Batman #159 Hush 2 Review

It’s finally here, the next part to the long awaited sequel Hush 2 continues today in Batman #159! Last issue, in all its glory, was pretty much just a reintroduction to the Hush storyline and all its characters, a kind of recap, whilst still setting up an equally unique and epic adventure of its own. This issue kicks things up a notch, but is Hush 2 looking like a worthy sequel? Let’s talk about it in this Batman #159 Hush 2 review.

In Nerdy Nook fashion, this review will be spoiler free. However, we recommend you read the previous issue if you have not already before continuing.

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The Review

Image by DC Comics

Last issue, Hush 2 started off on a high, reintroducing us to this universe and setting the tones for what’s to come – little did we know how quickly things would progress in this series. As the cover might suggest, Batman #159 marks the return of a beloved character, an icon among fans, Red Hood. Last issue reminded us of the role that Hush 1 played in the Under the Red Hood storyline, and so to see that finally revisited in the Hush sequel is one of the biggest things they could have done in this comic.

If you are a regular reader of ours you will probably already know this, but Red Hood is my favourite character in the entirety of the DC collective and so my expectations were set high for this comic. Under the Red Hood is such a compelling story, Batman #159 needed to honour that whilst creating a compelling enough story of its own, which is no easy task… thankfully a task which it mostly succeeded at.

We were left unsure of whether Jason Todd survives, but his relationship with Bruce at least seems to be on the mend. In Batman #159 he is once again angry at Bruce, although it is massively justified. I believe Under the Red Hood had a satisfactory ending, so to revisit it in this light seemed a little reductive – but man, was it awesome. Red Hood playing a bigger part of this is a huge selling point for me and I am sure will be for many other fans too, I just hope they expand on Under the Red Hood rather than making it redundant.

Image by DC Comics

Although Hush did not make an appearance in this issue, Jeph Loeb has done an excellent job of making his presence somehow still very apparent. Honestly, on paper, not a lot happens in Batman #159 and yet so much happens – I thought last issue was setting up the story but that really was just a recap in comparison to what this issue presents.

Hush 2 already feels like such an important arc for all the characters development, with some really interesting twist you would not see coming from the original comics. Though, as I previously expressed, I have concerns for how they will honour Under the Red Hood – however, you can already see where the series might be going and that really is something to be excited about.

Lastly, I really want to bring attention to how well Hush 2 is drawing from so many different stories and yet expands just enough on the little details that new readers can enjoy it and follow along just as well as someone who has read every Batman comic since the dawn of man without things feeling over explained. Since it has been over 20 years since Hush, it is more than likely that Hush 2 will have newer readers yet to experience its predecessor, so it would be silly not to factor that in – though I must say to those newer readers, check out Hush 1 and Under the Red Hood when you get the chance, it will simply change your world when reading this.

Image by DC Comics

Hush 2 continues to create a unique and brilliant story in Batman #159 whilst expanding on beloved classics. As a huge fan of Under the Red Hood, it is hard not to be sceptical of where this story will go, but this issue will bring fans hope giving us a glimpse of how Hush 2 will contribute to Jason Todd’s story for years to come.

What are your thoughts on Batman #159 Hush 2? What did you think of Red Hood’s comeback? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, share them with us in the comment section of this article.

See also: Previous issue

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