READING THE CLASSICS: BATMAN #613

 

Published on March 26th, 2003

    This is part 6 of the 12 part "Hush" storyline. I mentioned previously that this storyline was showcasing the greatest hits of Batman. They've already had Killer Croc, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Superman. This issue has Harley Quinn and The Joker. I wonder if they'll get everyone into this story? Who's even left? The Penguin, Scarecrow, Two-Face, Bane. Anyone else out there? They did have Superman. They could add a bunch of the DC heroes: The Flash, Aquaman, Wonder Woman. Stuffing this story with an all-star cast at least makes it...what? Exciting? Makes it feel like a big deal? It also kind of feels desperate, though. Considering it's supposed to be out the mystery behind a new villain, Hush, why isn't he the focus? He's barely even in it. It also makes Hush seem like a lame villain if he's not good enough to carry the book. I did like the idea behind this issue. Selina Kyle, Bruce Wayne, and Bruce's childhood friend, Tommy, attend the opera for a charity function. Harley Quinn shows up and starts robbing the audience members and shooting a gun around. This reminded me of the circus scene in the movie Batman Forever when Bruce Wayne attends the circus and Two-Face sets a bomb off. Since Batman has been a comic book for almost 100 years now, I think every story has been done, and Bruce Wayne attending a public event when a villain shows up isn't exactly new. Cue Bruce Wayne disappearing and Batman appearing to save the day. The ending to this issue is shocking. In an alley outside the opera, Batman finds The Joker standing above a dead Tommy. Apparently, The Joker has shot and killed Tommy. The last page has Batman choking The Joker. It's an enjoyable issue with a good ending. We're halfway through this storyline and I think Hush has been in maybe a few panels. I'm guessing we're supposed to think Tommy isn't Hush because he's dead. Writer Jeph Loeb must think we're idiots. Tommy is literally the only suspect. ***

READING THE CLASSICS: BATMAN #612

 Published on February 26th, 2003

    The new Superman movie comes out this week, so I guess it's apt that Superman appears in this issue. Jeph Loeb is really throwing the kitchen sink at this book in terms of character appearances. The Joker hasn't shown up yet but I'm sure he will eventually. This does seem to be the end of Poison Ivy in this storyline, as her power over Superman fades when Superman saves Lois Lane, who Catwoman has thrown off a building. Catwoman then punches Poison Ivy in the face and Superman asks if that was really necessary and both Batman and Catwoman reply, "Yes." Batman also helps to defeat Superman by using a kryptonite ring that's hidden in a sewer. Hush does show up in this, but only to watch the action through binoculars. Hush hasn't done much of anything in this book. It is only 12 parts, right? The art as usual is dynamic and colorful. This is kind of a comic book's comic book. If you think of a comic book, this is it. Which is either a good or bad thing, depending on what you like. It's pretty much forgettable fun. **1/2