H2SH #162: Why Batman's Latest Comic is a Visual Feast, But a Story Mess

The long-awaited fifth issue of the Hush sequel is here, delivering stunning art from Jim Lee but sparking heated debate among fans over its controversial plot and character choices.

TL;DR

• Batman #162 is out, continuing the much-delayed H2SH storyline by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee.
• The issue features intense action and "jaw-dropping" artwork from Jim Lee, lauded as the series' saving grace.
• However, critics are largely unimpressed with the story, citing out-of-character behavior for Batman and his allies, contrived conflicts, and a disregard for recent continuity.

How many times can Batman punch his kids before it stops being dramatic and starts being... well, just a bit much? That's a question many fans are asking after diving into Batman #162, the latest installment of the highly anticipated, yet increasingly controversial, H2SH storyline. This follow-up to the beloved early 2000s classic Hush was supposed to be a triumphant reunion for writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee. Instead, it's becoming a case study in how stunning visuals can sometimes clash with a divisive narrative.

For decades, Batman has stood as one of DC's most iconic figures, starring in countless stories, some legendary, some... less so. The original Hush storyline, which hit shelves over twenty years ago, defined Batman for a generation with its intricate plot, stunning art, and deep character connections. When the news broke that Loeb and Lee were reuniting for a sequel, H2SH, expectations soared. But the journey to get here has been anything but smooth.

The Delayed and Dizzying Journey of H2SH

From the outset, H2SH has been plagued by significant production hiccups. Batman #162 itself was delayed multiple times, pushing its release back by months. Originally, this issue was meant to set up the finale of the first half of the storyline, with Batman #163, the true "Part One" conclusion, now slated for January 28, 2026. These delays haven't just frustrated readers; they've reportedly thrown off the publishing schedules for other Batman-related titles, like Matt Fraction's new Batman run and a planned Red Hood series. Source: CBR, "Batman #162: Batman Crosses a Line the Bat Family May Never Forgive"

The core premise of H2SH sees the titular villain, Hush, orchestrating a deadly game across Gotham. He's forcing Batman into impossible choices, like saving the Joker's life, and, most notably, pitting the various members of the Bat-Family against each other. It's a high-stakes, manipulative chess game, but many feel the execution in the narrative has missed the mark.

Unpacking the Shocking Events of Batman #162

Batman #162 picks up directly from the previous issue's cliffhanger: the Caped Crusader is facing down Nightwing, Robin Damian Wayne, Huntress, Catwoman, and even a temporarily allied Riddler, all intent on stopping his escalating conflict with Batgirl. Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, is furious with Batman after Hush sent an exploding package that nearly killed her father, Jim Gordon. Her anger is understandable, yet Batman's response is anything but typical.

Believing himself to be the only one capable of rational thought in the situation, Batman—without a word of explanation—doses Batgirl with a fast-acting tranquilizer. This move is a major breach of trust, explicitly triggering her past trauma. Batman then proceeds to fight his family, actively exploiting their weaknesses and traumas, all while his internal monologue acknowledges Hush's manipulation. This contradictory behavior has been a central point of criticism. As one review put it, "He knows exactly what the villain’s plan is, but for some reason, he still fights his family." Source: ComicBook.com, "Batman (2016) #162 Review: H2SH Is A Mess"

The issue is a non-stop action sequence. We see Batman escape by activating a new, Superman-like "super-flare" power in the Batmobile, only to crash into the sewers where he's ambushed by a surprising team-up: Bane and the Joker, both conveniently in place due to Hush's machinations. Along the way, Catwoman attempts to reason with Bruce, and Damian Wayne drags Batman through traffic via his motorcycle. These are all visually striking moments, but they come at a narrative cost.

Jim Lee's Artwork: A Beacon in the Bat-Chaos

If there's one thing nearly everyone agrees on, it's the sheer quality of Jim Lee's art. Even critics who panned the storyline consistently praise Lee's "jaw-dropping" and "showstopper" visuals. His muscular Dark Knight, the rain-soaked Gotham Cityscapes, and the dynamic fight choreography are all rendered with incredible detail and energy. It's a "visual feast," making every page a joy to behold, even when the story falters.

"Lee's artwork is so jaw-dropping it practically carries the issue on its shoulders. For fans of big, loud, gorgeously rendered Bat-drama, it’s still a visual feast worth the wait." — AIPT Comics, "'Batman' #162 is a visual feast worth the wait"

However, this artistic brilliance presents a unique challenge. Imagine you've been waiting for a new album from your favorite band, a band that released a legendary hit 20 years ago. You finally get it, and the cover art is absolutely gorgeous – the best they've ever done. But when you listen, the lyrics feel like a cover band wrote them, and the band members are playing out of sync. That's a bit like the experience of Batman #162. The visuals are spectacular, yet the narrative often struggles to match their gravitas, leading to what some reviewers called "pretty picture[s] with no soul behind its shining eyes." Source: Comic Watch, "Batman #162: Anyone Home?"

The Controversial Characterization of Batman and His Allies

The main sticking point for many readers and critics is the portrayal of Batman and his allies. Bruce Wayne is depicted as needlessly aggressive, convinced he's the only rational one, and treating his loyal Bat-Family as mere "entanglements" or "mistakes." This goes against decades of character development, particularly since Robin's introduction in Detective Comics #38. The notion of Batman constantly working alone has been romanticized in overly edgy stories, but here, it's shown to be detrimental, as he beats up the very people he trained to help him.

It's not just Batman; other characters also feel off. Damian Wayne's actions seem to ignore a decade of character growth, and Red Hood is once again portrayed as an "angry murderer mad at Bruce," a character arc that has been explored repeatedly. The presence of Huntress feels somewhat out of place given her more distant relationship with the Bat-Family in recent years. This general disregard for recent continuity and established character arcs has left many fans scratching their heads, feeling that the story forces characters into choices they simply wouldn't make. Source: Bleeding Cool, "Jim Lee And Jeph Loeb Set Up H2SH Finale In Batman #162 (Batspoilers)"

While some might argue that intense action and character clashes are exactly what they want from a Batman comic, others find the non-stop fighting, without solid emotional grounding, quickly wears thin. The constant "Batman fighting his family" trope feels less like drama and more like manufactured conflict designed solely to give Jim Lee exciting scenes to draw. The decision to make characters ignore obvious solutions to force the plot forward creates artificial tension, rather than genuine stakes.

What's Next for the Divisive H2SH Storyline?

As Batman #162 sets up the penultimate issue of the first half of H2SH, readers are left to wonder if the creative team can pull the narrative together. With Batman #163 delayed until early 2026, and the possibility that the planned second half of H2SH might never see the light of day, the future of this ambitious sequel remains uncertain. For now, fans will have to weigh the incredible artistic spectacle against a story that, for many, has struggled to justify its existence.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

• Feast Your Eyes: If you're a die-hard fan of Jim Lee's artwork, Batman #162 is a visual treat you won't want to miss. Every panel is meticulously crafted.
• Adjust Story Expectations: Go in knowing that the narrative and characterization have drawn significant criticism; try to enjoy the action without overthinking the plot mechanics.
• Catch Up on Delays: The story has experienced multiple, lengthy delays, so a quick recap of previous H2SH issues might be helpful before diving into #162.
• Prepare for a Different Batman: This issue presents a Batman who is highly aggressive and dismissive of his allies, a portrayal that diverges from recent interpretations.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Batman #162 Answered When was Batman #162 released? Batman #162 was released on November 12, 2025, after several significant delays. Source: Dark Knight News, "Review: Batman #162" Who are the main creators behind Batman #162 (H2SH)? The issue is written by Jeph Loeb and features art by Jim Lee, with inks by Scott Williams, colors by Alex Sinclair, and letters by Richard Starkings. Is H2SH a standalone story? No, H2SH is a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Batman: Hush storyline from the early 2000s, by the same creative team. What's the general reception of the story in Batman #162? While Jim Lee's art is widely praised, the storyline in Batman #162 and the broader H2SH series has received a mixed to negative reception from critics, citing character inconsistencies and a contrived plot. Sources

• ComicBook.com - "Batman (2016) #162 Review: H2SH Is A Mess" (Approx. Nov 12, 2025)
• Bleeding Cool - "Jim Lee And Jeph Loeb Set Up H2SH Finale In Batman #162 (Batspoilers)" (Published Wed, 12 Nov 2025)
• AIPT Comics - "'Batman' #162 is a visual feast worth the wait" (Approx. Nov 12, 2025)
• Comic Watch - "Batman #162: Anyone Home?" by Tyler Davis (November 13, 2025)
• CBR - "Batman #162: Batman Crosses a Line the Bat Family May Never Forgive" (Approx. Nov 12, 2025)
• Dark Knight News - "Review: Batman #162" by Max Byrne (November 12, 2025)