To summarize BATMAN #159, all you need is the letter J:
The Joker lives.
Jason is pissed.
The Riddler is jacked.
There you go. You’re all caught up.
Jeph (another J) Loeb did a masterful job last issue of taking us back to a classic Batman story: Joker goons (with the Joker eventually showing up) cause a ruckus, and Batman takes them down. It was an action-packed scene that delivered the goods and just felt like a throwback Batman comic. Except what Loeb did following that opening put the Dark Knight in an interesting predicament.
You reap what you sow, and Batman is reaping this issue. He reunites with an old ally, while also assessing his situation and how/why Hush put him in it in the first place. He starts to think of the other allies, and what their reaction will be, and doesn’t have to wait too long to find out.
Loeb is perhaps my favorite Batman writer, and these two issues are showing why. He writes great action, while also letting issues linger in Batman’s (and our) mind, leaving some breadcrumbs for us to follow to the next issue.
Jim (another J) Lee is Jim Lee, so he’s going to do Jim Lee things. His art is exciting, taking a smaller-scale approach to this issue because that’s what the story requires. We’re zoomed in on the character interaction here, giving Lee a new palette to work his brush on. No complaints here, on anything, and a notable shoutout to a return to the Batcave, which Lee depicts wonderfully.
While it may not be as action-packed or big in scope as the first chapter, BATMAN #159 builds on what was laid out last month, giving us plenty to chew on while feasting our eyes with great art.
Remember, this is chapter 2 of 12. We have a long way to go. Enjoy the ride.
GRADE: B+
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman-On-Film.com with a copy of this comic book for reviewing purposes.
