BATMAN #163 (DC COMICS)
The end is (almost) finally here for one of Comics’ most polarizing tales.
In 2024, it was announced “H2SH” was taking over the current Batman series with its’ legendary creative team in March of 2025. Batman facing off with Hush sounded like a no brainer. Since the return, it has been a very mixed reaction amongst fans.
The last issue from the series was in November 2025. This has been due to many different reasons. Heading into mid 2026, can the team finish out this first half on a high note?
BATMAN #163 by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair, Tyler Smith and Richard Starkings (DC COMICS) delivers the conclusion to H2SH part one.
Let’s take a look at how the mid-part finale does.
BATMAN #163 by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair, Tyler Smith and Richard Starkings (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Loeb attempts to add more shock and awe to this finale with varying results. The opening pages feature Batman standing off with the Joker. This quickly is upended by the “New Bat Family”. The characters just never seem to gel in the writing. Seeing random Bat rogues calmly united against Tommy Elliot never seems fluid. The same can be said for Riddler with the other “Bat Family”. Having Catwoman fighting with Batgirl conveys the deep emotions involved. Unfortunately, that’s where most of the audience reactions stop.
Seeing Batman take on Nightwing and company adds a small spark into events. Once the true nature is discovered, it becomes a very simple skirmish. Loeb uses this as a bait and switch as Batman leads his “team” right to Hush’s doorstep. Their exchange is tense but falls short. Mainly due to the fiip-flopping of stance concerning Jason Todd. This leads to an opening in the story that knocks any balance off. The move to close comes layered with even more party involvement. Once in the closing pages, a few points are telegraphed. This spins into a very curious take with little to show for it.
HOW BOUT SOME ABSOLUTE BATMAN!
Lee and the art team continue to be this series saviors. The two page spread shows Batman’s new “family” ready to go. It is a dark reflection of his true squad. Batgirl and Catwoman’s talk boils up with rage at the other. It leads to a full page shot of Batman waiting for his opps to attack. Action moves briskly as the fight commences. A half page shot shows the use of smoke and mirrors. This buys enough time to get to the final landing spot but not without issues.
Hush’s stand off is decent but something is missing from the moment. Pacing speeds up the conflict. This leads to a superb full page of Batman fighting Jason. Its’ aftermath becomes more convoluted as others jump in. This sets up a striking two page spread. There’s a good amount of emotions in thi panel but are leap-frogged over for more combatants This pushes events into the off-center close. Coloring in these panels stand out as Batman undergoes some procedures. This leads into a very unplanned final full image. How that will go over is up in the air. Overall, solid work.
FINAL GRADE: 6
Batman’s latest round versus Hush concludes with many smoke and mirrors involved. Unfortunately, marks are missed that need to be hit. Loeb hones in on the fragile state of Batman for the writing. Lee and the art time shine per usual. Character reactions just seem off on a series that once had so much promise. Maybe the next go-around will salvage that hope.
Let me know your thoughts on BATMAN #163 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
