Reviewer: John Babos
Story Title: The Opera — Chapter 6 of Hush
Written by: Jeph Loeb
Penciled by: Jim Lee
Inked by: Scott Williams
Colored by: Alex Sinclair
Lettered by: Richard Starkings
Editor: Bob Schreck
Publisher: DC Comics
In all my time collecting and reading comic books, so few “hot” books have lived up to their hype. This month’s Batman is a clear exception to the rule — it surpasses the hype. Great art and a solid story. Jim and Jeph deliver again.
It’s reassuring to see that DC isn’t resting on its laurels and content with the success of this Batman arc as is. It can always do better and get even more new readers on board. To that end, Jeph Loeb’s script makes this book an easy jump-on point, even though we’re into Chapter 6 of the Hush arc. Page one offers a concise recap of the relevant events that have brought us to this point in the arc. Still on page one, we get some insight into Bruce Wayne’s thinking process as he tries to figure out who his/Batman’s mystery opponent over the last few months has been. The rest of this book is marked by great scripting, human emotion and action… in an opera house. Truly a fun and action-packed issue.
Jim Lee’s pencils are just gorgeous. Not only can he draw really sexy women, but his action sequencing and pacing really enhance the story. His partnership with Jeph Loeb is clearly a successful one. I’ve never seen Jim Lee draw with such energy. This is truly his best work.
Scott Williams is an inker extraordinaire and Jim Lee’s go-to guy, having inked much of his work over the last ten-plus years or so. With Terry Austin and Karl Kesel (although I haven’t seen their inks in a few years), Scott Williams is one of best inkers in the comic book business ever. Period. His inks compliment Jim Lee’s pencils and help bring out the energy that is Jim Lee’s hallmark these days. Scott Williams is truly a professional’s professional. You don’t realize how important an inker can be, until you see Scott’s contribution to this Hush arc. Wow.
Alex Sinclair’s coloring really has the art leaping off the page and Richard Starkings letters are clean, unassuming and a perfect complement to this book’s rock-solid creative team.
The only reason this book isn’t a 10 is because the only “flawless” comic book series that I’ve ever read is the 1986-87 Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons Watchmen series. To my mind, that series continues to be the bar upon which comic book greatness is measured. Batman #613 really tries to reach that bar and represents everything that’s right in the comic book business today. We’ll see once the Hush arc wraps, whether this series is praiseworthy in the Watchmen vein.
I’m really curious about the identity of Batman’s mystery “Hush” opponent. All clues point in one direction — hopefully there will be a big and unexpected payoff. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Oh, and a note to DC. While I realize that having heroines fight in high heels is a ridiculous comic book concept from years gone by, equally daft is having Catwoman prance around in army boots. That ridiculousness will impact my score for this book too. Down to nine-point-zero you go!
Regardless of Catwoman’s footwear, Batman #613 is a highly recommended read. The last page will have you eagerly anticipating next month’s installment. Way to go DC!
