“The Queen”
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artists: Jim Lee
Color Artist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Review by Max Byrne
Batman #161 is an issue that seeks to create division within the ranks of the Bat-Family, separating Batman from his team and putting him out on his own…
Broken Ties
Jeph Loeb creates a narrative that, through circumstance rather than his direct deeds, makes our titular hero the object of distrust from his protegees. It works very well for the most part, although it does seem to take very little to turn their heads. Surely his years of staunch leadership would put a little credit in his bank, but it goes out of the window a little bit quickly.
That’s a relatively minor quibble though as the sense of tightening tension is tangible and real. Whether part of Hush’s masterplan or merely a side effect, the familial relationships are put under the microscope here in a big way. Lee and Loeb have gone on the record to confirm this sequel is about those relationships and the effect they have on his team.
The relationship that seems to be irrevocably damaged here is between Batman and Barbara Gordon aka Batgirl. Such is the case that what starts as a verbal confrontation devolves into a full on physical fight, with Batman only willing to contain himself for so long in the face of a barrage from Barbara. Seeing Bruce be willing to strike her, albeit in the face of extreme provocation and with an element of self defense, is quite a shocking image to see.
Well Played
One of the most satisfying elements of the book is seeing Batman render Bane unconscious with one punch. With Bane being a physical behemoth, seeing him get the Guy Gardner treatment is immense. Does this make Batman slightly overpowered? Of course it does, but it looks badass!
Hush makes his exit halfway through the issue, returning briefly at the end. As the issue is more about his incredible gift for manipulation and puppet mastery, he casts a long shadow indeed. At times his uncanny knack for lining up the pieces in just the right positions and getting the correct pay off every time does stretch the believability factor a tad, but it does make for an engrossing yarn all the same.
Jim Lee is on form in this issue too. His place in the pantheon of legendary artists is already secured, but he shows in this issue that he can still come down from his ivory tower and kick ass. The aforementioned Batman/Batgirl fight is some of his best work in this run, with the characters hitting brick walls with a tangible force. Looking at these panels make this reader’s back hurt in sympathy, such is Lee’s gift for portraying conflict and punch ups
Conclusion
Batman #161 is a worthy addition to the H2USH saga. It eschews any huge plot developments but manages to get under the proverbial hood of the the characters and their relationships. With a final panel that promises much in terms of Batman having a mutiny on his hands, it could be leading to our hero finding himself in a very dark place in #162. Hush’s endgame appears to be based on separating Batman from his nearest and dearest and I look forward to seeing where it ends.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
