It may be Thanksgiving for us, but it’s Christmas in Gotham City.
Masked gunmen are targeting Batman’s rogues gallery, and kick off this issue with their sights set on the Riddler. Robin disobeys an order. The Dark Knight revisits a familiar home that has a hidden passageway. Jim Gordon receives happy news.
These are some of the vague highlights of THE LAST HALLOWEEN #3, the latest chapter in THE LONG HALLOWEEN saga from writer Jeph Loeb. I may start sounding like a broken record, but Loeb just gets Batman. The way he writes the character, and Gotham, is so smooth. Everything just flows so naturally. We proceed with our mystery, gaining more information but still not enough to solve the puzzle, while also adding in some surprising new elements (specifically where this issue ends up). I think Loeb’s dialogue between characters, as well as Batman internally, is such a highlight to keep this issue (and series) on track. I’m completely invested, and just loving every page.
Added bonus: the reference to The Joker’s antics back in THE LONG HALLOWEEN.
The revolving door of artists continues again this month, with long-time friend and collaborator Mark Chiarello taking over this issue. Like the previous two artists, I think he fits in well here, as he’s not doing his best Tim Sale impression, but rather adjusting his art to fit in this world. It’s a noir world with many shadows, and Chiarello hits each note. Smooth action, as well as character designs, make this another successful chapter in this unique experiment.
Overall, THE LAST HALLOWEEN continues to deliver. Loeb and company are upping the ante, giving us an answer or two while also getting us invested in new elements.
This is a good Batman book. – Ryan Lower
