EDERSON'S IDEAS

Introduction: Batman: The Long Halloween is one of the most acclaimed comic book in the Dark Knight’s universe. Originally published as a 13-issue limited series between 1996 and 1997, forming a creative team that redefined Gotham’s essence and the characters within Batman’s world. Loeb’s storyline blends noir atmosphere with suspense, setting the plot early in Batman’s career when he is still grappling with his role and Gotham’s underworld complexities.

Rating: ★ 8.5/10

Written By JEPH LOEB – Art by TIM SALE

The story follows Batman, still relatively new to crime-fighting, as he attempts to solve the mystery of a serial killer known as Holiday, who commits murders on holidays over the span of a year. This string of murders is connected to Gotham’s mafia, particularly the Falcone crime family, giving the story a crime-thriller vibe reminiscent of classic noir and gangster films. Loeb delves into the growing tensions between Batman, Commissioner Gordon, and District Attorney Harvey Dent, illustrating the early days of their alliance—a bond that will be tested and worn throughout the narrative.

Tim Sale’s artwork is central to the story’s dark, atmospheric tone. With his unique style, he uses shadows and contrasts to add depth and suspense, capturing iconic villain visuals and Gotham’s gothic essence. His portrayal of the characters, especially Harvey Dent, is nearly expressionistic, underscoring the duality and inner conflict leading to Dent’s transformation into Two-Face—a pivotal storyline in The Long Halloween. The story also introduces various classic villains like Joker, Catwoman, Riddler, and Scarecrow, adding layers of complexity to Gotham’s dark side.

The Long Halloween clearly pays homage to Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One, taking inspiration from its atmosphere and the portrayal of a corrupt Gotham, where Batman is still building his credibility as a hero. Loeb and Sale’s series serves as a sort of “Year Two” for Batman, exploring how his war on crime becomes more personal and deep-rooted.

The graphic novel heavily influenced cinematic and TV adaptations. Batman Begins (2005), directed by Christopher Nolan, borrows significant elements from The Long Halloween, particularly in the relationship dynamics between Batman, Gordon, and Harvey Dent, and in portraying Gotham’s shift from mafia control to super-villain anarchy. The Dark Knight (2008) continues Harvey Dent’s tragic transformation, solidifying this aspect from Loeb and Sale’s work.
HBO’s series The Penguin also draws inspiration from this graphic novel and other Gotham-centric tales. Cristin Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia Falcone mirrors her character from The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory, with Sofia being a major player in Gotham’s crime families. The show adopts a noir tone reminiscent of The Long Halloween, delving into Gotham’s underworld and the complex dynamics of mob families, especially as Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin, rises in power. This depiction of Gotham’s criminal politics and shifting allegiances brings The Long Halloween’s influence to life in a fresh context.

Batman: The Long Halloween also stands out for fans of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, who later collaborated on the Vampirella Masters Series Vol. 4. In the story Looking for Mr. Goodwin (1999), they similarly bring a moody, atmospheric style to Vampirella, showcasing their unique chemistry as creators. For those who enjoy Loeb and Sale’s work in The Long Halloween, this Vampirella story offers another glimpse into their artistic style and storytelling approach. Check out my review of the Vampirella Masters Series here for more on their other collaborations.