1. The Original Hush:
* Identity: Thomas Elliot, a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne who was jealous of Bruce's wealth and privileged life.
* Creation: Created by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale in the 2002 storyline "Hush."
* Backstory: Thomas was a classmate of Bruce and deeply admired him, but a tragic accident involving Bruce's father led to a bitter rivalry. After years of plotting, he hired various assassins and villains to drive Batman to the brink of insanity while simultaneously pursuing Bruce's love interest, Catwoman. He even underwent extensive plastic surgery to alter his appearance, creating the "Hush" persona.
2. The Post-Hush Hush:
* Identity: The original Hush, Thomas Elliot, was seemingly killed in the "Hush" storyline, but the character resurfaced later, this time with a different identity and motive.
* Creation: Various writers and artists have since explored Hush's character after the original storyline, including Grant Morrison, Tony Daniel, and James Tynion IV.
* Backstory: The post-Hush Hush has been portrayed as a master manipulator, manipulating events and influencing others to achieve his own goals. His motivations have ranged from seeking revenge on Batman to controlling Gotham's criminal underworld.
3. The "Hush" Influence:
* The "Hush" storyline was highly influential on the Batman mythos, establishing the character as a formidable adversary for the Dark Knight.
* Hush's identity as a childhood friend and former love interest of Bruce Wayne added a psychological dimension to the conflict.
* The character's intricate planning and manipulation of various villains and allies highlighted Batman's vulnerability and the complexities of his world.
In conclusion, the origin of Hush is intertwined with the core elements of the Batman mythos, particularly the relationship between Bruce Wayne and his past. His complex identity and motivations have made him a memorable and intriguing adversary, constantly challenging Batman's moral compass and pushing him to his limits.