Batman Vol 1 #612 - CGC SS 9.8 - Signed by Jim Lee - 2nd Print Sketch Cover

"HUSH" Part Five: The Battle

Batman and Catwoman retreat to the underwater system of Metropolis to escape from Superman, who is mind-controlled by Poison Ivy. After a while, they arrive at the main electric relay point and Batman removes the Kryptonite Ring from his utility belt in preparation for dealing with Superman. Catwoman leaves the battlefield and goes to the surface to start the next step on their plan. Superman smashes through the wall, and Batman immediately takes the offensive, battering him with a flurry of blows, while the Kryptonite in his hand steadily weakens Superman. Although he is under Poison Ivy's control, there is still a part of Superman's true intellect that keeps him from using his full strength against the Dark Knight.

Batman baits Superman into following him topside. On the top of one of the neighboring skyscrapers, Catwoman has Lois Lane hostage. Batman draws Superman's attention to them, just as Catwoman drops Lois from the top of the building. If need be, Batman knows that Catwoman can reach Lois in time, but fortunately, she doesn't have to. The shock of seeing Lois in danger breaks Ivy's hold on Superman and he flies up and catches her.

After having recovered control over himself, Superman can't tell where Poison Ivy is hiding. However, Batman takes one of Ivy's leafs and he has an idea.

Some time later, Superman, Batman and Catwoman go to Poison Ivy's penthouse to confront her. Ivy attempts to escape, but Krypto is present to block her path. Catwoman lays her out with one solid punch to the jaw. Batman's idea of using Krypto's keen smell senses to track Ivy from just her scent on the leafs, worked perfectly.

Moments later, Superman asks Batman why did Catwoman picked Lois, and Batman assures him that it was all on her own and that he didn't revealed his secret to her. Superman is thankful for the help Batman provided and they shake hands as true friends. However, from a building not far away from them, the mysterious man with bandages on his head, watches the scene and laughs in a maniacal way.