Batman #162 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 #162 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
“H2SH” with Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee Part 5! Batman versus the Bat-Family! Whose side are you on?
Review
Four months after Batman #161 hit comic book stores the H2SH arc is finally back in comic book stores today. The Bat-Family is fractured and at each other’s throats. Hush has been able to manipulate all of them and Batman is powerless to stop it. But can Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s epic tale overcome the lengthy gap between issues to maintain momentum?
The answer arrives pretty quickly in Batman #162 as Bruce and Selina crash through a stained glass window, cutting through all of the tension for a moment of brutal honesty. Luckily for us Loeb hasn’t missed a beat between issues. Returning to Bruce, Dick, Barbara and the others in the alleyway all of the angst of last issue came flooding back without the need for a lengthy recap. As Bruce is forced to make even more questionable choices it really feels like the situation is escalating out of all control.
It makes sense for Loeb to use Selina as the only force strong enough to stop Bruce in his tracks. More than any chapter of H2SH so far, Batman #162 digs in to the character of it all. His actions against Barbara are deeply personal. Whilst there isn’t time for either her or Dick to reflect on it, Bruce acknowledges it may change their relationship forever. There’s every opportunity for serious repercussions when the dust settles.
The moments between Bruce and Selina in the church act as a brief respite from the action. Loeb is clearly acknowledging that the pacing has been relentless over the last couple of issues. So he’s taking the opportunity to shake things up. Even if it is only for a couple of pages before Damian catches up to his father. Overall the issue does become a little repetitive as Bruce goes toe-to-toe with one foe after another. By the time he reaches Riddler I was beginning to tire. But there’s also no denying that each setup is key to showing how deep the divisions in the family run and the breadth of Hush’s influence.
Finally it feels like H2SH has begun to take great strides. Whilst the arc has been enjoyable to read this feels like Batman is finally moving forwards with his investigation. Previous issues have felt more like an illustration of the threat Hush presents. But now there’s a tangible sense of direction which is giving the arc purpose and making it a more rewarding read. A confrontation between Batman and Hush feels like it’s actually on the horizon now which has me enthused for the future.
Batman #162 features an impressive roster of characters from the Bat-family. That means Jim Lee is in his element bringing Nightwing, Robin, Catwoman, Batgirl and more to life on the page. There’s a lot of movement in this issue which tasks Lee with bringing an energy to the book which elevates it beyond his trademark statuesque posing. That being said there is still plenty of room for striking imagery. More than enough to remind us why the long wait between issues is worthwhile.
Verdict
After a four-month wait, Batman #162 proves the H2SH arc is finally hitting its stride with genuine forward momentum and deeply personal character confrontations. Jim Lee’s dynamic artwork elevates what could feel repetitive into a visually striking showcase of Bat-Family dysfunction.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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