100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of DC Comics
#26. Batman #608–#619: “Hush”
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
December 2002–September 2003
Credits
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Jim Lee
Inker: Scott Williams
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
The Reason It’s Great
One of Batman’s most formidable and compelling foes was introduced in the “Hush” story arc. The story is famous for it’s large cast of Bat-Family appearances and its various twists and turns which eventually affect Batman’s future stories.
After Batman suffers a fractured skull from a fall, childhood friend Thomas Elliot, who’s now a neursurgeon, is called in to save his life. Later, Elliot is killed by the Joker and Harley Quinn. Batman also notices that many of his villains are acting out of character.
Batman suspects that someone is behind everything. This person became known as “Hush.” In the end, it’s revealed that Riddler is the true mastermind. While in the Lazarus Pit to cure himself of cancer, Riddler figures out that Batman is Bruce Wayne. However, Batman isn’t worried about Riddler’s discovery. By revealing Batman’s identity, Riddler would also put himself at risk of being hunted down by Ra’s al Ghul because he used the Lazarus Pit.
Batman: Hush was also known for its deeper exploration of a relationship between Batman and Catwoman. The biggest twist in the story was Jason Todd’s appearance which was actually Clayface. Later stories retconned that meeting, leading to the “Under the Hood” arc. Batman: Hush is considered one of the best Batman stories and contains some of the best moments from writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee.