Batman: Hush 2 (H2SH) Overview

Everything that Grok told me about Batman Hush 2

Author

Angelos Savvaidis
March 05, 2025

Key Points

  • Research suggests "Batman: Hush 2" (H2SH) is a comic book sequel to the original "Batman: Hush," starting in Batman #158 on March 26, 2025.

  • It seems likely that Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, with Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair, and Richard Starkings, are the creative team, running for six issues through August 2025, with another six in 2026.

  • The evidence leans toward the story involving Hush (Thomas Elliot) and a new character, "Silence," with a prelude in Justice League Unlimited #1.

Series Overview

Title and Creators:
"Batman: Hush 2," also known as H2SH, is written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by Jim Lee, with inking by Scott Williams, colors by Alex Sinclair, and lettering by Richard Starkings.

Release Schedule:
The series begins with Batman #158, released on March 26, 2025, and will run for six issues through August 2025 (Batman #158 to #163). It continues with another six issues in 2026 to conclude the story.

Plot and Characters:
This sequel to the original "Batman: Hush" (2002-2003) features the return of the villain Hush (Thomas Elliot). A new character, "Silence," is introduced and allies with Hush, potentially plotting against Batman. The story is expected to involve Batman's rogues gallery and allies, continuing the mystery and intrigue from the original.

Additional Details:
Batman #158 will have multiple variant covers by artists like J. Scott Campbell and Dan Mora. A four-page prelude, titled "The Promise," is featured in Justice League Unlimited #1, offering early hints of the plot. The series is available in print and digital formats, with digital access through DC UNIVERSE INFINITE (DC UNIVERSE INFINITE).

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Batman: Hush 2

This section provides a detailed examination of "Batman: Hush 2," covering its premise, creative team, publication details, plot elements, and additional features, ensuring a thorough understanding for enthusiasts and casual readers alike. The analysis is based on recent updates from DC Comics and related sources, focusing on information available as of March 5, 2025, at 1:18 PM AEDT.

Series Premise and Context

"Batman: Hush 2," stylized as H2SH, is a highly anticipated comic book sequel to the original "Batman: Hush" storyline, which ran from 2002 to 2003 in Batman #608-619. The original, written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by Jim Lee, is considered a classic, featuring a mystery where Batman faced a new villain, Hush (Thomas Elliot), who knew all his secrets and manipulated his rogues gallery. The sequel aims to continue this narrative, with Hush returning to challenge Batman once more, potentially expanding on his schemes and motivations.

An unexpected detail is the introduction of a new character, "Silence," who allies with Hush, adding a fresh dynamic to the story. This character was teased in previews and solicitations, with Batman #160 mentioning "The gentleman's name is Silence, and his alliance with Hush will destroy Batman," suggesting a significant threat (The Silence Comes to The Joker in Batman Hush 2 by Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee). This addition could expand the villainous roster and introduce new plotlines, appealing to fans looking for innovation within the established Hush universe.

Creative Team and Artistic Contributions

The creative team reunites the original "Batman: Hush" collaborators, ensuring continuity and fan appeal. Jeph Loeb returns as the writer, known for his work on the original and other Batman stories like "The Long Halloween." Jim Lee, a renowned comic book artist and Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment, provides the pencils, with Scott Williams on inks, Alex Sinclair on colors, and Richard Starkings on lettering. This team is celebrated for their work on the original, and their return is seen as a significant draw, with Jim Lee stating, "Yes, coming March of 2025 – we are bringing the band back together!" in an X post (23 years later, Batman: Hush 2 reunites Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee for a sequel to one of the greatest Batman stories ever told).

Recent interviews at ComicsPRO suggest Loeb and Lee aim to make H2SH a gateway for new fans, ensuring continuity and character introductions, while also changing Batman continuity, though specifics are not detailed (ComicsPRO: Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee On How Batman Hush 2 Will Change Things). This approach could bridge the gap between longtime readers and newcomers, potentially impacting the DC Universe's narrative landscape.

Publication Details and Schedule

"Batman: Hush 2" begins with Batman #158, scheduled for release on March 26, 2025, and will run monthly for six issues through August’s Batman #163. This first part is part of DC’s ongoing Batman series, continuing the numbering without a relaunch, similar to the original Hush. The series then extends with another six issues in 2026, making a total of 12 issues, as revealed by Jim Lee in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter (Batman: Hush 2 by Jim Lee & Jeph Loeb Has Another Six Issues in 2026).

The retail price for Batman #158 is $4.99 US for the standard 40-page issue, with variant covers priced at $5.99 US for card stock, $7.99 US for foil, and a connecting gatefold at $7.99 US, plus a DC Showcase variant at $24.99 US (Hush Returns in Batman #158!). This pricing structure reflects DC’s strategy to offer collectors multiple options, with variant covers by artists like Gabriele Dell’Otto, J. Scott Campbell, and Dan Mora, enhancing collectibility.

A four-page prelude, titled "The Promise," is included in Justice League Unlimited #1, released on November 27, 2024, providing early hints of the plot. This prelude features artwork by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair, and has been discussed on Reddit, with fans noting Hush’s detailed planning, including figures of Batman’s allies and enemies, and mentions of Alfred and Silence ([Comic Excerpt] Hush 2 Prelude: The Promise (Justice League Unlimited #1)](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/1h0pkk0/comic_excerpt_hush_2_prelude_the_promise_justice/)). Reviews of the prelude suggest it reflects the 2000s aesthetic but has execution flaws, potentially setting the tone for H2SH (Justice League Unlimited #1 review).

Plot Elements and Characters

While plot details are still under wraps, the prelude and teasers indicate Hush is planning an elaborate scheme, possibly targeting Batman’s allies and enemies. The introduction of Silence, described as a mysterious figure with potential auditory powers, adds a new layer, with speculation on X about whether Silence could be Jason Todd or another character (The Silence Comes to The Joker in Batman Hush 2 by Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee). This character’s alliance with Hush is expected to have dire consequences, as seen in previews where Silence confronts The Joker, causing chaos.

Fan discussions on Reddit highlight changes since the original Hush, such as Alfred’s absence, Jason Todd’s revival, and Selina Kyle (Catwoman) being pushed away, suggesting personal stakes for Batman ([Comic Excerpt] Hush 2 Prelude: The Promise (Justice League Unlimited #1)](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/1h0pkk0/comic_excerpt_hush_2_prelude_the_promise_justice/)). The story is also expected to involve the Bat-Family, with Huntress potentially playing a role, and there’s speculation about Hush’s motivation being freedom rather than money, aligning with his character’s depth from previous stories like "Heart of Hush."

Additional Features and Community Engagement

Batman #158 features multiple variant covers, with DC pulling out all stops for collectors, including Hush-themed variants in February 2025 by artists like Mitch Gerads and Dustin Nguyen (Hush Returns in Batman #158!). This strategy aims to boost sales and fan engagement, with exclusive merchandise like T-shirts featuring Hush 2 artwork available at the DC Shop (DC Shop: BATMAN Hush 2 Artwork by Jim Lee & Scott Williams T-shirt).

Social media buzz, particularly on X, has amplified anticipation, with posts from DC Official and fans discussing the prelude and art, driving community interaction (DC Releases First Look At Batman: Hush 2). An X post by Jim Lee shared progress shots of the first cover and a page from the prelude, adding to the excitement (23 years later, Batman: Hush 2 reunites Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee for a sequel to one of the greatest Batman stories ever told).

Industry Context and Expectations

Given the original "Batman: Hush" is considered a masterpiece, with sales topping charts for a year, H2SH represents a significant event for DC Comics, especially as part of their All In publishing initiative (DC Preview, Justice League Unlimited #1). The return of Loeb and Lee after 23 years is seen as a nostalgic yet modern take, with potential to impact Batman continuity, as discussed at ComicsPRO, suggesting a lasting legacy for the DC Universe (ComicsPRO: Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee On How Batman Hush 2 Will Change Things).

In conclusion, "Batman: Hush 2" is shaping up to be a pivotal addition to Batman’s comic legacy, with a strong creative team, a complex plot involving new and returning characters, and recent community engagement. The series’ focus on Hush and Silence, combined with its extended run and variant cover strategy, positions it as a must-read for DC fans, with updates continuing to build anticipation as of March 5, 2025.

Key Citations