This week, the best gangster-related Batman series returns with Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #2. A new mystery unfolds as Batman and Robin pursue the crumbs, and in this second issue, they head to Arkham Asylum.
The issue begins with Solomon Grundy being thrown from a boat in deep water. Someone is targeting another victim, and it’s up to Batman and Robin to find out who it is. The story is well plotted, with lots of scene changes and a good balance between Batman’s active focus and Robin’s curiosity.
For the second issue, writer Jeph Loeb is joined by Klaus Jansson, mainstay Dave Stewart handles colors, and Richard Starkings handles lettering and design. The change in artist isn’t too jarring as it’s a natural chapter break, and Jason does an exceptional job with key scenes and characters. Probably my favorite portrayal is of the penguin, who looks short, intimidating, and a bit wild. In a key scene, Batman is seen chasing him, and while there are some flashy moments where the Penguin moves quickly, it’s not fast enough.
Batman is intense!
Credit: DC Comics
Once again, Serre’s art is sorely missed, but Janson does a great job of capturing Serre’s spirit through costumes like Catwoman. We pay homage to him on The French Connection. The rooftop GCPD scene was also well done, with the snow falling adding a cold atmosphere that links back to the previous chapters of the month.
One thing that bothered me a little was the relationship between Batman and Robin. As it stands, Robin is kind of a nuisance to Batman, at least just by being there. Batman takes Robin to Arkham at one point, and it is revealed that this is the first time Robin has come there as a lesson, but Batman largely ignores him. There’s very little development between the two of them or between Batman and anyone. A relationship between Gordon and Catwoman is hinted at, but mostly superficially.
As for the overall mystery, we’ll have to wait until we get more pieces of the puzzle. This issue contains a lot of clues, but no root villain or antagonist. This issue is about Batman’s mission becoming too complicated with the FBI getting involved, and he’ll probably end up on the run somehow. It suggests that Loeb and Starkings hid clues in a conversation later in the issue.
It’s hard to say where Batman: The Long Halloween – Last Halloween will go in two issues due to the number of characters and so many loose ends, but this iconic comic line It is clear that there will be another great chapter.
“Batman: The Long Halloween – Last Halloween” #2 Review
Batman: The Long Halloween – Last Halloween #2
It’s hard to say where Batman: The Long Halloween – Last Halloween will go in two issues due to the number of characters and so many loose ends, but this iconic comic line It is clear that there will be another great chapter.
Jansson and its colors and lettering bring a great level of detail and good vibes
Present new clues and mysteries
Batman’s relationship with everyone is half-hearted.
