Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Eudardo Risso
Colours: Dave Stewart
Lettering: Richard Starlings
Release Date: 25th September 2024

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I have been mostly out of modern comics since 2021’s The Long Halloween Special. Multiverses, robot hands and falls from the moon have not appealed to my own Batman sensibilities and have only served to push me away from the comics and character I grew up loving. However, if something was guaranteed to get me back into the fold, it was the return of my favourite Batman story and one half of my all time favourites creative team in Comics.

I won’t lie, the passing of Tim Sale in 2022 hit me hard. Tim was my all time comics hero, my favourite artist, my favourite Batman artist, and a creator whose work I loved dearly. His passing left a massive hole in the comics medium, which has been a far less buoyant and vibrant space since. However, Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween # 1 marks a significant milestone that I could not resist. Serving as both a continuation of the beloved series and a heartfelt tribute to the late Tim Sale. As a long-time reader and fan, I have cherished Sale’s work since the first Halloween special in October 1993. His unique artistic style left an indelible mark on the comic book industry, and while this new chapter inevitably feels different without him, it still manages to honor his legacy with grace, respect and love.

Eduardo Risso steps into the daunting role of artist for this issue, and he does so with remarkable skill. Known for his work on 100 Bullets, Risso brings his own noir sensibilities to Gotham City, capturing its dark, atmospheric tone beautifully. His use of shadow and contrast echoes Sale’s iconic style while adding a fresh perspective that invigorates the series. As I flipped through the pages, I felt a sense of comfort in Risso’s ability to maintain that haunting aesthetic that defines The Long Halloween, reminding me of my own excitement when my letter was published in Dark Victory issue 10.

Jeph Loeb returns as the writer, ensuring continuity in storytelling that fans have come to expect. Loeb’s narrative is as compelling as ever, weaving a complex mystery that draws readers in from the first page. Set a year after the events of the previous special, this issue reintroduces familiar characters while also exploring new facets of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Loeb expertly balances character development with plot progression, keeping the story engaging and dynamic—something that has always been a highlight of his collaborations with Sale.

The plot centers around another mysterious series of events unfolding in Gotham during Halloween, a time notorious for bringing out the city’s most sinister elements. As I read through the pages, I was thrilled to unravel yet another Halloween mystery alongside Batman. The narrative is rich with tension and suspense, harkening back to the original series’ roots while introducing new twists that keep readers on their toes.

Loeb crafts a tale that feels both nostalgic and fresh, appealing to long-time fans like myself and newcomers alike. One of the standout elements of this issue is its ability to evolve a striking sense of mood and tone. The story pays homage to Tim Sale not only through its visual style but also through the send that *this* Gotham is a noir city, where the shadows have shadows, and murky acts are just a round the corner. Themes of legacy, loss, and continuity run throughout the narrative, adding layers of meaning that enhance the reading experience. This emotional depth is a testament to Loeb’s skill as a storyteller and his deep respect for his late collaborator—a sentiment shared by many fans who regard Tim as a hero in their households.

The supporting cast is as expected, with familiar faces like Batman, Commissioner Gordon, and Harvey Dent playing pivotal roles in the unfolding drama. Each character is given room to breathe and develop, adding richness to the overall narrative. Their interactions are thoughtfully crafted, providing insight into their motivations and relationships while driving the plot forward—elements that remind me why I fell in love with these stories in the first place.

In conclusion, Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween # 1 is a triumphant return to form for this iconic series. It successfully balances honoring Tim Sale’s legacy with introducing new artistic elements that breathe life into Gotham’s dark streets once more. With Eduardo Risso’s stunning artwork and Jeph Loeb’s masterful storytelling, this issue sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in Batman lore that promises to captivate readers month after month. If this is indeed the last Halloween mystery we get to unravel together, rest assured I am fully invested—alongside Jeph Loeb and his team of world class artists—until the very end. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to “The Long Halloween,” this issue is a must-read that demonstrates why this story was, and continues to be the gold standard of Batman stories.

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[PREVIEW ARTWORK – CLICK TO ENLARGE]

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The writer of this piece was: Craig Gorman.
Craig Tweets from @Gorminator1979

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