Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: The Dead – Hush: Chapter 8
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
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee have had unparalleled success with their Hush storyline. Not only is BATMAN the number one ordered title month in and month out, but also the number of units sold continues to rise, as the series nears its conclusion. The masterful work turned in each month by these men is not only fun, but also is groundbreaking.
Jeph Loeb has made each chapter of the story a who’s who of the Bat-Universe, but not just for the sake of an appearance by Poison Ivy, the Joker, or the Riddler, which integrates perfectly into the bigger story. While the cat is out of the bag now as to whom the villain Hush actually is, there are still many surprises to come concerning the characters actions.
I feel that much of the success of the series is because of the way Loeb has humanized the Dark Knight. Each issue the blue text boxes have made us privy to the thoughts of the most private character in comic-dom. Not to mention the still budding romance between Batman and Catwoman. These two factors more than any other have shown a side of Batman that hasn’t been seen much since the 80’s.
This issue follows a team-up between Batman and Nightwing, as they foil the latest lame brain scheme by the Riddler. Loeb, as he has done with each of the past seven installments of Hush, intertwines the story with the larger narrative. The interplay between the former Dynamic Duo is perfectly written and serves to advance the storyline as well. Much of what Hush has led up to plays out on the last couple of pages, as twin storylines unfold simultaneously.
What can I say about Jim Lee’s artwork, that hasn’t been said before? There is a reason why Jim Lee is so revered by fans. His attention to detail is nothing short of amazing. What Batman fan didn’t get a kick out of the two-page spread with all the different Batmobiles? Every version of the world famous car, from the Animated Series, to the 60’s live action series, to the many incarnations in the comics, are rendered in perfect detail. I say with great certainty that Jim Lee is the premier artist at portraying super heroes working in the industry today, and possibly ever.
Hush will no doubt go down as one of the greatest Batman stories in history. The story doesn’t waste a page; each panel is building to the conclusion in BATMAN #619. This issue really is the final portion of the second act of Hush; from here things are going to get really interesting. The fact that the story hasn’t petered out after eight issues, and is only growing more interesting, is another reason why this book is perfect.
