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luisam_pm's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
wipqozn's review
1.0
When I first read this a few years back, I really enjoyed it. However I recently went back and tried to read it again and just didn't like it at all. If you're looking for some "Stand Alone" Batman, I'd check out The Man Who Laughs or Batman: Year one instead.
callistodawn's review against another edition
3.0
can't believe I'm saying this but the movie's better
allinson's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
music_mentalist's review against another edition
4.25
Enjoyed this and the twists it took us on. Also liked the issue setup into different holidays - smart way to organise a book.
lch_21's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
jet747's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
waisball's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Long Halloween appears all the time in lists showcasing the best Batman storyline, and it's clear why. This story is one of my all time favourites, the storyline with the twists and turns and the mystery of who is the Holiday Killer is a masterpiece in storytelling.
I specifically love the character development of all the characters, even the side characters. The flaws of the characters are at the forefront of the story, and it's enjoyable to see them written realistically. Batman and Jim Gordon for example aren't right with every decision they make, they question themselves and have their doubts. They don't know it all and they don't remain entirely optimistic throughout. From a psychological perspective, this character development demonstrates the grueling and painstaking reality of hunting a serial killer and how this impacts one's mindset over time. I also enjoyed how the classic batman villains were placed throughout the storyline. It wasn't a typical case of supervillain territoriality, they were all written according to their strengths and how they would best fit into the storyline.
The artwork in this graphic novel is also absolutely gorgeous to look at. The vintage almost cell-shaded-like art style really adds to the atmosphere and intensity of the story. The colour palette is so bright but simultaneously makes excellent use of dark colours and shadows. It creates a noir-like, eerie atmosphere, synonymous with stories told by the likes of Agatha Christie. The heroes and villains are also drawn in a unique style, Poison Ivy especially. Her design with masses of leaves encompassing her is a fresh take on an otherwise vanilla character design. Batman is drawn as incredibly broad and physically imposing. His facial expressions as well, impart his greatest weapon of all: Fear. When Batman is speaking, the way he's drawn shows you how intelligent he is and how imposing he is psychologically. It's also interesting to see as the story progresses, how his facial expressions change as he begins to doubt himself.
The Long Halloween is one of the best Batman stories ever told. It excels in every aspect of storytelling: visual, environmental and dialogue based storytelling all blend together seamlessly to tell a mind bending high stakes murder mystery. This is also an excellent entry point for getting into the Batman graphic novels. It is set in its own universe so there's no need to worry about the Canon, and it showcases the best aspects of the entire Batman mythos. This is a must read for any comic book fan and even detective murder mystery novels.
I specifically love the character development of all the characters, even the side characters. The flaws of the characters are at the forefront of the story, and it's enjoyable to see them written realistically. Batman and Jim Gordon for example aren't right with every decision they make, they question themselves and have their doubts. They don't know it all and they don't remain entirely optimistic throughout. From a psychological perspective, this character development demonstrates the grueling and painstaking reality of hunting a serial killer and how this impacts one's mindset over time. I also enjoyed how the classic batman villains were placed throughout the storyline. It wasn't a typical case of supervillain territoriality, they were all written according to their strengths and how they would best fit into the storyline.
The artwork in this graphic novel is also absolutely gorgeous to look at. The vintage almost cell-shaded-like art style really adds to the atmosphere and intensity of the story. The colour palette is so bright but simultaneously makes excellent use of dark colours and shadows. It creates a noir-like, eerie atmosphere, synonymous with stories told by the likes of Agatha Christie. The heroes and villains are also drawn in a unique style, Poison Ivy especially. Her design with masses of leaves encompassing her is a fresh take on an otherwise vanilla character design. Batman is drawn as incredibly broad and physically imposing. His facial expressions as well, impart his greatest weapon of all: Fear. When Batman is speaking, the way he's drawn shows you how intelligent he is and how imposing he is psychologically. It's also interesting to see as the story progresses, how his facial expressions change as he begins to doubt himself.
The Long Halloween is one of the best Batman stories ever told. It excels in every aspect of storytelling: visual, environmental and dialogue based storytelling all blend together seamlessly to tell a mind bending high stakes murder mystery. This is also an excellent entry point for getting into the Batman graphic novels. It is set in its own universe so there's no need to worry about the Canon, and it showcases the best aspects of the entire Batman mythos. This is a must read for any comic book fan and even detective murder mystery novels.
reaperreads's review against another edition
5.0
Murder mysteries are typically not my cup of tea, but this graphic novel was an exception to the rule. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale are definitely a dream team when it comes to comics. I have not been reading comics for very long, but as a former literary studies major, there is something to be said for the awesome storytelling experience that was put into Batman: The Long Halloween. The theme of fidelity, the twists, and the general flow of the novel kept me turning pages. It is tragic, magnificent, and a feast for anyone that enjoys a terrific plot.
noremac101's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75