Review: Batman: Hush by Jim Lee, Jeph Loeb, Scott Williams et. al. (Issues 608-6019)

Synopsis:  BATMAN: HUSH is a thrilling mystery of action, intrigue, and deception penned by Jeph Loeb (BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN) and illustrated by comics superstar Jim Lee (ALL STAR BATMAN & ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER) in which Batman sets out to discover the identity of a mysterious mastermind using the Joker, Riddler, Ra's al Ghul and the Dark Knight's other enemies - and allies - as pawns in a plan to wreak havoc. (from the online description)

This volume collects BATMAN #609-619

Review:  Considered a masterpiece of the Batman canon, this volume reads like a Greatest Hits of Batman’s friends and enemies.

A villain, hidden in the shadow, seems to know everyone in Batman’s life and everything about Batman’s life. Using this knowledge, he strikes at Batman, using both villain and family to threaten him. While the mystery sweeps the reader alone, with plenty of false reveals and twists, it is the interaction between Batman and Catwoman that make the story. Here, we see Bruce struggle to meld the two parts of who he is – Bruce and Batman – and to connect the two sides of his soul. The authors handle his with just enough romance and reality and never slide into the trope or the cheesy.

Fantastic art, with bold colors and dynamic lines, bring the story to life. It’s easy to see why this story arc received the praise that it did. One of my favorite arcs in the Batman story. 

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: TBD

ISBN: 978-1-4012-2317-5
Year Published: 2009 (Original Issues Published in 2002-2003)
Date Finished: 5-13-18
Pages: 195