Hush the Comic vs Hush the Movie: Everybody Wins

I know, I’m late. My boy’s copy of Batman: Hush had been sitting on my shelf for almost a year and I only just read it. I finally finished and then felt comfortable watching the animated movie. First off, I understand why the book is considered an all-time top Batman story. Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee are masters of their craft. Makes me want to pick up one of those huge Jim Lee art pieces next Comic-Con (Oh God . . . when’s the next Comic-con?).

As soon as the story concluded, it easily landed in my top ten graphic novels. As you can imagine, I was curious if the animated movie could properly capture the novel’s greatness. In short, no; but the genius of the movie is that is doesn’t try to recreate that experience. Rather, it tells its own version of the story that works well in animated movie form. Despite the differences, both versions are the most comprehensive telling of the Batman mythos I’ve ever consumed. Highlighting the similarities and differences in the two mediums will serve an additional purpose of highlighting these quintessentially “Batman” themes. Beware all who enter: Spoilers galore. Don’t be like me and let Batman: Hush gather dust (just kidding, Fredo. I didn’t get dust on your comic) on your shelf and give it the read it demands. Beginning With the End The most glaring difference between the graphic novel and the movie are the reveals/ climaxes. The basic plot of both stories is that a mysterious antagonist, Hush, is manipulating Batman’s rogue gallery in an…