A sequel 23 years in the making. Hush 2 isn't just a comic launch—it's the awakening of a sleeping giant in the collector market.
Today marks the release of one of the most anticipated comic sequels in decades: Batman: Hush 2 (stylized as H2SH). If you’re a comic collector, this is one release you don’t want to miss, as it has all the makings of a future classic that could significantly impact your collection’s value.
Release Significance
Batman: Hush 2 represents the first time Jim Lee has returned to Batman interiors in over 12 years, making this a landmark event for both fans and collectors. Initial printings are selling out nationwide within hours of stores opening.
A Legendary Team Reunites
What makes this release particularly special is the return of the original creative team. Writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee have reunited after more than two decades to continue the story they began in 2002. They’re not alone either—colorist Alex Sinclair, inker Scott Williams, and letterer Richard Starkings have all returned for this new series. This kind of creative continuity is rare in comics and adds significant collector appeal.
Creative Pedigree
The original Batman: Hush collected edition has sold over 1.2 million copies worldwide, making it one of DC's best-selling Batman stories of all time. The sequel reunites the full creative team.
Understanding the Release Schedule
The Hush 2 saga is planned as an epic 12-issue storyline split across two years:
- Part One: Batman #158-163 (March through August 2025)
- Part Two: Six additional issues in 2026
This extended release schedule creates multiple opportunities for collectors. The first issue (Batman #158) releasing today will likely be the most sought-after, but key moments in later issues could also drive significant market interest.
Special Editions to Watch For
DC is pulling out all the stops for this release, with several collector-focused editions:
- Giant-Size Special Editions: Each issue will be available in an oversized 11” x 17” format (matching the original art board size), retailing at $14.99.
- Variant Covers: Batman #158 has variant covers from artists including Gabrielle Dell’Otto, J. Scott Campbell, Dan Mora, Sean Murphy, and more.
- Hush 2-themed variant covers across multiple DC titles
From a collecting perspective, these special editions—particularly limited variants—could become valuable investments, especially if the story resonates with fans as the original did.
Why This Matters for Collectors
The original Batman: Hush has remained one of DC’s consistent top sellers in collected editions for over 20 years. Several factors make this sequel potentially significant for collectors:
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Historical Significance: The original Hush storyline has “proven to affect current Batman storylines in notable ways,” including influencing the return of Jason Todd as Red Hood. This sequel could have similar long-term impacts on Batman canon.
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Market Momentum: According to reports, Absolute Batman was the top-selling comic of 2024, and DC has given Hush 2 significant attention during industry meetings. This suggests strong market positioning.
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Creative Pedigree: Jim Lee and Jeph Loeb are two of the most influential names in modern comics. Their return to Batman after two decades is itself a noteworthy event.
Collecting Strategy Tips
If you’re interested in adding Hush 2 to your collection, consider these strategies:
Collector Strategy
First appearance of new characters or major status quo changes typically drive long-term value. Pay special attention to issues where significant plot developments occur. Our sources indicate a major new character introduction in issue #160.
- First Print Priority: As always, first printings—especially of issue #158—will likely hold the most long-term value.
- Condition Matters: Use your Tabi Grading app to ensure you’re getting high-quality copies; this story will likely see multiple reprints, making mint condition first prints more valuable.
- Cover Selection: While the standard Jim Lee cover will be iconic, certain artist variants could potentially outperform it in the secondary market, especially those with limited print runs.
- Complete Set Value: Consider collecting the complete 12-issue run; completed sets often command a premium over individual issues.
Looking Beyond the Hype
Nostalgia is a powerful market force, but story quality ultimately determines longevity. The original Hush succeeded despite narrative flaws because of Lee's artwork. Will lightning strike twice?
While Hush 2 has been promoted as “the most anticipated sequel in comics history,” it’s important to maintain perspective. The comic market can be unpredictable, and even high-profile releases can underperform expectations.
When evaluating Hush 2 as an investment, consider these factors:
- The original Hush is beloved for Jim Lee’s art but has been critiqued for its storyline
- Rereading the original story reveals “the mystery is obvious from the very beginning, and Hush’s motivations are really dumb,” though the art makes up for narrative shortcomings
- The extended release schedule (through 2026) could affect sustained collector interest
Conclusion
Whether you’re picking up Hush 2 today as a Batman fan or as a strategic collector, this release represents a significant moment in comic book history. Twenty-three years is a long time to wait for a sequel, and the reunion of the original creative team makes this a true event.
Use the Collection Insights feature in your Tabi Comics app to track market reactions to this release in real-time, and consider setting up alerts for price movements on key issues as the story develops over the coming months.
Are you planning to add Batman: Hush 2 to your collection? Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments below!
Remember to use the Tabi Grading feature when evaluating any Batman: Hush 2 issues you purchase to maintain accurate records of your collection’s condition and value.