DC is setting the stage for an epic showdown between Batgirl—one that’s bound to be as intense as it is game-changing. But Batgirl isn’t the only Bat-Family member the Dark Knight will clash with. Teasers hint that these confrontations will shatter alliances and redefine loyalties within the Bat-Family like never before.

One of the most highly anticipated comic storylines of the year is the sequel to the iconic Batman: Hush, which reunites legends Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee for another unforgettable tale. The saga kicks off on March 26, 2025, with Batman #158.

However, looking ahead to Batman #161—the fourth installment of Hush 2, set to release on June 25, 2025—fans have even more reason to be excited. The main cover by Jim Lee teases a brutal showdown between Batman and Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl, while the synopsis hints at a shocking shift in Robin’s loyalties as he teams up with Bane.

Hush 2 Will Pit the Bat-Family Against Each Other in Epic Battle

Cover F Jim Lee Foil Virgin Variant for Batman #159 (2024)

Jim Lee has once again outdone himself with the main cover for Batman #161, depicting an epic clash between Batgirl and Batman. In the artwork, Barbara appears to have the upper hand as she attacks Bruce from above, wielding two tonfas—a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon resembling a T-shaped baton. Sparks fly between the duo as their blows collide, with Batman relying on his gauntlets as his primary defense. Lee also brilliantly pays homage to Frank Miller's iconic cover for The Dark Knight Returns, which shows Batman leaping into action, silhouetted by a vivid blue lightning bolt tearing through the sky behind him.

Likewise, Lee’s cover for Batman #161 captures Batgirl and Batman mid-air as they clash, with rain pouring down and a lightning bolt illuminating the background. This striking parallel makes it clear that Lee’s work is an epic tribute to Miller’s legendary art. However, this breathtaking cover isn’t the only indicator of Bat-Family turmoil. The synopsis for this issue hints at a major shift in loyalties, teasing, “Batman’s battle with Hush takes a dark turn when Damian (Robin) and Bane team up!” Based on this solicitation, it seems all but certain that the Bat-Family’s loyalties are about to be redefined in a major way.

Could Batman’s Greatest Strength Become His Achilles Heel in Hush Sequel?

Cover E Lee Bermejo Supersmash-Up Variant for Batman #160 (2025)

With Batman openly battling Batgirl on the main cover and the synopsis confirming Damian’s alliance with Bane, there’s no denying that Loeb and Lee are setting the stage for serious inner-family turmoil within the Bat-Family. This tension is further emphasized by Batman #159, which confirms that Nightwing and Red Hood will also be involved in the narrative. One of Lee’s covers for that issue even features Jason Todd standing over the bodies of Joker and Batman, guns still smoking. Hence, Batman’s greatest strength—his family—appears poised to become his greatest weakness, or at the very least, a major obstacle as he faces off against Hush once again.

Batman #161 is available June 25, 2025, from DC Comics!