What to say about one of the most well-known and iconic super heroes in the world? Since 1939, Batman has been entertaining fans as 'the world's greatest detective', and that legend lives on in this masterpiece, The Long Halloween. It is a direct sequel to Year One by Frank Miller, which also focused on the crime families of Gotham City, a seldom touched upon subject that is often overshadowed by the better known super villains. Perhaps my favorite part of this entire run is the idea that the villains emerge in Gotham as a direct result of the Batman's presence. It is an idea that has permeated Miller's other works, and has given us the darker, re-imagining of Batman that we see today. If only every comic book series had so much philosophical depth, we'd be in for a real treat.
I'd very much like to give you a plot synopsis on this book. Only problem is, I would be unraveling the mystery that surrounds the very core of this story. The plot has more twists than an M. Night Shyamalan movie, and more characters than most writers would be comfortable undertaking. This story embraces nearly every mentionable villain from the Batman universe, and explores them in a way that doesn't feel out of place. They are all called in at appropriate times, and voiced perfectly. Another reason I love this comic is the pacing. There isn't a single section where you're left wishing they'd get on with it. It's suspenseful, but never at any cost to the reader.
Towards the end of reading this, my only regret is that it couldn't go on longer. I wanted to see more of this universe. I wanted to see more from these characters. Jeph Loeb rarely disappoints and this book is no exception. Highly recommended as one of the best graphic novels I've ever read, period. Don't pass this one up. It's just about as good as it gets.
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