REVIEW: ‘Batman’ Issue 158

Batman Issue 158 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jeph Loeb, pencils by Jim Lee, inks by Scott Williams, colors by Alex Sinclair and letters by Richard Starkings.

This issue is the start of “Batman: Hush 2.” As Batman faces the Joker once again, he finds that his greatest nemesis is merely a puppet for something larger.

Thus begins the sequel to one of the most famous Batman stories ever. With the entire creative team returning, the issue begins as a fresh start. Batman is working to defeat the Joker — it’s as classic as it gets. It’s a lively start that is instantly engaging. There is no connection to the previous Batman run, so returning fans and newer readers alike will find it easy to settle in. However, some complications happen quickly within Batman Issue 158. Batman is hit hard, and while incapacitated, the world moves on around him. The movement of his allies and enemies alike is fascinating, showing off the many moving parts within the storyline with only a few characters.

This structure is similar to the first edition of “Batman: Hush.” There is a conflict with Batman’s existing enemy, who raises suspicion about their involvement. Except those old tricks aren’t going to work the same way twice. So Loeb changes tack, delivering a twist that is as shocking as it gets. It’s the bravest opening move of any comic in recent memory. However, the lack of secrecy within Batman Issue 158 rings alarm bells because some may still be woven deeper within the plot.

The characters all feel reset while still showing signs of change and modernity. The cast is small, with only a few brought in at this early stage. Batman is out on his own, with Nightwing and Batgirl working to try and get hold of him. One of his former lovers, the Joker, and the others involved appear.

This smaller cast makes these voices louder. There are references to newer characters, mainly Damian Wayne, who wasn’t even a twinkle in his father’s eye when the original storyline was out. But that is it. There is no real indication of a time and place within the DC canon. This, again, makes it easier for readers, shedding baggage and creating a timeless feel for Batman Issue 158.

The voices of the characters all feel genuine. Batman is gruff and short, possibly speaking less than anyone else in the book. But Loeb also reinstates the narration. This companion to the action provides context and adds detail to what’s happening on the page. The flow is brilliant and faithful to the narrator, brief, and only gives the most relevant information. Nightwing and Batgirl are chattier, and Batman’s ex is flirtatious without being overt. The Joker isn’t as much of a motormouth as he usually is because someone else is determined to keep him quiet.

The art sees an all-time great return and graces readers with his presence again. Jim Lee is one of the most famous comic artists of all time. He defined an era and is busy defining the current one as the President, Publisher, and CCO of DC Comics. So, for Lee to illustrate a comic is like Gordon Ramsay suddenly deciding to get behind the stove in one of his restaurants.

There is no rustiness or cobwebs over Lee’s art. Each line of his Batman design carries nostalgia yet still has a place in today’s comics. The snarl on his face and the rough fighting style represent Bruce Wayne’s personality just as much as the ears on his costume and the Bat symbol on his chest.

The characters look classical and memorable, brought to life by such an iconic art style. Figures are rarely stationary, always moving and doing something. Very quickly, the comic becomes rough and violent. Both Joker and Batman are thrown into situations they’ve never been in before, which are startling, bloody, and captivating. It shows that whoever is behind everything is not playing around.

The colors may be dark within Batman Issue 158, but it is also a bright comic. A sickly green tint to the sky makes the whole area look poisoned and unwell. It is always clear enough to see what is happening, with neither Batman, his allies, nor his enemies sticking to the shadows. Street lamps or other light sources often illuminate the fight scenes. But Batman is still shrouded in shadows, maintaining a mystique and mystery to the character.

Batman’s costume has lost the gold trim to the Bat symbol, meaning he is now mainly grey and dark blue. When Batman falls into a reservoir, bleeding, the blood actually starts to dilute into the water. It’s an entirely different representation of blood than where it appears elsewhere, an example of the immense attention to detail from all of the creators. The lettering is a perfect replica of the original series. The text is straightforward, and the sound effects are rare but effective.

Batman Issue 158 is more than just a reunion tour. The old band is back together, and the comic combines those talents again. But the story itself feels new and improved. The story isn’t just “Batman: Hush” retold, it’s “Batman: Hush” evolved. It may sometimes feel like it’s returned to basics, stripping the cast back. But what happens with the Joker and the twist at the end is one of the most drastic steps forward that any creator has ever taken with Batman. It’s a staggering, shocking decision that elevates the story beyond everything that has come before. And it is so heartwarming seeing these legendary creators return once again.

Batman Issue 158 is available where comics are sold.