Batman (1940-2011) #616

Batman (1940-2011) #616

by Jeph Loeb, Scott Williams (Inker), Jim Lee (Penciller)

The intricate mystery twists again, as the Dark Knight takes the battle back to his mysterious attacker! But when the trail leads Batman to Ra's al Ghul, is the Dark Knight close to the truth, or again being played in this deadly game? Guest-starring Catwoman, Talia and Lady Shiva... three women Batman does not want angry!

Genres: Comics, Batman, Dc Comics

22 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2003

About the author

Joseph "Jeph" Loeb III is an Emmy and WGA nominated American film and television writer, producer and award-winning comic book writer. Loeb was a Co-Executive Producer on the NBC hit show Heroes, and formerly a producer/writer on the TV series Smallville and Lost.

A four-time Eisner Award winner and five-time Wizard Fan Awards winner (see below), Loeb's comic book career includes work on many major characters, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America, Cable, Iron Man, Daredevil, Supergirl, the Avengers, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, much of which he has produced in collaboration with artist Tim Sale, who provides the comic art seen on Heroes.

Reviews

[Nicolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of the Batman: Hush: DC Compact Comics Edition graphic novel. (Aug 1, 2025)

The collective review for the entire Batman: Hush storyline can be found on my review of the Batman: The Complete Hush.

[Machiavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batman #616 delivers a brutal, visually stunning chapter in the Hush saga. The spotlight is on a vicious swordfight between Batman and Ra’s al Ghul—one that crackles with tension, fire, and betrayal. Jim Lee’s art is nothing short of cinematic, turning every panel into a showcase of grit and emotion.

As the mystery of Hush deepens, Bruce is being tested—physically, mentally, and morally. This issue captures everything that makes Hush so iconic: gorgeous visuals, emotional stakes, and the slow unraveling of Batman’s world.

[Rick Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Batman #616, "Hush, Chapter Nine: "The Assassins"

As Batman continues to mull over his unknown enemy, he decides he'll need to face Ra's al Ghul. Kidnapping Talia aboard Lexcorp One midflight, Batman manages to gain audience with Ra's in North Africa. It turns out to be a ploy to lure Batman out of Gotham so that Lady Shiva can go rescue Talia, a duel breaks out between Catwoman and Shiva. The fight leaves Catwoman gravely injured, but Talia decides to help Catwoman out. Batman returns to find Talia still present and nursing an injured Catwoman, and Talia states that his care for Catwoman may be used against him by his mysterious foe.

This issue continues to just spin wheels on the story that really isn't developing much else. The subplots are all too short to really dig your teeth into, so all we're left with are some half-assed villain of the week stories that don't go anywhere.

[Derrick McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I cannot -- WILL NOT -- fail her trust."

Batman leaves Catwoman with an important task. Batman visits Ra's al Ghul and finds out someone has used a Lazarus Pit. Talia asks Batman if Catwoman is worth his mysterious opponent using her against him. Bat and Cat for life.

[Ali AK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first issue where I felt a real interest in the plot, in the mystery.
Really good stuff.
And the artwork throughout has been really nice, but until know I’ve not felt that narrative engagement

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hush chapter 9- The Assassins

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

BATCAT BATCAT BATCAT CATS!!!

[harley :D · Rating 4 out of 5]

poor Selina’s getting shot and thoroughly beat up in every issue

[Mikey Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batman fights Ra’s, Catwoman fights Talia, and Jim is confronted by Two-Face who recently removed his bandages after plastic surgery and reveled he is responsible for Elliot’s death.