

Each week, DC Comics will be releasing a free—that's right, FREE—digital comic book issue featuring a sample chapter from one of our 25 Essential Graphic Novels as well as sample pages from the 2014 Essentials catalog. These special issues, which will be available for free for one week, are ideal for new fans looking to learn more about the DC Universe and its mature readers imprint Vertigo, and provide the perfect reading guide for those looking to wade the waters of DC Entertainment's extensive library of graphic novels and collections.

This week: Batman: Hush #1!

Writer Jeph Loeb is a master of the year-long Batman story with classics such as THE LONG HALLOWEEN, DARK VICTORY, and—this week’s essential reading—BATMAN: HUSH. These self-contained serials are some of the best Batman stories out there, and BATMAN: HUSH stands apart from the others due to the stunning, stylized artwork from Jim Lee.

Gotham City’s worst criminals have emerged to throw Batman’s life into utter chaos. However, these villains—Joker, Riddler, Ra’s al Ghul, Clayface and others—are a part of a much more elaborate, sinister scheme to destroy the Dark Knight once and for all. Pushed past his breaking point, Batman will need to use more than the world’s greatest detective skills to uncover the true mastermind behind this murderous plot before those closest to Bruce Wayne suffer the consequences.

Folks, this is a story where villains such as the Joker and Ra’s al Ghul are just the pawns. When a writer and artist team such as Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee come together, the result can only be essential reading. So don’t miss out on your chance to grab DC ESSENTIALS: BATMAN: HUSH #1 for FREE for a week starting December 30th by clicking here.