DC-Universe - Batman #158 : The Return of Hush: Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee Reunite for Batman: H2SH Saga 

By Mulder, 18 december 2024

The iconic creative duo of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee is set to return to the world of Gotham City with Batman: H2SH, a thrilling six-part sequel to their celebrated Batman: Hush storyline. This new saga will kick off with Batman #158, releasing on March 26, 2025, and continue monthly until its climactic finale in August’s Batman #163. The original Hush arc, published between 2002 and 2003, remains one of the most revered narratives in Batman’s history, praised for its masterful storytelling and stunning visuals. This sequel is poised to continue that legacy with a creative team that reunites Loeb and Lee alongside inker Scott Williams, colorist Alex Sinclair, and letterer Richard Starkings. While details of the story remain under wraps, the team has promised a captivating continuation that builds on the complex characters and intrigue of the original.

Batman #158 will be released with an impressive lineup of variant covers, showcasing the talents of some of the industry’s most renowned artists. In addition to Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair’s main cover, fans can look forward to variants from J. Scott Campbell, Gabriele Dell’Otto, Dan Mora, Lee Bermejo, Simone Di Meo, Tony S. Daniel, and Sean Gordon Murphy. Dell’Otto’s contributions will form a set of six connecting covers that span the entire arc, from Batman #158 to #163. Notable variant formats include a foil cover, a card stock Courtside variant by Tony S. Daniel, and a blank sketch edition, catering to collectors and fans eager to commemorate this monumental event. Furthermore, limited-edition signed and wraparound gatefold covers by Jim Lee will be offered at premium price points, adding another layer of excitement for Batman enthusiasts.

To build anticipation for Batman: H2SH, DC is launching a series of Hush-themed variant covers across other titles throughout February, leading into the main saga. These covers, created by an array of artists including Mitch Gerads, Kaare Andrews, Dustin Nguyen, and Jorge Fornés, will adorn issues of Detective Comics, Superman, Catwoman, Nightwing, Poison Ivy, and others. Fans eager to dive into the prelude of Batman: H2SH can find it included in the back pages of Justice League Unlimited #1, now available at comic book retailers. This teaser serves as an introduction to the overarching narrative and hints at the twists and conflicts that await the Dark Knight in the months ahead.

The first issue of Batman #158 will retail at $4.99 for the standard 40-page edition, with foil and card stock variants priced at $7.99. DC will also release a DC Showcase variant by Sean Gordon Murphy, available through select comic book shops and online retailers for $24.99. The six-part series promises to delve deeper into the lives of Gotham’s residents, including fan-favorite characters like Jason Todd, as teased by the main cover of Batman #159. With a mix of nostalgia, intrigue, and top-tier artistry, Batman: H2SH is set to be a landmark event that redefines the legacy of one of DC’s most beloved stories.

For those looking to revisit the original Hush storyline, it remains available in multiple formats, including DC Compact Comics and Facsimile Edition reprints. Additionally, the DC Universe Infinite subscription platform offers digital access to Batman: Hush and other classic Batman comics. Fans worldwide can follow updates on this exciting project by visiting DC’s official website or connecting with them on social media. As the release of Batman #158 approaches, the return of Loeb and Lee promises to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers, delivering a saga that will resonate for years to come.

(Source : press release)