Comic Review: Batman #158 Reviving a Legend Without a Soul

 

Some stories should remain closed forever. And if they do return—they need a truly compelling reason to do so. Unfortunately, Batman #158, the long-awaited sequel to the iconic Batman: Hush, offers no convincing justification for its existence. It’s less of a continuation and more of a comic book echo—blurred, chaotic, and strangely hollow inside.

More than 20 years after the release of the original Hush, the legendary duo Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee return to Gotham, attempting to recreate the success of one of the best-selling Batman comics in history. But instead of a spectacular comeback, we get an unpleasantly chaotic introduction to a story that feels more like a forced blockbuster than a genuine artistic effort.

Batman Without the Weight of the Mask

Batman #158 tries to echo the original by confronting Batman with his past—especially his failures with the Joker. In theory, themes of guilt, consequence, and legacy are on the table, but Loeb fails to build effective tension. Instead of subtle narrative tension, we’re given excessive exposition and random characters popping in like from a comic book slot machine: Talia al Ghul rescues Batman, Silence debuts without impact, and Hush… monologues from the shadows.

The whole script feels arbitrary. Characters appear because the script demands it—not because their presence means anything. The narrative jumps between themes without structure, and the dialogue is filled with artificial pomp. At one point, Batman even forgets he’s wearing his mask—which is nearly absurd in a story where masks carry symbolic weight.

Artistic Chaos Instead of a Return to Form

For many, the biggest disappointment might be the art. Jim Lee is a legend in the industry, but even legends aren't immune to the pressure of time. His work in Batman #158 is technically competent, but lacks the signature clarity he’s known for. The linework feels heavier and more cumbersome, and the panel composition is jittery and chaotic. It looks as if it was drawn in a rush. The color palette doesn’t help—it’s washed out, flat, and devoid of drama.

It’s not that Lee’s style has "aged." Artists like Marc Silvestri (Batman & The Joker: Deadly Duo) or Kaare Andrews (Spider-Man: Reign 2) prove that old-school can still thrive in modern comics. The issue here is a lack of time, space—and unfortunately, vision.

The Missing Legacy of Hush

The biggest sin of Batman #158? There’s nothing in it that justifies using the Hush title. Thomas Elliot—the central antagonist of the original story—barely exists in this chapter. It’s Hush in name only. The story doesn't explore Elliot’s psychology, nor does it expand his mythology. Instead, we get more Joker, more flashbacks, and more recycled attempts to wrestle with “Batman’s legacy.”

Sadly, for years, mainstream Batman comics have been telling stories about other Batman stories. Loeb brings nothing new to the table—no fresh challenge for the character, no engaging mystery. What we get is a “continuation” full of repetition. The most interesting thing left is wondering whether the narrative thread will be developed at all.

Excess of Style, Lack of Substance

The overall impression Batman #158 leaves is that it exists more for marketing reasons than narrative ones. 36 variant covers, big-name creators, promises of an "epic" return—it all feels more like a sales strategy than a thoughtfully constructed project. If this issue is meant to be a stopgap before Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez’s run begins in September, it’s a decidedly uninspiring appetizer.

Conclusion

Batman #158 is not a terrible comic—but it’s far from worthy of its legacy. It’s an average, uncertain first step into a story that, so far, doesn’t know what it wants to be. Fans of Hush will likely be disappointed by the lack of identity and atmosphere, and readers less familiar with the original may feel lost in the narrative mess.

There is potential here—and maybe future issues will develop it. But as it stands, this comeback feels more like reheated leftovers than a finely served sequel. Batman deserves better. Whether we’ll get better—time will tell.

Pros:

Return of the iconic Loeb/Lee duo (though not without hiccups)

A few visually striking moments, despite the overall rushed feel

Some interesting themes involving Joker and Batman’s guilt

Cons:

– Chaotic and inconsistent storytelling

– Weak dialogue; characters feel arbitrary

– Lacks the atmosphere and identity of the original Hush

– Disappointing artwork from Jim Lee

– Feels more like filler than a meaningful continuation

Final Score: 6/10