Batman #161 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 #161 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
Batman’s battle with Hush takes a dark turn when Damian (Robin) and Bane team up!
Review
DC might have made us wait a little longer for Batman #161 than we had planned. But as H2SH continues to barrel towards the conclusion of its first half, Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee are stopping at nothing in their mission to capture readers’ attention. Picking up on the incredible cliffhanger from issue #160 this latest chapter puts the focus on a splintered Bat-family, setting up some huge conflicts for the future.
First things first, that cliffhanger. Last month Loeb and Lee left us on the bombshell news that Damian had teamed up with Bane. If there was ever any confusion as to where H2SH is in the timeline then it’s soon forgotten as Batman recalls what Bane did to Alfred during Tom King’s run on the Batman title. So seeing these two working together becomes a brilliant way to Loeb to illustrate just how desperate the Bat-family is feeling with Hush back on the scene.
But in more pressing matters, Hush is also currently holding a scalpel to Damian’s throat. This feels like the biggest moment in the series so far. We’re finally seeing Hush emerge and gaging just how much of a threat he (or she!?) is at this stage in the game. Loeb has really held back on showing the character. Instead choosing to put other obstacles in Batman’s way. But this issue feels like a slight pivot, never alluding to who is under the mask but at least giving us more of an idea as to what Hush’s plans are.
Loeb’s scripting of the series feels like it’s working hard to setup cool visual moments for Lee. Once again the real standout of H2SH is seeing Lee rendering all of the Bat-family on the page. Particularly when we’re seeing them in conflict as we are now. Issue #161 is littered with chess analogies, even before Batman laments that it feels like the family has been split in to light and dark sides like a chessboard. There’s mentions of castling and other chess-like imagery which suggests we’re still in setup with the game yet to begin.
Batman #161 a plenty of interesting twists. Though Batman feels a little out of control it’s perhaps the reaction of the rest of the Bat-family which packs the most punch. As the cover alludes there’s a confrontation between Bruce and Barbara which is the biggest surprise of the issue. Loeb tabs in to past storytelling and really pulls at threads which have lingered for decades in order to create a real sense of division amongst the ranks. With Hush having left Batman with no choice but to save Joker, his decision-making has left Barbara feeling profoundly hurt and possibly unable to make rational decisions. Even after speaking with her father she chooses to follow her heart and not her head.
The slow burn of H2SH won’t be for everyone. There’s a strong argument that this storyline will find greater success once it’s full released and collected. But for those who are ready, willing and able to succumb to its drip-feeding of clues there’s still a long to enjoy. Lee’s artwork, as I probably keep saying at this point, is certainly the biggest draw to the series. This issue feels the strongest of the series so-far. With Lee having settled back in to drawing full issues and now in the groove of balancing out the melodrama of the character work with some pretty intense action.
Verdict
Whilst the H2SH arc may feel a little sluggish, Batman #161 is an excellent example of Loeb and Lee working in great harmony to create something magical. Whilst the artwork is by far this book’s selling point, Loeb is really beginning to put the pieces together to show the slow burn is worth the investment of your time.
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