Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I am reviewing Batman: Hush the Twentieth Anniversary Edition by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams and Alex Sinclair.
Batman: Hush was first published by DC Comics in twelve monthly issues between October 2002 and September 2003. This, the twentieth-anniversary edition, was published in October 2022 by DC Comics and is 356 pages long.
The Plot
The story revolves around the Dark Knight’s pursuit of a masked villain named Hush, who seems to be pulling the strings of all of Gotham’s criminals as part of a grand scheme.
Characters
Batman/Bruce Wayne
Of course, the central character of the story is Batman himself. Bruce Wayne is a billionaire businessman by day, but by night, he dons the iconic black mask and cape to fight crime in Gotham City. In Hush, we see a more vulnerable side to Batman as he grapples with his feelings for Selina Kyle and tries to unravel the mystery of Gotham’s new, mysterious baddie, Hush’s identity.
Catwoman/Selina Kyle
Selina is a notorious thief who is often at odds with Batman. However, in Hush, she and Bruce Wayne have a complicated relationship that begins to turn romantic. She gets involved in the mystery surrounding Tommy Elliot and helps Batman figure out who is targeting him.
Hush/Tommy Elliot
Hush is the story’s main antagonist, and he quickly establishes himself as a formidable foe for Batman, concocting an elaborate scheme to take him down using several other villains as pawns in his plan.
Although his true identity is a mystery for much of the comic, we do know that he has a personal grudge against Bruce Wayne/Batman. It’s revealed later that Hush is Thomas Elliot, a childhood friend of Bruce’s who harbours deep resentment towards him.
The Joker
The Clown Prince of Crime is always a wild card, and in Hush, he’s no exception. Though he is involved in Tommy Elliot’s plan, it’s unclear what his motivations are beyond his usual propensity for causing chaos and mayhem just because he can.
Harley Quinn
The Joker’s lovelorn partner-in-crime, Harley, is also involved in the plot against Batman. Teamed, as usual, with her Puddin’, she ruins a night out at the opera as part of the whole plot.
Poison Ivy
Ivy is another regular in the Batman mythos who can control plants and manipulate people’s minds. Coerced by Hush into helping him carry out his plans, she attempts to compel Catwoman and Superman into helping.
The Riddler
Edward Nigma, aka the Riddler, is a master of puzzles and is another of Batman’s longtime enemies used to draw the dark knight into Hush’s plans.
Commissioner Jim Gordon
A longtime ally and friend of Batman’s, Gordon features in Hush as a sort of moral anchor for Batman. As is always true of Gordon, he reminds Batman that the law is there to protect the people of Gotham – it is for everyone, including criminals like the Joker.
Alfred Pennyworth
Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler and friend. Having raised him ever since the death of his parents, he attempts to guide and support him in his endeavours to protect Gotham City.
Harvey Dent
Harvey Dent is a former ally of Batman’s who becomes a villain when he is disfigured by acid. He appears in Hush as a seemingly healed and single-minded Harvey who wants to help Batman.
Superman
While not a significant player in Batman: Hush, Superman does make a cameo appearance. He and Batman have a brief confrontation when Superman becomes under the control of Poison Ivy.
Writing Style
Jeph Loeb’s writing in Hush is nothing short of brilliant as he weaves a complex, intricate story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The dialogue is sharp and witty, which I have come to expect from one of his stories, and the characterisations are spot-on. In fact, the depth and development of the characters is one of the most striking aspects of the whole book. Batman’s inner turmoil and battle against his personal demons are incredibly compelling. Additionally, the interpersonal relationships between the characters, such as Batman/Catwoman and Batman/Tommy, are explored in detail, making them feel relatable and genuine.
The plot is filled with exciting twists and turns, making it a thrilling read from start to finish and this being the twentieth-anniversary edition of the book, there is even an extension to the story in the form of a few panels featuring Batman’s search for Elliot’s body in the aftermath of their fight.
Also included in the back of this edition of Hush are plenty of extras, including character sketches, an annotated commentary of the artwork and more.
Artwork
Jim Lee’s drawings are breathtaking and add a lot to the book’s overall appeal. The illustrations are highly detailed and vivid, an essential element in drawing the reader into the world of Gotham City. The use of shadow and lighting in some panels is flawless, giving the book a lovely, gritty and immersive feel.
Scott Williams’ inking complements Jim Lee’s art style marvellously. His inks are crisp and clean, highlighting the details of the art even more. The dynamic action sequences are impressive – they are fluid and intense, imbuing the story with excitement.
Alex Sinclair uses a varied colour palette, giving us a vibrancy and intensity that heightens the book’s visual appeal. His technique and use of colours perfectly match the tone of each sequence and help set the mood, whether it’s an emotion-filled moment or an action-filled scene.
Final Thoughts
I am a huge comic and graphic novel fan and can lose hours in cities like Gotham and Metropolis, and in Hush, I got to visit both.
The book is stunning, with its captivating plot, incredible artwork, and masterful writing. It is plain to see why it has become a much-beloved classic. The storytelling, the art, and the inclusion of so many characters without it being overwhelming all amount to quite the reading experience.
I would highly recommend Hush. It is an absolute must-read for not only Batman fans or fans of the comic book genre but anyone who loves a good, gripping story that will leave them with an emotional impact.
I am giving Barman: Hush a full 10/10.
Have you read Hush or watched the animated film adaptation? I’m yet to see the adaptation, so I hope they’ve done the book justice. They usually make great films from the comics, though, don’t they?
Thank you, as ever, for reading my review! It means the world!
Until next time,
George
© 2024 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
Leave a comment