WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for BATMAN #159!

The sequel to the Batman: Hush saga is in full swing, with the recent release of its second installment, and this latest issue has sparked a mix of reactions from fans, especially since it seems DC is fully committed to shattering a core Bat-Family relationship. It's the kind of game-changing development that, whether you're a die-hard or casual fan, you're bound to have an opinion on.

Bruce shoots Jason Todd in the head.

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s Hush 2 storyline continues with Batman #159, and to say this issue is memorable would be an understatement. It delivers several jaw-dropping moments, including the Dark Knight saving the Joker’s life and the debut of the Riddler’s new character design, now nearly as jacked as Batman himself.

However, what really has the fandom buzzing is the interaction between Batman and his second son and former Robin, Jason “Red Hood” Todd. Just when fans thought Bruce and Jason’s relationship was more solid than ever, DC pulls the rug out from under us.

It’s Official: Red Hood’s Daddy Issues Have Returned

Comic Comes From Jeph Loeb’s Batman #159 (2025) - Art by Jim Lee

Batman #159 sees Hush trap the Dark Knight in the ultimate Catch-22 by forcing Bruce to decide whether the Joker lives or dies. Unsurprisingly, Batman chooses to get the Joker life-saving medical attention and takes him back to the Batcave to ensure his safety and continued treatment. Bruce tries to keep this decision quiet, not wanting the public or even the Bat-Family to know the lengths he’s going to in order to keep the Joker alive. Despite his efforts, the secret doesn’t stay hidden for long, as Red Hood arrives at the Batcave.

Jason reveals himself by sneaking up behind Bruce and pressing the barrel of his gun to the back of his head, saying, “So … it’s true,” in reference to Batman’s decision. Tensions escalate quickly when Jason makes it clear he intends to kill the Joker, leading to a brutal fight between father and son. The situation becomes even more intense when Batman grabs one of Red Hood’s firearms and fires back. It’s a shocking moment for fans, seeing Bruce and Jason come to blows in a battle that could have turned deadly with one wrong move, especially since they had been on good for some time. And things only get more intense from here.

Did Batman REALLY Just Shoot Red in the Head?! Yes… Yes He Did

Cover B Andy Kubert Variant for Batman #159 (2025)

While Batman is fighting Red Hood, Bruce’s internal monologue reveals that he isn’t entirely sure he’s battling the real Jason Todd, especially since Jason is wearing his signature Red Hood helmet. This paranoia stems from the original Hush storyline, where Clayface impersonated Jason. However, the way Batman goes about confirming Jason’s identity is beyond wild: Bruce shoots Jason in the head. Granted, he does it to crack the helmet and see Jason’s face, but as Jason himself points out, it was an incredibly “bold” move on Bruce’s part.

Although Bruce was clearly confident the shot wouldn’t kill or seriously injure Jason, it’s shocking to see him risk his son’s life in order to protect the Joker. This is what many fans are struggling to accept, as it’s disturbing to watch Batman prioritize the Joker’s well-being over his own son’s. It’s also an incredibly hypocritical moment, given Batman’s famous “no guns” rule, yet here he is using a gun against Jason. It’s a mind-boggling development, and the situation only escalates from there.

With Jason’s identity confirmed, the fight ends in a tense standoff, Batman with a gun pressed under Jason’s chin, and Jason with one against Bruce’s cheek. Jason makes it clear that he knows Bruce won’t take the kill shot, but he will. This moment marks a complete breakdown of their relationship, as all the healing and reconciliation they’ve gone through over the years falls apart. Jason reverts to being fully willing to kill Bruce if it means getting his revenge on the Joker.

The Bat-Family Fandom Is In Uproar Over Batman #159

Cover G 1:25 Michael Cho Variant for Batman #159 (2025)

While most fans can accept and sympathize with Red Hood still wanting revenge against the Joker, given the trauma the Clown inflicted on the former Boy Wonder, many are flabbergasted that Jason seems to have reverted to his Batman: Under the Red Hood characterization. It’s important to that this sequel takes place in present-day mainstream continuity, even though it follows up on a storyline from over 20 years ago. So while this portrayal tracks with the early 2000s version of Jason, it feels jarring to see him acting this way in 2025, after years of growth and multiple reconciliations with Batman.

Discussion boards like Reddit, League of Comic Geeks, and even X are filled with chatter about this depiction, with many fans criticizing the apparent regression. Some, however, are excited to see a return to this version of Jason Todd. But regardless of whether someone views the scene positively or negatively, most agree that this take on Jason is more in line with Judd Winick’s Under the Red Hood version. Which raises the bigger question: what happened to Jason that caused such a major relapse in his mental stability and bloodlust?

Can Red Hood & Batman’s Relationship Ever Truly Recover?

Cover G 1:25 Michael Cho Variant for Batman #159 (2025)

With Jason Todd essentially reverting to his Under the Red Hood characterization, his relationship with Bruce has also regressed, now at its worst in years. Between Bruce willingly shooting Jason in the head and Jason threatening to kill him, DC has effectively shattered all the progress they’ve made since Jason returned to comics as the Red Hood. There’s no denying their relationship is broken, but this raises the question of whether another recovery is even possible. For Batman, the answer may depend on just how far Red Hood is willing to take his revenge against the Joker.

BATMAN #159 is available now from DC Comics!