Batman: The Last Halloween #1 Review: A New Mystery Unfolds

Batman: The Long Halloween - The Last Halloween #1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Jeph Loeb

Artist: Eduardo Risso

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: September 25, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Batman: The Last Halloween #1 is a chilling return to one of the Dark Knight's most beloved storylines. With its atmospheric art and an intriguing new mystery, this first issue in the new series sets the stage for the final chapter in The Long Halloween saga.

Batman: The Long Halloween - The Last Halloween #1

Review

Writer: Jeph Loeb

Artist: Eduardo Risso

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: September 25, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Batman: The Last Halloween #1 is a chilling return to one of the Dark Knight's most beloved storylines. With its atmospheric art and an intriguing new mystery, this first issue in the new series sets the stage for the final chapter in The Long Halloween saga.

Rating

9

Good

When discussing the greatest Batman comics of all time, Batman: The Long Halloween will deservedly always come up in that conversation. Personally, it's my favorite Batman comic of all time simply because it’s a pure detective story at its core. While the rogue's gallery is as colorful and outlandish as ever, the heart of the story lies in Batman's relentless pursuit of tracking down the mysterious killer, Holiday. It encapsulates everything that makes Batman such a compelling hero, and how the most devious foes bring out the best in the Dark Knight. Now, Jeph Loeb returns to this beloved tale with Batman: The Last Halloween, the final chapter in the series that promises to honor the original’s legacy while taking readers through a new captivating mystery.

Revisiting such an iconic story is no small feat, even for its original writer. However, after reading this first issue of The Last Halloween,  I'm fully invested in seeing where this new comic leads. This final chapter in the long-running story introduces a new enigma for the Dark Knight to unravel while honoring what made the original series so captivating. Let's dive into my full review of this exciting new chapter in Batman lore.

Overview of Batman: The Last Halloween #1

It's Halloween night in Gotham City, and a wave of terror sweeps the city again. A series of brutal crimes rocks Gotham to its core, eerily reminiscent of the Holiday killings from years past. Batman, Robin, and Commissioner Gordon quickly deduce that the infamous Holiday killer may have inspired copycats. As they investigate, whispers spread of a new boogeyman stalking Gotham's streets, one that might prove even more dangerous than its predecessor.

Image: DC Comics

Review

Batman: The Last Halloween #1 hits the ground running, immediately shaking up the status quo of Gotham City to make way for a new mystery to emerge. Loeb's script is as sharp as ever, seamlessly blending noir-tinged narration with snappy dialogue. Batman's inner monologue throughout the issue evokes the same atmospheric tone that made Batman: The Long Halloween such a memorable comic to dive into. However, surprisingly, Robin is also a stand out in this issue. His dynamic with Batman adds a nice flavor to the story as it shows Bruce fully embracing his role as the mentor/father figure for the young hero. As much as this issue is filled with homages to the original series and Tim Sale’s timeless work, there is so much about it that also carves a unique identity. With so many twists and intriguing setups already in this first issue, I’m eager to see the new directions this comic will take us. 

Image: DC Comics

Visually, Eduardo Risso's artwork is stunning and beautifully sets the tone for the comic by the first ages already. His style in this comic also pays tribute to the late Tim Sale's iconic work on the original series while maintaining a distinct flair. Risso's use of shadow creates a palpable sense of dread perfect for such a noir-fueled story. His character designs are equally impressive, capturing the essence of familiar faces while adding subtle nuances that reflect the passage of time since The Long Halloween. Ultimately, it’s also quite heartwarming to see artist pay tribute to Tim Sale through a work that’s so closely connected to his name.

But with that comes a potential concern I have for the series. Because Risso’s work in this issue is so incredible, it’s a bit of a downer knowing that his stint won’t run for the rest of the series. The decision to have each issue feature a different artist is interesting, but it remains to be seen if it will play out well for the series in the long run. As stacked as the lineup of artists is for the comic series, I would have preferred more visual cohesion in the story. However, knowing that Loeb personally selected each artist offers some reassurance. If handled well, this approach could provide an interesting journey through Gotham's underbelly.

Image: DC Comics

Final Thoughts

Batman: The Last Halloween #1 is a triumphant return to one of the most beloved stories in Batman comics. Jeph Loeb proves he hasn't lost his touch, crafting a mystery that feels both fresh and familiar. Eduardo Risso's artwork perfectly captures the noir atmosphere essential to this corner of the Batman mythos.

While the shifting artist approach raises questions about visual consistency, this debut issue sets an incredibly high bar. It successfully captures the spirit of Batman: The Long Halloween while paving the way for new twists and turns. For longtime fans and newcomers to the Dark Knight's world, Batman: The Last Halloween #1 offers a gripping, atmospheric read that honors Batman's detective roots.

Why You Should Read Batman: The Last Halloween #1

• It's a thrilling continuation of the beloved Long Halloween saga
• Jeph Loeb's noir-infused writing is as sharp and engaging as ever
• Eduardo Risso's artwork brilliantly captures the series' signature atmosphere
• It introduces intriguing new mysteries while paying homage to the original story