Rating: 
Summary: Hush Volume 1
Review: The creature of the night is stalked by a new villain, who sets up a seemingly elaborate scheme to control the Gotham crime network and subsequently destroy the Bat in the new storyline `Hush`. In response , the Dark Knight embarks on a languid endeavor to impede the unknown antagonist as we're taken throughout Gotham City to Metropolis to North Africa and back.
Thomas Elliot - a boyhood friend of Bruce Wayne's - now a doctor ,is the new character/villain that is introduced. A person so imbued into Wayne's life with such an impact as we are told, that this is the first time he is ever referred to. He becomes a Darkman-like character that speaks in whispers and inconceivably shadows Batman's every move.
Jeph Loeb then inserts the most popular of Batman's rogues gallery and loosely weaves a story around them, however dubiously. The inclusion of these enemies seems more of a substitution in place of a linear storyline. Despite past violent fallouts, the writer has an insistence that the villains are conceptually unified without any conflict, simply with the collective intent of killing Batman. In doing so their behavior is illogical and unbelievable. They're not the malevolent crime that has plagued the city, but minor obstructions that are freely subdued.
In the first half alone, Batman tangles with Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, and even Superman, begins a relationship with Catwoman, and has brain surgery all courtesy of the "mysterious" Hush - whose alter ego Dr. Thomas Elliot operates on Wayne as the neurosurgeon. The story only further disintegrates in the second part of `Hush' . As the new persona manufactures more incogitable hindrances for the Dark Knight to overcome.
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee are the creative duo, arguably the two most popular figures in the field, which is not without controversy. With Lee penciling everyone looks good (and the same).Though he lacks the cinematic paneling and layout by artists like Tim Sale, who Loeb collaborated with on Long Halloween/Dark Victory. Gotham has barely more than a monotonous backdrop. Jeph Loeb scripts tales like Roland Emmerich directs films,relying far too heavily on visual gratification over plot and logical timelines. Hush as it proceeds is no different.
Rating: 
Summary: Hushed Silence
Review: Even though my days as an avid comic book collector have been behind me for quite some time, I still check in on my favorite heroes from time to time, via graphic novel, or collected mini-series. I have always enjoyed writer Jeph Loeb's take on either the Dark Knight or Superman, and even his work on the Smallville television series. I was happy to learn that Loeb, along with artist Jim Lee, one of the comics' industry's most sought after talents, acording to those in the know,were putting together a multi-part saga with Batman as the star.
Off the top, I was dismayed at the fact that I was going to have to buy two books to get the whole story. This doesn't make sense since Loeb's The Long Halloween it's sequel Dark Victory, and Public Enemies, were all multi-part tales put into one book. Cash "Cowl" Indeed.
Hush Volume One collects the team's first five issues of their run wth the Dark Knight. Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, and a new villian hatch a series of schemes to bring down Batman and take the citzens of Gotham to the brink. The action abruptly shifts to Metropolis, as Batman follows Ivy's trail there, where he confronts Superman in abattle that seems like it was staged to boost sales. At least when they teamed up for Public Enemies it seemed more plausible and urgent. Things perk up a bit when Catwoman shows up. The arc so far seems pretty standard for a comic book...
Jim Lee's art is very good to be sure, but I don't really see what the fuss was about. It services the story but I prefer the work of Tim Sale and his rendering of the world that is Batman. The book has 128 pages and includes an introduction from Lee, as well as a cover gallery.
Rating: 
Summary: Batman, done "just right."
Review: Having literally just read this trade paperback, I'm slightly embarrassed that I didn't pick this up on the newstand. (I'm not one to give much credence to hype...)
To paraphrase the storyline in writer Jeph Loeb's own words in the introduction, this is Batman done "just right." Nearly everything is here: incredible Batman gadgets; short by sweet acknowledgements to past Caped Crusader stories ("The Dark Knight Returns," "Farewell to a Friend," "Knightfall"); a host of baddies from Batman's rogues gallery; clever, tight dialogue; kick-ass art; tension between Batman and Superman (yet always, an underlying respect); just enough dry humor to balance the serious drama... The list could go on.
I'm floored. Loeb even nailed Bruce Wayne's character. That, in many ways, is the sign of a solid Batman scribe. I absolutely loved Bruce flirting with Lois Lane! That scene in the Daily Planet with her calling Clark Kent "Smallville" is what nakes that issue in "Hush" and the animated Batman/Superman feature movie top notch. Most writers have no problem nailing down the Dark Knight, but the man under the cowl tends to escape even more writers.
I admit it: I've not even been that impressed with Jim Lee's past artwork (it's been too generic, overblown and uninspired), but man, he did the Batman universe with great flair. Gotham, Metropolis and their inhabitants are dramatic without being too much, which is what I think Lee has done before. His Lois Lane is WAY too busty and super model-ish, but Lee's Poison Ivy and most especially, Catwoman, are amazingly sexy. Killer Croc leaves quite a bit to be desired, but... I'm willing to overlook Croc, the shorter Bat-ears and plain Bat-symbol, because Bruce Wayne, Alfred and the rest are spot on.
I'm a long-time diehard Batman fan. I've not been pleased with the artwork - much less the storylines - in the Batman titles in recent years. So this is refreshing to see Loeb and Lee hit Batman out of the park.
Rating: 
Summary: Loeb has done it again.
Review: I've always been a great fan of Jeph Loeb, ever since I first picked up his celebrated "Batman: The Long Halloween". His writing style brings out the art, in my opinion, as the venerable Jim Lee's art also brings out his partner's words. It is not, however, in these two's gifts that make "Batman: Hush" so special. It is the fact that unlike some other books, "Hush" appeals to its audience in that it is not only a collaboration of the industry's greatest talents, but also a collaboration of Batman's whole life. Poison Ivy's talents return, Superman's back with a vengeance, and miss Catwoman's romance with Batman is rekindled. Truly, I could not ask for more in such a collaboration - and neither could you.
Rating:
Summary: Reads like Batman's greatest hits
Review: If there's one story arc I've kept hearing praise for over the past year, it's "Batman:Hush." How it has the most amazing artwork, the best storytelling, and is the product of the best collaboration in Batman comics in years. Not wanting to track down the individual issues or buy the more expensive hardcover, I finally grabbed the trade paperback to see for myself. My verdict? It's a fun read, but there's been better.
The problem doesn't lie in either Jim Lee or Jeph Loeb's talents, but rather that the story ends up reading like "Batman's Greatest Hits", a compilation of favourite villains and cameos without any real purpose. We go from Killer Croc to Catwoman to Poison Ivy, with appearances by Superman, Talia, Alan Scott, Huntress, and Lois Lane. The bad guys have a plan that involve ransoms, mind control, and lots of backstabbing here and there, but its all been done before. Catwoman's romance with Batman? Yep. Superman vs. Batman? Sure. And appearantly there's a bandaged guy named Hush who's working the strings from the shadows, but he shows up so little that he's basically a nonpresence, and doesn't make me excited for part 2.
So why am I still giving this 4 stars? The end result may feel kind of rehashed, but the individual components of this book are excellent. Almost every panel of Jim Lee's art could be used for a large-sized poster or trading card. He draws in a way that defines the characters, no matter what stance or angle or pose they're in. And Jeph Loeb, veteran of Long Halloween, Dark Tomorrow, and Smallville writes this fantasy world exactly like you'd want it to sound, with all the right character quirks and dialogue.
So it's not exactly the most original read, but it's still an enjoyable read by all means. If you're a Batman fan there are probably other trade paperbacks worth your money, but you should still get around to adding this to your collection.
Rating:
Summary: Delicious
Review: Jim Lee.He's the reason I am giving this book five stars. Over the past year this story has kept comic books readers fascinated. It has almost held the #1 spot for the 11 months that it has been on sale. And this is due to Jim Lee's spectacular art work. In this book Lee pays a true homage, to my favorite comic book character. He is the reason I bought four copies of the book at a time. And he is the reason I bought this trade. The story on the other hand is something else. Jeph Loeb's sense of storytelling is more of a "tell" than a "show". Most of the story is driven forward by the narration in Batman's head. The premise of Hush is supposed to be someone manipulating Batman's foes to get at him. But the truth of the matter is, with the exception of Killer Croc' (who is supposed to be too stupid to stage a kidnapping) it really isn't shown. And of course there is Batman's "romance" with Catwoman. Words can not express how put off with this part of the story. It's purely contrived and annoying. Catwoman comes on to Batman in one of the most sexually agressive moves I have seen in a mainstream comic book. And by the next issue he is in love? Please In other Batman books (including Dark Victory and The Long Halloween-also written by Loeb) he would have spurned her advances. To tell you the truth it is the portrayal of Catwoman that has ruined the book for me. The portrayal of Catwoman has to be the most annoying portrayal I have ever seen of the character. For the entire arc Catwoman behaviour alternates from bimbo to vixen. When she's a bimbo she comes across as comic relief in a tv sitcom. When she's a vixen, she comes across like the Baroness in the Sound of Music. I don't know what Jeph Loeb was doing as he's portrayed her excellently twice before. Her dialogue just grates on my nerves. Still I must praise Loeb for giving such a great profile to Huntress. Another vigilante who gets along with Batman, like oil gets along with water. He portrayed her excellently , the fighter she is and how she will still do the right thing, no matter how badly she is treated by others. Still I would recommend this book to Batman fans and collectors. Jim Lee's art work is worth every penny.
Rating:
Summary: Almost unbearably fantastic!
Review: Loeb has proved himself to be one of the best Batman writers around, and Lee was already a comic book legend after his run on X-Men. Together, they have created one of the most intriquing Batman stories in recent memory, at least one that takes place in the actual continuity of the Bat-books. Vol. 1 collects the first five issues in the 12-part "Hush" storyline. This first installment sets up much of what is to come in this storyline, introducing Bruce Wayne's boyhood friend Tommy, and the mysterious bandaged stranger unofficially dubbed Hush, who really, really has it out for Bats and can get at him (I spoil nothing for anyone by stating that my prediction is that Tommy and bandage-face will turn out to be the same person). Lee's take on the world of Batman is simply stunning; he is producing the art of his career on this run. I love his take on Killer Croc, who finally actually looks like a monstrous human crocodile the way Lee draws him. Superman pops up, and while it's cool to see Lee draw him as well (before he takes over the artistic reins on a Superman comic after this Batman run), I'm sick of Batman and Supes getting pared up, it's been done TO DEATH! ENOUGH ALREADY, THEIR CONTRASTS AS CHARACTERS AREN'T ENOUGH TO WARRANT THESE ENDLESS TEAM UPS!!! Ahem. Anyway, I can't wait to read the end of this storyline in a few days and find out who this 'Hush' guy is...
Rating: 
Summary: Not that Great
Review: No change or progress in Lee's art style. Unfortunately a lot of fanboys/girls as well as editors feel this is the style that should be used for superhero comics. Save your money and instead purchase Batman interpretations by Frank Miller, David Mazzuchelli, and Matt Wagner. Storywise, it was alright.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Bat Stories for a very long time
Review: Reading Hush from Beginning to End, I am deeply impressed. It borrows heavily from Frank Miller, even situations and dialogues are often so similar that one familiar with both can light up and go "A-HA!". This is in no way a bad thing. It makes Hush better because it borrows elements from the best Dark Knight comic ever(Dark Knight Returns), but it gives him a less rebellious and brutal attitude, and it showcases Batman from his best side.
The writing is sharp, although not as brilliant as Miller`s, and the drawing is masterfully done. Each page is a stunning piece of art, and while the proportions are a bit overdone, one have to admit that Batman and Catwoman have never looked so good before. Her feline grace and sensuality is present in her every move, and Batman`s experience, strength and skills are shown in every frame.
The story is one of the best I`ve read ever since DKR, The Killing Joke and Year One. I will not spoil the story, because it keeps you guessing and gasping at the surprises each chapter holds. This is really great stuff, and no wonder why it sold so well. True, its no Miller, but then again, what is?
Recommended to every fan of Batman.
***A Slight spoiler***
Maybe in a nod to Miller, one of the later chapters of Hush pits the Dark Knight against the Man of Steel. Notice what Batman thinks to himself just as he understands who just arrived, and compare it to an almost identical situation in DKR. I say no more, but it was awesome and showed the respect these guys show for the master.
***Spoiler End***
Rating:
Summary: Just a good comic book
Review: The art of Lee is nice like all his work men strong, women hot. I can't deny that, however, his Joker is the worst I've ever seen. But the story, well... maybe it would be great in 1 or 2 issues, but not twelve!!!! I think is sucessfull because Loeb know how to write the last page of each issue to keep you waiting for the next, but in two or three years when people can get the book all together, it would be forgotten. Batman look sometimes like a cyborg, sometimes like a fool, sometimes like the bad guy, but never like the DETECTIVE that he is. If you want a really great Batman's story read anything that Frank Miller had wrote.
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