Warning! Preview pages ahead for Batman #158 and Batman #159!After years of waiting, the sequel toBatman’siconic “Hush” arc is nearly here and fans are finally getting their first official look at the dramatic tale. Bruce Wayne went through the wringer the first time Tommy Elliot came back into his life and, by the looks of this newest preview, this story is upping the ante.

DC Comics has released unlettered previews ofBatman #158andBatman #159, the first two chaptersof the anticipated “Hush 2” storyline. It’s a nail-biting preview from start to finish asBatman encounters a group of Joker’s henchmen dumping a school of Joker Fish into a reservoir, before the Clown Prince of Crime knocks the Dark Knight into the contaminated water.

Batman Stands in Detective Comic Art by Jason Fabok

But Joker doesn’t make it far before he finds himself stopped by a mysterious and hulking figure. Batman consults theevent with the Bat-Familywhile the second issue’s sneak peek takes a look backat Bruce Wayne’s tragic origin.

Batman: Hush 2Starts Off with a Bang in Exciting New Preview

Thrilling Fights and Dark Mysteries Await

Batman: Hushhas remained an evergreen title for DC Comics as it’s an extremely accessible mystery story that captivates both new and seasoned fans alike. Batman went up against Tommy Elliot, an old friend whoheld a deep-seated grudge against Bruce Wayne’s family for sabotaging Elliot’s attempt to gain his inheritanceby murdering his family. Hush has periodically returned to vex the Bat-Family, but a new wrinkle to the original story was added in the story’s 20th anniversary edition that provided an additional epilogue meant to serve as the opening scene of a brand-new sequel.

Despite the lack of words, there’s a lot to unpack here. The biggest development is that brute that’s throttling Joker in theBatman #158preview. He appears to be Silence, a villain hinted at in the “Hush 2” preview seen inJustice League Unlimited #1(though it remains to be seen if he will wind up being an ally of Hush or another enemy). Aside from that, this preview sets up an incredibly fun and dark atmosphere, not unlike the one seen inBatman: Hush. But where is all this leading to,and what does it mean for Batman?

HushSequel is Going to Try Batman and the Entire Bat-Family

Whatever Hush Has Planned, It’s Going to Be Huge

It’s hard to tell where all of this is going, but if it’s anything like the original “Hush” arc, this is just the beginning of a long and spiraling mystery. Though he was assisted last time by the Riddler, Hush is a brilliant criminal, and it’s clear from the previews and prologues that he’s been planning something huge for a long time. Hush isn’t just going after Batman, he’s about to take out the entire Bat-Family, possibly even some of Batman’s enemies. That is,if Silence is taking out the Joker on Hush’s order.

This is clearly gearing up to be an intense storyline like its predecessor. And if the sequel is anything likeBatman: Hush, it will be full of action and drama, not to mention twists and turns that fans just won’t see coming. Thankfully, fans only have to wait a bit longer before the sequel starts in earnest and so they can see what challenges awaitBatmanand his allies.