The animated world that DC has created is unlike any other, and Batman: Hush celebrates the strengths of storytelling with mature themes for longtime viewers. 

Over the years, Batman has received so many adaptations through comics, live action films, animated films and series, video games and just about everything you could imagine. There have been major highs and the occasional hiccup leaving room for growth, but Batman: Hush is a refreshing return to the animated films. During this year’s 50th anniversary of San Diego Comic Con, the film was premiered exclusively to fans and PopWrapped had the opportunity to witness the one of a kind cinematic experience for ourselves.

For those of you who aren’t aware, Batman: Hush was a comic series that ran from 2002-2003 and was written by Jeph Loeb, only to be met with wonderful reception from both critics and fans. The title was an attempt to reinvigorate the Dark Knight with an unknown villain that drew interest from readers for his thought out plans to involvement with several key players in the DC universe (particularly Gotham.) Hush became known as a stalker for his pursuit of sabotaging Batman, and ultimately made a perfect temporary villain. 

With this adaptation of Hush, the film does manage to stay fairly true to the source material but makes a few smaller deviations, with the biggest change being part of the ending. The twist is something fans won’t see coming and is a nice way to keep it fresh for new audience members, making this particular adaptation one that manages to surprise for all viewers. In the Killing Joke story, they could have benefitted from altering a few problematic instances, so seeing a more character driven focus with mystery and suspense all the way through truly crafts the detective genre that Batman is supposed to be. 

One of the more fascinating elements of Batman: Hush is the progression of Catwoman. Selina Kyle is sometimes a villain, occasional hero, and consistently connecting with Batman over the course of her history in the DC universe. In Batman: Hush, Catwoman begins to think more long term about her life and the possibility of actually having a future outside of her alter-ego. Selina begins to evaluate the risks of what she and Batman both take on, and her love for Bruce causes her to slowly but surely change. There’s a progression that occurs as she opens up to the superhero millionaire, showing the human traits of her character that gives her layers and cements Catwoman as the true hero in Batman: Hush. Though I don’t want to spoil the end result of that arc, a decision is made by Batman which speaks volumes to their relationship after a complex past. Can Bruce be capable of meeting Selina half way, or is everything going to be second tier to his dedication as Batman? This film does speak on the issue several times and the end result is something that can intentionally leave viewers divided.

Another noteworthy addition to this film is the constant use of familiar faces. We see that Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Clayface, Bane and several other villains participate in the mayhem with a trip to Metropolis that you already know means Superman is featured for portions of the film. While some might wonder why so many are involved, it brings a credible reason to wonder how this new player Hush is able to strike fear into these iconic foes. The film includes plenty of action, with Batman and Catwoman receiving a large part of it and ultimately adding successful action to an already detail specific project. On all fronts, the film feels like a great chapter to the DC world and will be appreciated as much as the original Hush story 17 years ago.Batman: Hush is certainly a must watch film and continues the trend of expanding their remarkable animated universe. 

Batman: Hush is available now digitally and will be available for purchase on Bluray, DVD and 4k Ultra HD starting August 6, 2019.