Being a middle book of three, this review is mostly discussing specific plot points and characters that continue from the first volume, assuming that anyone considering whether or not to read the series would be looking mainly at reviews of the first part in any case. Overall, this is a strong continuation that feels planned, filled with drive and direction, but perhaps a bit less impactful for me as a reader than the emotional storytelling the Jim Gordon plotline brought to the first third.

I don't care for Hush's simplified origin for the New 52 (I'm fine with the Bruce emulation, but not the lack of his mother's continued existence plaguing him his entire life), but this is an effective book. I still don't like the supernatural elements that feel out of place (even though it's at least starting to become clear that's the whole point, a major clue in itself), but they feel less shoehorned here than in the first volume. Julia Pennyworth, against all odds, is an effective and emotional introduction to the cast that allows for poignant and powerful moments and interactions which wouldn't otherwise be happening. Jason Bard is a bit sidelined here compared to volume one, which is a shame, but hopefully he'll get to shine more as he re-takes centre stage in the final third.
Changing Catwoman's parentage seems a bit pointless, as they could do the exact same plotline with her with her old Falcone connection as they do with her new background, but her inner conflict at it is nevertheless intriguing. Too bad she apparently spins off into her own book after this, I'd have liked to see the final third explore her new (unusually selflessly motivated) bid for underworld power. ( )

Batman goes against Hush in this collection of comics. Hush is the man behind gang wars, riots and terrorist strikes against Gotham City and Batman & Co. has to deal with it all.

Personally I felt kind of overwhelmed with this graphic novel. Part of me liked reading 300 pages of action, and part of me was sometimes a bit confused when stuff happened that made me wonder what the heck is going on, like who is this person and what has this to do with the main story?

Let's just say that some issues was less interesting than others. I liked Batman fight against Hush, I liked Catwoman's problems with her father and of course her and Batman working together (I just wish there was more of them working together in this volume) and of course Julia Pennyworth taking over from her father, who is really sick after being poisoned.




That was great, but then again we had issues with a character called Spoiler (?) and her father who is trying to kill her for some reason (for some reason) and parts like that just made me go wtf?


On the plus side, now I knew what happened to Arkham, why it was destroyed. That made the graphic novel about turning Wayne Mansion into the new Arkham a bit more comprehensible.

The art was almost always great, some issues was not that good, but overall very pleasant to read. Loved the cover arts.



I received this copy from DC Comics through Edelweiss in return for an honest review! Thank you! ( )

Batman goes against Hush in this collection of comics. Hush is the man behind gang wars, riots and terrorist strikes against Gotham City and Batman & Co. has to deal with it all.

Personally I felt kind of overwhelmed with this graphic novel. Part of me liked reading 300 pages of action, and part of me was sometimes a bit confused when stuff happened that made me wonder what the heck is going on, like who is this person and what has this to do with the main story?

Let's just say that some issues was less interesting than others. I liked Batman fight against Hush, I liked Catwoman's problems with her father and of course her and Batman working together (I just wish there was more of them working together in this volume) and of course Julia Pennyworth taking over from her father, who is really sick after being poisoned.




That was great, but then again we had issues with a character called Spoiler (?) and her father who is trying to kill her for some reason (for some reason) and parts like that just made me go wtf?


On the plus side, now I knew what happened to Arkham, why it was destroyed. That made the graphic novel about turning Wayne Mansion into the new Arkham a bit more comprehensible.

The art was almost always great, some issues was not that good, but overall very pleasant to read. Loved the cover arts.



I received this copy from DC Comics through Edelweiss in return for an honest review! Thank you! ( )

I received this from DC Comics and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Outstanding!

Scott Snyder is such an excellent writer for Batman. His skill at weaving a complex storyline is amazing to behold, and watching it unfold in the pages here is simply fantastic.

And I must say, Hush is probably the best Batman villain hands-down. He's an amazing foil to the plans Bruce Wayne/Batman has laid for Gotham City over the years.
( )

So, apparently Hush is back and yet again he doesn’t just want to kill Batman, he wants to destroy him entirely.

There’s also much more Stephanie Brown in this one which I liked (Go Spoiler!), and actually quite a bit of Batgirl as well (pre-Burnside), and some Red Robin and Red Hood. Seeing all the characters in a Batman title was cool.

There was more Julia Pennyworth. I wasn’t sure how she would fit into this story, but it did work well.

And then there was the stuff with Catwoman, lots of info about her and a very interesting turn to her characters.

All in all it was a very good TPB, just packed with good stories and art. Solid four stars.

I got this advanced galley through Netgalley on behalf of DC Entertainment ( )