As one of DC's most popular characters Batman is often used as an entry point for new comic book readers. However, there are numerous races, Elseworlds stories, teams, and events in which he is included, creating multiple entry points. One of the best possible starting points is the iconic plot, Batman: Calm down.
Published in early 2002, Batman: Hush features the creative team of Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Richard Starkings and Alex Sinclair. It's a story arc that spans twelve issues, from Batman #608 to Batman #619. From the art to the inclusion of several iconic DC characters, Batman: Calm down is an easily accessible graphic novel that brings new fans up to speed on key moments in Bruce Wayne's life without having too much exposition. It also provides an immediate opening into other Batman stories, creating a perfect gateway to reading more about the character, his enemies, and his allies.
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Batman's origins are covered quickly but effectively
For those who don't know Batman's origin story, Batman: Calm down covers this very succinctly. It's not drawn out, nor does it feel like a standard repeat. It's straightforward and gets a new reader up to speed quickly. It also highlights the impact that the loss had on the hero, his growth and his ability to form bonds. While the Dark Knight's origin story has a tendency to be exaggerated, it is told very effectively here and includes the most important components. It even adds some impressive details that enhance the lore of the Wayne family and their associates in a way that hadn't been done before this story arc. The compact delivery of events and additions provide an original presentation that even the most seasoned fans can enjoy.
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Batman: Hush presents a who's who of Gotham villainy
Batman has one of the most iconic rogues galleries in DC Comics. His are often the most recognizable and often fan favorites. From the Joker to Poison Ivy, there's no shortage of villains for the Caped Crusader to thwart. In case of Batman: Calm downseveral villains become involved in the mystery that the titular hero is working to unravel. This includes Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Joker, Clayface, and Scarecrow, among others. While it creates a large cast and a growing set of events, it does a great job of introducing the main villains that Batman regularly faces. It doesn't go into much detail about any of them, but their jokes and designs are readily presented in a very efficient way. Batman: Calm down is a perfect introduction to the who's who of Gotham villainy.
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The Bat-Family Thrives in Batman: Hush's Spotlight
In addition to meeting several Batman villains Batman: Calm down also includes an impressive lineup of your allies. Dick Grayson as Nightwing and Tim Drake as Robin make appearances. Crucial references to former Robin Jason Todd are also featured, allowing readers a glimpse into the progression of the Dark Knight's companions. It also shows a little about the life and dynamics of the renowned Bat Family, which appears frequently in current comic adventures. Huntress is part of this line, offering a wide range of characters for new readers to meet in a highly coherent adventure. His abilities aren't demonstrated much, but it's the perfect way to see which characters a new fan might be interested in exploring further, as well as seeing Batman's friendship with Superman in a great light.
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This iconic story arc realizes the Riddler's potential
In addition to the basic character introductions, Batman: Huhh also does an excellent job of specifically highlighting the Riddler. Paul Dano's interpretation of The Batman (2022) was especially praised and new readers who are fans of the film will likely enjoy this story arc. Like Gotham's other iconic villains, the Riddler is heavily involved here, and Jeph Loeb wrote The Long Halloweenwhich was one of the comics that inspired aspects of the film. The Riddler is one of Batman's best enemies, even if he isn't his most popular or his archenemy. However, the similar stories and events that bring Riddler and Batman together are worth noting and may be of particular interest to anyone who wants more of the characters after seeing the film. Batman: Calm down gives Edward Nygma a big moment to shine as a villain.
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All of Batman's abilities are brilliantly presented
Batman: Calm down is one of the titular vigilante's most intriguing adventures, but it's also a great example of what makes him so good at what he does. He puts his detective skills to the forefront, putting him on the hunt for a mysterious enemy while having to connect the dots between the villains that keep appearing. This builds on his thought process and shows how difficult things get as the case becomes increasingly personal. There are also impressive moments that showcase Bruce Wayne's determination as well as his combat prowess. These action moments are also worthwhile, showcasing the Dark Knight's balanced capabilities and highlighting why he's so effective at fighting crime. The detective work doesn't slow down, nor does it focus primarily on action, as Superman comics occasionally do.
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Jim Lee's Legendary Art Shines Years Later
Jim Lee is currently an executive at DC Comics in the roles of Chief Creative Officer and President. He is best known for his diverse comic book work at DC, Marvel, and for being one of the founders of Image Comics. His work on Batman was especially notable and the art in Batman: Calm down the plot is a testament to his skill and dedication to the craft. There are several stunning homepages and panels that create amazing artistic impressions. Also of note is Lee's planned return as part of the original creative team for a sequel arc due out in March 2025. Jim Lee's art is a big part of Batman: Calm down immense appeal, longevity, and status as an essential DC comic. He also worked on the covers of the arc's editions, in partnership with Scott Williams and Alex Sinclair.
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Exploring the dynamics of Batman and Catwoman's relationship
Batman has a long and storied history with Catwoman, especially when it comes to romance. This was especially true in the 2018 story arc and the lead-up to what is known as Batman: The Wedding. The two were about to draw, resulting in a lot of fan fervor at the time. The potential for their on-again, off-again relationship was explored in Batman: Calm downsetting the stage for a continued future of romantic cat and bat antics over the past two decades. This series not only shows why they are such a great pair, but also shows many of the issues Batman has when it comes to trust, which often tests their bond. Setting the stage for this relationship helps new readers see why it continues to be a fan-favorite ship over the years.
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Batman: Hush is a highly accessible comic arc
Accessible length and regular publication
Unlike some DC Comics events or crossovers, Batman: Calm down It's a very compact plot. It only spans twelve issues, being about the same length as the main stories of major DC events such as Crisis on Infinite Earthsno ties. In case of Final Crisisthe links and central issues add up to a cumulative total of thirty. Furthermore, due to the popularity and success of Batman: Calm downit was promptly republished numerous times. It's one of the easiest deals to find, especially since it was recently added to the DC Compact Comics lineup. Some comic runs or trade paperbacks may be difficult to acquire if they are out of print. This rarely happens with Batman: Calm downmaking it one of the easiest Dark Knight titles to find at major retailers.
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Batman: Hush takes the Caped Crusader a step further
As mentioned, Batman: Calm down briefly addresses the tragic story of Bruce Wayne. However, it also adds important details that take you to deeper levels. In this race, the titular hero takes on his foil. This allows readers to see the alternative trajectory Bruce could have taken during his youth, becoming a villain instead of a hero. There are also additions that flesh out his life as a child and an adult, especially in the case of friendship. Rarely is Bruce Wayne seen having friends. Harvey Dent is one of the few he has had under his philanthropist playboy alter ego, although Dent's tragic turn to villainy marks a major divide in his overall connectedness. On the contrary, Bruce's childhood friend in Batman: Calm down reveals a side of Bruce that is rarely seen, being more domestic and less grand in nature.
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A classic work in the DC Comics backlog
The layers, the art and the success of Batman: Calm down have served to make it a must-read comic when it comes to offerings involving the Dark Knight. It is a highly influential and well-known work, as well as much loved by fans. As a result, its potential as a starting point is perfect for launching a pivotal work in Batman's publishing history. There are several comic books that are considered classics of the medium, such as Watchmenbut this specific example is a commentary on superhero storytelling, making it a less effective first-time comic for new readers. On the contrary, Batman: Calm down tells a relatively traditional superhero story while also presenting an excellent overview of Gotham City and the Caped Crusader's mission and legacy at the time. His survey of the main elements of DC and the presentation of Batman allowed Batman: Calm down to become a mainstay in modern comics.