shaken by potentially having to confront Hush again would go a long way to helping his actions through this issue feel more authentic.
This particularly comes in to play later in the story as he confronts Jason. Prior to that there’s a fun push-and-pull between flashbacks to the night of his parent’s murder and Bruce’s attempts to save Joker. Convinced that Hush is watching his every move leaves Batman with little room to manoeuvre and leads him to turning to Leslie Thompkins for help. It neatly tie H2SH back in to the wider Gotham narrative and world that Batman inhabits, otherwise this issue would feel very confined to the Bat-cave.
Psychologically Batman #159 is fascinating. It’s clear that Hush had a profound effect on Batman and Loeb is particularly interested in digging in to that. Once again I’m still not 100% on when this story takes place in relation to recent events but it story terms it feels like very little time has passed. It’s refreshing to see Loeb using the Batman/Joker relationship for a deeper exploration of character. Traditionally stories might pose questions about whether Batman should take a harder line with super-criminals. But we don’t always focus so closely on his thought process towards his decision-making.
Returning to Red Hood, there’s certainly a delicious double-page splash from Jim Lee which will have fans discussing Batman #159 for some time. Backed in to a corner with his former sidekick and son holding a gun to his head it seems Bruce almost breaks his cardinal rule. Something which causes an inordinate amount of debate on social media when it comes to Batman’s representation on film. There is context to the moment within Loeb’s narration for Batman. But undoubtedly there will be those who fall on the side that a Batman fully in control wouldn’t make the decisions he does here. But once again this feels like a reaction which could be granted more authenticity through a little more psychological development to his mental state.
Once again the artistic endeavours of Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair and letterer Richard Starkings are faultless. The bruised and battered Joker looks incredible on the page. Whilst even the aforementioned and somewhat controversial splash page looks absolutely stunning. It’s a gift to have this team back together and I absolutely can’t level an criticism at the artwork.
Verdict
Batman #159 is a fascinating glimpse in to the psyche of a Batman who appears to be nearing breaking point. Not all of the pieces in the H2SH puzzle are fitting together yet. But the experience of the story, particularly through the iconic artwork of Lee, Williams and Sinclair, is well worth the price of entry.
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