Detective Comics # 850 - Batman R.I.P.: Heart of Hush, The Conclusion: The Demon in the Mirror

There's something about the name of the title alone, "Detective Comics" that brings out a gumshow noir sensation. Paul Dini is the best on the market today for this type of book. He's taking a little break while Denny O'Neil pens an issue but Dini will return.

In this conclusion of Heart of Hush, we see more of the spiraling breakdown of Hush/Dr. Thomas Elliot. Yet, this is happening while the very battered Bruce/Batman gathers his last bit of energy and wits through drug-induced hazes to rise to the occassion. Not only saving Alfred but with some help, Catwoman pulls through one of her very worst moments (aside from cancelation that is). It really is a team effort as Robin, Nightwing, Mr. Terrific and Dr. Mid-nite chip in for equal shares of heroism and brilliance.

For more check out my video blog review at YouTube:

(spoilers for DC #850)

Dear Grant Morrison,

You're fantastic. You did an awesome run on Doom Patrol, your Arkham Asylum graphic novel was trippily great, and 52. But your Batman run is leaving me cold, I don't know if it's because I have to read every single issue of your run to really even care about the characters, or Jezebel Jet, or the way you're Batman run has had very few supporting characters. You're current arc, Batman R.I.P., is an attempt to make this great big story that will alter Batman's life forever !!!!!!! .

But the thing is, this is such a more satisfying story. THIS is how you do a story that radically alters the Batfamily. You don't write it and market it as PERMANENTLY ALTERING EVERYTHING FOREVER NOTHING WILL EVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. You write it and focus on a few characters, you make it so that you can read just this story and be completely filled with joy, you involve everyone that's a member of the Batfamily while keeping it natural, and you throw in a few twists that no one saw coming, like Alfred RIDING A DINOSAUR! Bruce's confession to Selina was so natural and necessary that it hit every checkmark for a good romance and change. Twisted and dysfunctional? Bruce/Selina gets a yes, Jez/Bruce gets a no. Natural? See previous answer. Romantic and interesting? See previous answer.

Visually, it's fantastic. Nguyen's style is unique and it varies from person to person, but I absolutely love it. His covers are eyepopping and catchy, and I was really excited to open this book. I love the way he draws the giant dinosaur! And his expressions are incredibly original and make this story so much more important-feeling and dynamic. So Grant, could you please pull a few strings so this is considered the big Batman RIP story, Nguyen/Dini remain the Detective Comics team, and the Selina/Bruce romance isn't washed aside? Come on, just threaten to kill Mr. DiDio's favorite character in Final Crisis. He'll let you.

Thanks! Bye,

Hawkingbird

That was great! This is why I'm a fan of Paul Dini!

Seriously, the only problem I have is the part where Selina says "Awesome." That felt a little out of place.

The loose ends were tied up, the ending was satisfying, and the art is excellent. (My favorite images are all of the poses Hush's mother makes in the flashback)

I have no complaints. This is the second comic I've given 5 stars. I gotta get more Dini!

In this issue Batman manages to rescue Catwomans heart ( literally ). Unfortunately Hush makes it to Wayne Manor before Bruce, and with his new face was able to get the drop on Alfred. I really liked this issue. Even though there were signs that told me I should not. Lets face it, when Tim and Dick showed up, the fight between all of them and Hush should have been over quick, but the writers needing the tension and action kept it going longer than it should have had the writer played by the rules already established. Over all it was a ridiculous and often good story line, and this is a solid ending to it.