(Image Source: DC / Alex Ross)
A major member of the Justice League just died in a weak nostalgia cash grab comic from DC. The death came in a highly anticipated book, following up a beloved Batman storyline. However, the story has proven confusing and conflicted for many reasons.
The death in question came in Batman #163 by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee. The sixth chapter of the Hush 2 storyline, “Draw,” the story found Batman on the run from his allies. This was due to the machinations of the villain Hush, who sought to turn the Dark Knight’s allies against him.
(Image Source: DC / Jim Lee)
Hush accomplished this by nearly killing Joker and forcing Batman to go out of his way to save his greatest enemy. This allowed him to win over both Jason Todd and Barbara Gordon, who suffered the most at Joker’s hand in earlier DC Comics storylines. Hush also tried to force Batman to join with Joker and all the other villains whom Hush manipulated in the original Hush storyline. This culminated in a three-way fight between Batman, Hush and his followers, and a team of assassins led by Talia Al Ghul.
Batman dies and gets better in record time
(Image Source: DC / Jim Lee)
Hush fatally stabbed Batman, but his apparent death was short lived. Talia escaped with her beloved, taking him to a Lazarus Pit. The issue ends with Batman and alive and well, kissing Talia passionately. This comes just after she comments that something seems to be wrong with him.
There is much about this scene that doesn’t make sense. First, Talia seems to have forgotten that the Lazarus Pits in DC Comics cause temporary insanity in the revived. Given that, Batman smiling strangely should not be unexpected – particularly given her experience using the Pits.
(Image Source: DC / Jim Lee)
Beyond that, every Lazarus Pit on Earth was rendered inert following the 2023 Lazarus Planet event. While it is unclear precisely when Hush 2 is meant to be set, it was presumed to be just before the start of Matt Fraction‘s recent run on the Batman monthly comic. It was also meant to kick off the now-defunct 2025 Red Hood solo series that built upon this storyline. However, these continuity issues are only a part of the problems with Hush 2.
Why Hush 2 just doesn’t make sense
The chief issue with Hush 2 is how horribly out of character most of the cast is. While Batman is undeniably paranoid, his second-guessing his most trusted allies comes out of left field. So does Barbara Gordon suddenly swearing dark vengeance on Batman after she learns that he saved The Joker’s life.
Only Jason Todd, who is convinced by Hush that he suffered brain damage as a result of his resurrection, has anything resembling a decent motivation. This is a bad sign given his erratic behavior over the past few years is the main justification for this plot beat. All in all, it seems that more thought was put into justifying Jim Lee’s drawing his favorite characters than any kind of coherent story.
Batman #163 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
