Batman #161 Is the Best of Hush 2 so Far (but Not the Way You’d Expect)

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Currently, Batman finds himself in an intriguing phase. With Superman and other DC characters gaining prominence, Batman no longer holds the top spot among DC comics. Given this forecast, it’s likely that the publication of “Hush 2” was planned. This sequel to the classic Batman tale by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee hasn’t quite reached the heights of its predecessor yet, leaving many fans skeptical about its potential. Originally, “Hush” had issues – it essentially served as an introduction for new Batman readers with stunning artwork – but so far, “Hush 2” has failed to captivate fans like the original did. However, Batman #161 stands out as the best issue in “Hush 2” thus far, although the reasons behind this aren’t particularly compelling.

Let’s kick off by focusing on the artwork, as it’s undeniably the highlight of this storyline so far. The return of Jim Lee to Batman is always a reason to rejoice, and issue #161 showcases exactly why. From the get-go, Lee’s art grips you, with the initial four-panel grid setting the stage for the tension left hanging in the previous chapter. This issue boasts the most visually stunning pages yet. The artist skillfully conveys the narrative’s tension and there are no noticeable flaws in the artwork.

A standout page features washed color panels that create a stunning backdrop for a flashback scene. The action sequences are seamless, while Lee’s character acting continues to impress.

Alex Sinclair’s colors significantly contribute to the artwork’s excellent quality. In comics, unlike live-action media, lighting within panels is often overlooked, but a skilled colorist who knows how to manipulate darkness and light is crucial. Since Batman is a character immersed in a dark world, colorists working on Batman must balance capturing the gloominess while maintaining enough illumination for the art to stand out. In this issue, Sinclair manages to achieve this harmony, effectively setting the story’s tone. Additionally, Scott Williams has consistently been one of Lee’s top inkers, and he demonstrates his talent once more by flawlessly shading Lee’s artwork and providing the lines with just the right intensity.

The sequel to “Hush,” titled “Hush 2,” has sparked a sense of nostalgia among readers, but unfortunately, it hasn’t managed to captivate fans in the same way as its predecessor. While “Hush” wasn’t revolutionary, it did have a strong impact. As for “Hush 2,” it hasn’t quite achieved that level of engagement yet. Issue #161 of Batman stands out as the best so far, not because it revitalizes the story to match the original “Hush,” but rather because it offers an action-packed read that delves deeper into previous storylines, instead of focusing solely on the current one.

In this comic, Loeb skillfully steps back and allows the readers to experience an intense conflict that centers more on Batman and Batgirl’s skirmish rather than Hush’s schemes. This storytelling style is reminiscent of traditional Batman narratives and effectively keeps the reader engaged. Notably, a significant battle between Batman and Batgirl takes center stage in this issue, with their struggle largely stemming from their shared history with Commissioner Gordon. Their confrontation revolves around the Joker causing harm to the Gordon family once more, and Batman’s failure to prevent it leaves Batgirl frustrated with his decision not to kill the Joker. While some may argue that Batgirl’s desire for the Joker’s death goes against her character, it can be understood that she is human and angry about the repeated danger to her family due to the Joker. However, to fully appreciate this story, one must set aside certain aspects of Batgirl’s character development. It’s important to acknowledge that modern superhero comics often require readers to overlook a character’s history in various stories.

In simpler terms, reading Batman #161 won’t magically make you enjoy “Hush 2” if you’ve been following the story closely. There are many unanswered questions such as Hush’s true intentions, the role of the Joker, and why Damian Wayne seeks Bane’s help. If you’re a long-time Batman fan, some aspects of this story might seem confusing. However, this issue stands out due to its visually stunning artwork by Lee, Williams, and Sinclair, making it an enjoyable read even if you don’t favor “Hush 2.”

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Batman #161 is on sale now.

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2025-07-23 15:10