Written by Jeph Loeb, illustrated by Jim Lee. I know, I know - not everyone enjoys "Hush". Even if you do happen to like it (as I do), there's no doubt that this is a Batman story, and that Superman is at best a supporting character. He's really only involved in one out of the twelve chapters - but his appearance is one of the most memorable parts of "Hush", and a fantastically-written glimpse into how different these heroes are. As Batman saves a young boy in the opening chapter, he thinks of how Clark Kent would smile and "say something homespun to put the boy at ease" - in stark contrast to Batman picking the boy up, telling him to be quiet, and then moving on into the night. Later, in Metropolis, Superman has had his mind taken over and been ordered to kill Batman and Catwoman. The fight that ensues is a taut and formidable display of Superman's powers and Batman's precision, and the latter sums up his tactics perfectly: "He's the best at what he does. Not at what I do." How will it influence Batman vs. Superman? At some point in the DC Cinematic Universe, Batman and Superman will fight each other. Whether this fanboy's dream will happen in the 2016 Man of Steel sequel, we don't know; whether Superman will be in full control of his own mind, we don't know. But the confrontation from "Hush" could be used as source material for a big-screen battle, and Batman's musings and ultimate respect for his friend will almost certainly find footing in the DC Cinematic Universe before or after that fight.
