Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
Review by Lauren
copy from library; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Taking place during Batman’s early days of crime fighting, this new
edition of the classic mystery tells the story of a mysterious killer
who murders his prey only on holidays. Working with District Attorney
Harvey Dent and Lieutenant James Gordon, Batman races against the
calendar as he tries to discover who Holiday is before he claims his
next victim each month. A mystery that has the reader continually
guessing the identity of the killer, this story also ties into the
events that transform Harvey Dent into Batman’s deadly enemy, Two-Face.
Review: I’ve been wanting to read this collection of Batman comics for awhile now. I finally found a copy checked in at my library, so I immediately grabbed it and read it over a couple days. It’s a quick read that certainly keeps you guessing about the culprit. Batman is desperate to believe in two men, Harvey Dent and James Gordon, but throughout these Holiday killings, things begin to change and he’s not sure who he can trust. There’s also the ever-present Catwoman who seems to be on both, and yet neither, side all at the same time.
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I don’t want to go on and on about this graphic novel as I know not everyone reads Batman stories. Let met just say that it’s a wonderful mystery with many noir elements. Batman is out to save Gotham City, but this Holiday killer is intent on eluding him and the police force. There are also plenty of other Batman villains to watch out for too like The Joker and Scarecrow. I will admit that some aspects were a bit confusing to read, but overall, I could follow along well enough. I think this would make a great Batman film though, as it features many classic characters and a mystery that is sure to keep everyone guessing until the very end.
Make it a Gift
If you want to buy a copy of this book for a friend, then you may want to think about adding another item to really make a gift!
How about this Batman: The Long Halloween Coaster Set?
All of the illustrations on these four coasters comes from The Long Halloween graphic novel. You get the Joker, Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Batman (the cover), and another shot of Batman/Harvey Dent. Mile High Makings offers this set for $15.
I've never really gotten into superheroes, so I always feel a bit left out when other people discuss movies and debate which superhuman is superior. You make this book sound like a great place to start, though. I'm intrigued by your mention of noir, so I'll have to keep my eyes open. 🙂
I've enjoyed the Batman films quite a bit though I haven't read the comics. Thanks for putting this on my radar, though — I'll have to look into it for sure! 🙂
Those coasters are cool.
I loved the cartoons and then later the movies. I really should try a comic and see how I do with it, it sounds like this was a great collection of them.
I love it when you not only review a book but suggest something that might go with it to make it the perfect gift. Ideal for all the Batman fans out there, thank you for the suggestion.
I haven't ever read a comic book as an adult, and I can't really recall reading them as a kid. I should take the plunge and see what all the fuss is about.
I've been wanting to try a graphic novel. A good idea to just jump into the superheros we know! Love the coaster idea as well!
Love the coaster set, so unique
I have a friend that would love this!
Everybody is reading Batman this month! I so want to read these old collections. Must get around to it some time.
Looks like a great book and I love the coasters.