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Batman: The Long Halloween Special #1 evokes nostalgia for the original DC tale but effectively tells a new tale of suspense, crime, and vengeance.
Created in 1996 by the Eisner Award-winning team of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, Batman: The Long Halloween changed the course of Batman’s history. The acclaimed comic series inspired several Batman tales like Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. Their DC Comics series took place in the formative years of the Caped Crusader’s crimefighting career, showing him taking on Gotham City’s organized crime syndicate. In honor of The Long Halloween‘s 25th anniversary, DC Comics reunited Loeb and Sale to pen a new mystery for Gotham. Batman: The Long Halloween Special sparks a new beginning for Loeb and Sale’s world.
Batman: The Long Halloween Special #1 picks up from the end of The Long Halloween’s sequel, Batman: Dark Victory. The criminal Julian Day, aka Calendar Man, has sent his goons to rob a jewelry store. However, Batman foils the robbery in a blink of an eye. Since Calendar Man commits crimes on holidays and the attempted heist happened two days before Halloween, Batman suspects that Julian Day is planning a big comeback. Meanwhile, Gilda Dent escapes from a mental institution to seek out her husband. However, their joy is short-lived when the Calendar Man comes knocking at their door. As Batman lets Robin enjoy his Halloween with the Commissioner and Barbara, Two-Face calls the Detective for help.
Loeb’s story in Batman: The Long Halloween Special #1 takes readers back to a Gotham City too big for the mob and the criminally insane to share. The story branches into a multi-narrative plot focusing on the lives of three characters: Batman, managing the many facets of parenting; Two-Face, who wants to turn over a new leaf; and Calendar Man, who wants revenge on the Holiday Killer for stealing his moniker. The book delves right into the thick of the plot without missing a beat. Calander Man’s schemes thrillingly rise to the surface. Loeb weaves a dark, gothic tale.
One of the selling points of The Long Halloween was Tim Sale’s artwork. His consistent lines and bold inking made dramatic panels with fittingly exaggerated and noir-themed action. Batman: The Long Halloween Special is a reminder of Sale’s skills. The gritty close-ups of the characters, the serious tone of the comic book, and the Gothic architecture of Gotham create a gloomy atmosphere that serves the Dark Knight’s story well. Colorist Brennan Wagner paints the horizon using warm tones with a particular preference for red and orangish hues, giving the issue a festive look for the spooky season. Wagner uses contrasting color tones to create a play of light and dark as the story takes a drastic turn for the former District Attorney.
Despite being away from Gotham City for over two decades, Loeb has not lost touch with the world he co-created with Sale. He depicts a Batman who is ruthless, brutal, and angry but has matured too. The highlight of this Special is the budding friendship between Gordon and Batman, stemming out of mutual respect. Sale deftly blends the narrative with his artwork, creating delectable splash pages that tonally match the grim story. Batman: The Long Halloween Special #1 is a nostalgic ride that feels more like a new beginning than an ending.
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