![Screenshot 2025-03-27 at 00.07.38.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/namiks/23uQkM4cCkovMUKY9q7aGUBZuw6ekXXbVnVZXTaLECBSXWG6eL2LGTwcEMqJyq5YcJu9E.png)

I've been eyeing up this release for quite some time now. Jim Lee has returned with his previous collaborators to bring a sequel to the much loved Hush series about twenty years later, and that's something of a big deal to many comic book fans. The original run of Hush is seen as one of the heights of the comic book industry, not quite on par with the golden age, but a pivotal moment where the art and story really went in a different direction, leading to some of the largest sales in the industry's history. I do like Jim Lee as an artist, and I think throughout the years he's somewhat faded off to pursue his career at DC while throwing out the odd cover art for some releases. It's really exciting to see him back on the pencils for a full story, and from the very first page it's clear that little has changed. Aesthetically, the whole comic looks almost the same as it did back then. Hush 2 is part of the ongoing Batman release, being four issues to release from the number of 158; so it's nothing major in the sense of being a huge narrative, it's not its own individual release nor is it something that'll stretch on. Though I think that makes it even more special: a quick return, and a sudden farewell. Following Jim Lee are those who also worked on the first Hush: Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair, and Jeph Loeb. Again, with the names returning in their entirety, it's no surprise that Hush 2 is quite a big deal.

To summarise the events of Hush, Batman's life is under (even more) constant stress with an individual that appears to be messing with him in various manners: the unknown Hush. Batman's desperate to figure out who this person is, but in doing so is also toyed with Gotham's other various figures that aim to cause disruption and bring him down. Mixing the elements of love and emotion with Catwoman, a thief that is constantly having Batman question his morals as he looks the other way regarding her actions. Mysteries appearing in the form of sabotage against him in her presence, and the acts of Poison Ivy who is also controlling Catwoman. It's a story that remains in constant motion, pushing forward between characters, friends and foes as things grow more intense. It's a very human story on Batman for once, showcasing his want for connection, him being a target via his foes, and the want to do good in a city that wants him gone. Where so little ever really makes sense. Batman is almost killed, deceived by the woman that makes him the weakest, and relives his childhood as he's saved by his childhood friend in the process of retrieving ransom money. Killer Croc does his thing, Harley Quinn causes her own chaos. I think at this point you get the idea that *everyone* is just making Batman's life utter Hell. Oh, and don't forget the ominous Hush of which this story is about. That character also toying with him. There's certainly more to be said, but perhaps I'll do a summary on the first Hush at some point.

![Screenshot 2025-03-27 at 00.05.50.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/namiks/23y8mZCgLRDcpAxpMrich63VVqsrRcMe6a1jJ13fFbLfBVByAGbjpRALX41xX5bL8AUZa.png)

Hush 2 jumps straight into things with Joker dumping things into the Gotham reservoir. Though this leads to a series of unexpected events as Joker is actually kidnapped by someone else, leading Batman into an investigation after a series of clues hints that he should go to the very place that Joker always attends: the carnival. This issue felt like it was a bit introductory in a bad way, where nothing really happens of interest and the art doesn't quite punch out as much as we'd expect it to. It's a bit of a slow one but that's more surprising given this is meant to be a short issue run. That's not a lot of time to get the ball rolling. The biggest event of this story though is that it takes Batman into an area that he's never been in before: facing his inaction. Where someone actually tortures Joker and seemingly kills him for real this time. A result of Batman having never done so and caused so much more harm to others in the process. Now, Joker being killed off seems like something that's quite serious, though anything could happen at this point. And Joker's never *truly* dead. I think with comic fans knowing this, it gives the first issue a bit more of a dull tone knowing the supposed weight of the event isn't quite there. With the rest of the story being almost filler that sum up the previous Hush story. With the arrival of people from his past, it gives Batman the realisation that Hush has returned, a man he assumed was dead.

While we know Hush has returned, it's of course not clear as to why and how he's planning to orchestrate that true reveal. Things area always done under mystery, always confusing and with the aid of various characters that seem to be in one place with one agenda, but merely a piece of a larger puzzle. This is an issue that focuses on story more than anything, something that sets the stage so to speak. A moving of the initial pieces. This is somewhat similar to the initial Hush run, in which it starts off with Batman saving a hostage like a (relatively) normal day in Gotham. Though this feels immediately more suspicious. Hush (and thus Hush 2) thrives on a wide range of characters: Batgirl, Nightwing, and even a character I can't even remember seeing previously: Talia al Ghul. Revealed that her and Batman have a troubled past, former lovers that seem to have a bit of spark remaining. now, this is where there are more similarities to the first Hush run: Batman is emotionally weak. Constantly manipulated by the women. Always making mistakes and wanting to rekindle some sort of relationship. A perfect choice for getting close to Batman and finding his weaknesses. More signs of Hush's return.

![Screenshot 2025-03-27 at 00.08.59.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/namiks/EorynrYQH4A2GA1zSkPkzUeB3TJaey5mRiosfza6bJDysHcYqtvhHaDdmGs76a8rnh6.png)

I don't think this was a great introduction, it felt like something was missing. Though I did like how this still remained true to the character of Hush, showing how he utilises those closest to Batman, all of which appear at once in strange ways, pushing Batman into this area of self-doubt and concern as all of these oddities hint at something larger. Of course, Batman has dealt with this all before. He knows Hush, and suspects the dead has returned. I do like the way Loeb and Lee work together in this sense, if feels more like a thriller than the usual detective work. Batman's not really the protagonists here, but more a pawn in a game in which all the pieces have been placed around him.