“The Rook”
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artists: Jim Lee
Color Artist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Review by Max Byrne
Batman #159 is an intriguing issue in the H2USH era that picks up the pace from the previous issue, despite not featuring the titular villain at all in its pages. That being the case, his DNA is all over the events depicted here, as Loeb begins to start moving some key characters into newly formed, tenuous alliances.
Your Move
The era in which this run is set still remains a point of mystery to me, is it in the current modern continuity or set in a finite period after the events of the original? The absence in this issue of a certain Mr Pennyworth would certainly suggest it could be set right now, but it is a touch unclear. Minor quibbles aside, this is an engrossing issue that keeps its narrative tight as a drum, with no wasted pages. Loeb certainly isn’t here to pad out his story with bouts of nothingness and I applaud him for that.
The first half of the issue is dedicated to Batman’s efforts to keep a near death Joker alive. No easy feat given the huge amount of damage he sustained at the hands of Hush in Batman #158, but this provides a welcome opportunity for Dr Leslie Thompkins to enter the fray. Loeb does a really good job of shining a light on their shared history, highlighting the shorthand that the two have in conversation, as their unique dynamic is different to the relationship Batman has with anybody else. Not willing to indulge him in any way, her tough love approach is a joy to witness.
Check
Whilst the return of Loeb and Lee to this title has rightly grabbed the headlines, DC have been extremely wise to recruit Alex Sinclair and Richard Starkings on Colour and Lettering duties respectively, as they are able to emulate their work on the original instalments to add another layer of authenticity to the proceedings. It all helps to make this book look like a direct successor to that which came before, which of course it is!
No spoilers here (of course), but the back half of this issue really cranks up the volume. With a couple of familiar faces making their presence felt in a big way, Batman is facing more foes than he can know what to do with, which is another trait repeated from the original. The ending to the issue presents a possible alliance between Hush and a Bat-Family member that is almost too diabolical to contemplate. As if that was not enough, other concurrent events add up to a sinister riddle.
Conclusion
Batman #159 is a worthy issue. It brings several key characters to the table and promotes the dangerous genius of Hush to the nth degree. His true scheme is yet to be revealed, but the game is truly afoot now.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
