Storyline: Heart of Hush: Heartstrings (Part 3 of 5)
Date: September 3, 2008
Price: $2.99
Writer: Paul Dini
Artist: Dustin Nguyen

Synopsis: A “Batman: R.I.P.” tie-in! “Heart of Hush” Part 3 of 5! To save the sanity of a kidnapped child, Batman must confront the Scarecrow! But their battle is just a part of Hush’s plot against Batman and Bruce Wayne, setting the stage for the most shocking surprise ending of the year! Guest-starring Catwoman!

Opinion: WHOA.

Could this storyline get any better? Scratch that, I think it can—and will. Paul Dini’s on a roll, and he’s picking up so much speed that he’s on fire. And Dustin Nguyen … well, that man is just outdoing himself with every issue. Simply GORGEOUS.

The writing and artwork in this issue Blew Me Away. And where does Nguyen come up with these fantastic cover ideas? Seriously, I’m sold.

This issue, without a doubt, is five-star material. From the very first page (best panel EVER, haha) it’s golden, and that streak follows through until the very end, which has such a huge cliffhanger I literally sat there speechless for about five minutes, just reeling. The effect reminded me why Hush is one my favorite Batman villains (the Joker will always claim #1): he’s creepy, messed up, and cunning. Altogether, he’s brilliantly evil. I couldn’t hide my indignation at the end if I tried, but I couldn’t stop grinning, either: Bring on HUSH.

So what happens in this awesome comic? Well, I don’t want to give too much away; even if I did, holding this thing in your hands and seeing the art first-hand is an exhilarating experience—and definitely one that is well-worth your money.

Anyway, the issue begins with Hush and Selina Kyle going gun-to-claw (and foot, ouch!), and it’s not before long that we get our first pressing hook. Selina scratches the bandages away from Hush’s face, and her expression is one of utter shock and disbelief. What does she see? Ack, we don’t find out just yet! But I have my suspicions … ;D

Okay, so last time none other than Mr. Jonathan Crane (aka the Scarecrow) kidnapped a young boy—Colin Wilkes—in order to lure in the Dark Knight. Batman follows up on the case, and what we get is awesomely executed story and panel-wise (and the colors are just beautiful).

On the side, we are drawn into another great Hush flashback—another dark and frightening road into Hush’s mind and “heart,” as this storyline’s title implies. So far “heart” has meant getting to the root of this fascinating character by seeing him in a new, even crazier way that’s utterly engrossing—but this issue introduces a whole new meaning and level to the word that carries until the last page. You’d have never seen it coming, it’s THAT good.

Also, in the flashback we see Peyton Riley … the new, Dini-created Ventriloquist. Rock on!

Back in the present, Batman takes care of the Scarecrow/hostage situation like the pro Batman is, and afterwards Bruce receives a heart-pounding call from Oracle (Barbara Gordon)—and it DOESN’T LOOK GOOD.

Wow, my head is still spinning! I can’t stress enough how excellent this issue is, so just go out and pick it up already! Trust me like you’d trust the Caped Crusader himself.

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