By: Paul Dini Publisher: DC Comics Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: DC Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 144 Publication Date: April 07, 2009 Release Date: April 07, 2009
Product Description: The villain named Hush, created by comic superstars Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, makes a dramatic return to the life of Batman. What will this mean for Bruce Wayne? Secrets shared years ago between Bruce Wayne and Tommy Elliott begin to have dangerous repercussions in the present. Why is this mystery driving Hush to destroy Batman's life? What part does Catwoman play in Hush's plans?
The best Hush story yet Hush is still a fairly new addition to the Bat canon in the grand scheme of things. I think a lot of fans were split on his introduction but I really enjoyed it. Some thought was definitely put into his back story and I'm happy to see a modern villain introduced that isn't gimicky in any way. The childhood connection he has with Bruce is a nice added twist.
So here we have Dini taking a crack at Hush and continuing to explore his past and what made him who he is today. Not only does this story do that but it also pushes his character forward in a surprising way. Other than a couple 2 part stories, this is the first real arc that Dini has attempted since beginning his run on Detective. I know his intention was to tell a stand alone story in each issue, which is the tradition of Detective Comics, but this 5 part story was definitely worth the wait. Heart of Hush has so many great cliffhangers and easily ranks up there as one of the best Bat novels ever. This is the sort of book I can read all in one sitting because it is so face paced and the suspense is tight.
Even if you aren't familiar with Hush, don't let that stop you from reading this. There is a lot of flashbacks to fill in his past that really define his character. I also really appreciated the small nods to other characters that Dini has been using recently like Peyton Riley and he couldn't resist squeezing Zatanna in there again, however it is Catwoman who I might say is the heart of the story. Brilliantly done.
I had to reread this in anticipation of Dini and Nguyen's brand new monthly series Streets of Gotham which released today, and I couldn't be more thrilled that these two are teaming up again. Nguyen's work has never been better than this, his style fits Hush perfectly. I love the dark shadows who I have Derek Fridolfs to thank for.
If you're looking for a break from all the R.I.P. confusion, this is a true Batman story. It's not trying to shake up the whole Bat universe, it's not trying to make a huge earth shattering impact on Batman's mythos, it's just a fantastic read and I can't recommend this one enough.
I loved this story!!!! I dont have much to say other than go pick up this book...Batman is at his absolute best here....
A terrific story, a treat for Bat-fans At last the bandages are torn away from the face of Batman's newest adversary as the past of Dr. Thomas Elliot, AKA Hush, is revealed. The story by writer Paul Dini and artists Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs spans a generation as they document how the boy who could have been Bruce Wayne's closest friend became his most dangerous rival. Guest appearances abound, from an ominous heart to heart conversation between Catwoman and Zatanna to deadly unions between Hush, the Scarecrow and Mr. Freeze, to a wink or you'll miss it moment of admiration from the Joker. The final showdown in the Batcave is a trivia fanatic's dream, and Hush's ultimate (and unexpected) defeat at Catwoman's claws is worth the price of the book alone.
A Must-Read for Batman Fans I really didn't think it could match what the original Hush stories did, but this just might have done it. Like others have said, it's the story of Thomas Elliot coming back again, upon learning that the Black Glove is out to get Batman. I really think with a story like this, you need to read it yourself and not just look at spoilers, so I won't say much more about the plot than that. Guest appearances from Robin, Nightwing, Catwoman, Zatanna, and Scarecrow really helps fill out a pretty good cast. All of this, a great plot, plus pretty good art, make for a fantastic story.
A Story With "Heart" The "Heart of Hush" storyline ran in Detective Comics while Batman was running the disappointing "R.I.P." I found that "Heart of Hush" had a better storyline, was MUCH better written, had real character development, and had the possibility (and believability) to affect and change Batman/Bruce Wayne more than "R.I.P." ever could.
This was my first experience with the Hush villain, having just starting reading comics again after 15 years. I must say that he's equally creepy as -- if not creepier than -- the Joker. What a background Hush has. I loved the flashbacks throughout "Heart of Hush" to his childhood. They went into great depth with his turn into a villain, specifically despising Bruce Wayne because of his jealousy and "mommy issues." What a terrific concept.
Unbeknownst to me, the "heart" of Hush turned out to be an actual heart. Catwoman's heart. Ouch. Surgically removing Catwoman's heart to use as bait was brilliant, not to mention incredibly twisted and devious. I loved seeing how much it affected Bruce/Batman personally. The tender moments between he and Catwoman were beautiful. I hope more comes of this. They've been playing "cat and mouse" for years. It's about time something more was done with the chemistry between the two of them.
All in all, I can't say enough how much Paul Dini did a beautiful writing job writing this story arc. How about taking over both Batman titles, Dini?
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
