Originally, Batman: Hush 2 was going to be released before the first issue of Batman No. 1, but sometimes things happen. Now, the final two issues are scheduled for publication in October. What makes this weird is that the last two chapters of Hush 2 are Batman Nos. 163 and 164, and Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez’s run is Batman No. 1. So the premiere issue debuted before the previous one ended.
If you’ve been following Hush 2, you'll know that Batman saved The Joker's life, and most of the Bat Family isn’t happy about his decision. And, if we’re being honest, their feelings are justified. Nevertheless, at the end of the previous issue, Catwoman, The Riddler, Damian Wayne, Nightwing, and Huntress stop Bruce during his fight with Batgirl. They want answers on why Joker was saved, and we can guess that this won’t go well. In fact, we can say that this will probably be the reason they stop helping Batman.
Each of them has a reason to hate the Clown Prince of Crime, especially Barbara Gordon (Batgirl/Oracle). He shot her (causing her paralysis), took disgusting pictures of her, and did awful things to her father (Batman: The Killing Joke). This is why they fought in Batman No. 161. And, if Batgirl is leaving, Dick Grayson (Nightwing) will too. Meanwhile, Jason Todd (Red Hood) has wanted The Joker dead ever since he killed him (Batman: Death in the Family). He’s probably even more disappointed in Bruce than he’s ever been.
As for Catwoman and Huntress, does anyone really need a reason to hate Joker other than that he's him? He’s certainly done awful things to them at some point. Even if he hasn’t, Joker remains one of the worst villains in any fictional genre.
The weird one here is Damian Wayne. He always seems to back up his father, even when things look awful. Maybe letting someone that vile live to kill again was the last straw. It would make sense for that reason alone, but it also gives Damian time to grow as his own hero.
The only person who still has Bruce Wayne's back is Tim Drake. Honestly, no one should be surprised.
It’s been said that Tim Drake is the closest thing to Batman. He may not be the greatest fighter in the Bat Family, but he’s the best detective and the smartest. His intelligence may rival Bruce’s. More importantly, they share the same morals. It would make sense that Tim stuck with his mentor when everyone else turned their backs on him. Despite his feelings towards The Joker, he would probably do what Batman did too.
Jorge Jimenez has shown fans a new look for Tim Drake as Robin, and there have been promos with him and The Dark Knight side by side. It’s easy to believe that this is a sign of things to come. Plus, in the first issue of Matt Fraction’s Batman, Tim is the only Bat Family member helping Bruce.
Now, we don’t know what happens at the end of Hush 2, but we can guess it’s something life-altering. Comic books don’t normally restart unless it’s a new beginning. After reading the first issue, you can believe that change has come for the Dark Knight. Luckily, he still has a Robin.
Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow for more DC Comics news, opinions, and rumors as they come out. Let us know what you're reading on our social media pages on Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.