While there are slight differences in who fans consider part of Batman’s “Bat-Family,” most readers generally share a cohesive idea of who belongs in the iconic hero family. From the late Alfred Pennyworth to all five Robins, the various Batgirls, and even newer additions like Duke “Signal” Thomas, the core lineup has remained fairly recognizable over the years. However, DC Comics is now upending that familiar roster by debuting a shocking “all-new, all-different Bat-Family” ahead of the Dark Knight’s next appearance.
After numerous delays, the conclusion to Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s H2SH Part One has finally arrived. As a quick recap, the sequel sees the return of the infamous Hush, but instead of turning Gotham’s rogues against Batman, the mastermind villain has managed to turn the Bat-Family against the Dark Knight, with Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Huntress, Red Hood, and others now hunting their former mentor and father figure.
Batman #163, the latest installment in H2SH, picks up directly where the previous issue left off, with Batman injured and on the run from his former allies. However, rather than finding himself completely alone, the Dark Knight is met with an unexpected surprise when several of his most iconic rogues come to his aid, with Joker declaring them the “all-new, all-different Bat-Family.”
Batman’s Most Iconic Villains Officially Become the New Bat-Family, Explained
Comic Pages Come from Jeph Loeb’s Batman #163 (2026) – Art by Jim Lee
Batman #163 flips Bruce’s world upside down as his closest allies become his greatest enemies while his greatest enemies become his allies. Beaten and abandoned, Batman comes face-to-face with the Joker, one of the central reasons he has fallen out with his family after choosing to save the clown’s life. This time, however, Joker approaches not as an enemy, but as an ally, revealing that he isn’t the only one willing to stand beside Batman.
While being choked by Batman, Joker hacks out, “We’re on your side.” The pair are then joined by Bane, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, Clayface, and the Penguin, with Ivy explaining, “Hush betrayed us all. Promises were made and broken. Everyone is involved.”
Joker then adds, “The ones you trusted no longer trust you, and the ones you never trusted are the only ones you–Well, you get it now, don’t you? All your boy blunders and girl whatevers will be coming for us, including you. Oh, I almost forgot my punchline! We’re the all-new, all-different Bat-Family!”
After being informed that they know where Hush is hiding, Batman reluctantly concedes that the enemy of his enemy is his ally. With little choice left, Bruce sets off alongside his Rogues Gallery to confront Hush. The preview for the issue ends shortly afterward, leaving readers waiting to see exactly how Batman manages to work alongside nearly the entirety of his villain roster. Fortunately, fans won’t have to wait much longer, as the full issue releases on May 27, 2026.
Beyond seeing Batman team up with his villains to take down Hush, one of the most intriguing aspects of the story will be watching how the original Bat-Family reacts to Bruce effectively replacing them and relying on the very people they have spent their lives trying to stop. The setup is clearly building toward an explosive confrontation as the all-new, all-different Bat-Family clashes with Batman’s once most trusted allies.
Batman #163 from DC Comics will be available to read on May 27, 2026!