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Batman: The Long Halloween

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Batman: The Long Halloween
First trade paperback of Batman: The Long Halloween
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
ScheduleMonthly
FormatLimited series
Genre
No. of issues13
Main character(s)Batman
Jim Gordon
Harvey Dent
Carmine Falcone
Catwoman
Creative team
Written byJeph Loeb
Artist(s)Tim Sale
Letterer(s)Comicraft
Richard Starkings
Colorist(s)Gregory Wright
Editor(s)Archie Goodwin
Chuck Kim
Collected editions
Trade PaperbackISBN 1563894696
HardcoverISBN 1563894270
Trade Paperback (Titan Books)ISBN 1840230541
Absolute EditionISBN 1401212824
2011 Trade PaperbackISBN 1401232590
NoirISBN 1401248837
Deluxe EditionISBN 1779512694
The Batman Box SetISBN 1779514298

Batman: The Long Halloween is a 13-issue American comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale. It was originally published by DC Comics in 1996 and 1997.[1] It was the follow-up to three Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Specials which were reprinted in Batman: Haunted Knight by the same creative team. The series' success led to Loeb and Sale to reteam for two sequels, Batman: Dark Victory and Catwoman: When in Rome, which are set concurrently. A third sequel, a 10-issue limited series entitled The Last Halloween, began publication on September 25th, 2024[2]

The story set during Batman's early days of crime-fighting, the story follows the Dark Knight as he partners with District Attorney Harvey Dent and Captain James Gordon to uncover the identity of a mysterious killer known as Holiday, who murders people on holidays, one each month. The series is notable for its exploration of the transformation of Gotham City’s criminal underworld from traditional organized crime to the emergence of costumed supervillains, and it serves as an origin story for Two-Face.

In continuity terms, The Long Halloween continues the story of Batman: Year One for the characters of Batman, Gordon, Catwoman, and Falcone, and is considered to replace the earlier effort Batman: Year Two in the character's continuity. It also revolves around the transition of Batman's rogues gallery from plainclothes, real-world style mobsters to full-fledged supervillains and tells the origin of Two-Face, incorporating elements of the story in Batman: Annual #14.

Critically acclaimed for its noir-inspired storytelling and character development, The Long Halloween is considered one of the definitive Batman stories. Its influence extends to multiple media adaptations, including Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy (2005–2012) and Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022). The story was also adapted into a two-part animated film released in 2021, which closely follows the narrative and themes of the original comic.

Plot

At a wedding in June, Gotham City mob boss Carmine Falcone tries to pressure Bruce Wayne to help launder his money, but Bruce refuses. Later, Bruce (as Batman) returns to investigate Falcone's penthouse but finds Catwoman similarly engaged. Batman meets with district attorney Harvey Dent and police captain Jim Gordon. The three agree to a pact to end Falcone's crime reign, bending but never breaking the law to achieve it.

Bruce, on the board of the Gotham City Bank, uses his sway and influence as Batman to oust the current president Richard Daniel and take over to rid the bank of its Falcone money. Under orders from his uncle, Falcone's nephew, Johnny Viti, assassinates Daniel. Viti himself is killed on Halloween by an unknown assailant, leaving behind an untraceable pistol, a nipple from a baby bottle used as a crude silencer, and a jack-o-lantern. Catwoman leads Batman to a warehouse where Falcone has been forced to stash his funds. Batman and Dent set the warehouse on fire to destroy the money. Falcone responds by hiring a gang of Irish hitmen to destroy Dent's home with a bomb, but he and his wife Gilda survive. On Thanksgiving, the hitmen themselves are killed by an unknown agent who leaves the same type of pistol and silencer behind, along with a Thanksgiving decoration. The killer is dubbed “Holiday” by the media. Milos Grappa, Falcone's bodyguard, is killed similarly on Christmas. Holiday is believed to be a rival of the Falcone family.

On New Year's Eve, Batman stops the Joker from using deadly laughing gas to kill everyone in Gotham Square. Meanwhile, Dent's corrupt assistant, Vernon Fields, finds evidence supposedly linking Falcone to Wayne. Aboard the Falcone yacht, Falcone's son, Alberto, is killed by Holiday on New Year's Eve. Over the next few months, Holiday's targets change to that of the Maronis, a rival crime gang in Gotham. A war between the Falcones and Maronis breaks out, and Falcone is forced to turn to enlist Gotham's "freaks" (such as the Riddler, Poison Ivy, the Scarecrow, and Mad Hatter) to hold his ground. Per Falcone's instructions, Poison Ivy ensnares Bruce Wayne on Valentine's Day, coercing him into laundering money for Falcone. This unintentionally takes Batman out of the equation. It is not until Saint Patrick's Day that Selina Kyle figures out what has happened to him and, as Catwoman, frees him from Poison Ivy's clutches. The Riddler becomes the first target to be spared by Holiday on April Fool's Day, which Batman comes to suspect as being a message from Holiday to Falcone.

Meanwhile, the pistols left behind by Holiday and the bullets gleaned from Holiday's victims are traced to a Chinatown neighborhood, but the gunmaker is found dead as Holiday's victim on Mother's Day. On the following day, Dent follows up on Vernon's investigation and has Bruce arrested, claiming that as Bruce's father Thomas Wayne saved Falcone's life after he was shot, that Bruce is loyal to the Falcones. However, Bruce's butler, Alfred, testifies that Thomas Wayne's report never came to light due to police corruption, which helps declare Bruce innocent, especially in light of the murder of the Gotham City coroner on Independence Day.

Sal Maroni, having been arrested earlier, offers to testify against Falcone after his father is killed on Father's Day. During the trial, he throws a vial of acid—secretly given to him earlier by Vernon—at Dent, disfiguring half of Dent's face. Dent is rushed to a hospital but escapes into the sewers, befriending Solomon Grundy when he encounters him. Gordon deduces Dent may be Holiday, but Batman refuses to believe it until he can talk to Dent himself.

After Falcone's sister, Carla Viti, is murdered on Falcone's birthday in August, Batman questions Julian Gregory Day, the Calendar Man, on where to find Dent. Day suggests that, since it is Labor Day, Holiday will try to kill Maroni. Batman stages a plan with Gordon to move Maroni, giving Holiday the means and opportunity. During the transfer, Holiday murders Maroni, but Batman – having disguised himself as one of the security guards – takes him down. Holiday is revealed to be Alberto Falcone, son of Carmine Falcone, who had faked his death.

On Halloween, Dent resurfaces as Two-Face. He releases most of the super-criminals from Arkham Asylum, then seeks out and kills both Carmine Falcone and Vernon, despite Batman's attempts to stop him. Falcone's daughter, Sofia, is also apparently killed in a struggle with Catwoman.

His revenge complete, Two-Face turns himself into Gordon and Batman but tells them that there were two Holiday killers. Gordon is confused, as Alberto has already confessed to all of the killings. While Batman initially dismisses Two-Face's statement, he points out the fact that Two-Face, having killed Falcone and the last of his collaborators on Halloween, could technically be considered Holiday. While Two-Face is imprisoned at Arkham along with the recaptured criminals, Alberto can delay his execution based on insanity.

Months later, on Christmas Eve, Gilda is packing boxes to leave Gotham but takes one box to her furnace, containing a pistol, a hat, and what appears to be her husband's clothing. As she burns the items, she thinks about how she took it upon herself to start the Holiday killings to try to end Falcone's hold on Gotham and reduce her husband's workload so that they would have time together. She has the wild suspicion that Alberto was lying, instead choosing to believe that Dent himself had taken up the killings on New Year's Eve and that the two were finally working together by sharing secrets. Nevertheless, she is content with Alberto as their scapegoat, knowing the authorities are incapable of finding the other Holiday killer without Dent on their side and states that she still believes her husband can be cured.

Background

The project was sparked when group editor Archie Goodwin approached Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale at San Diego Comic-Con and asked if the two of them wanted to do more Batman work.[3] Jeph Loeb has stated that the genesis of the story was influenced by writer Mark Waid, who, when told that Loeb was working on a story set in the Year One continuity, suggested focusing on Harvey Dent's years prior to becoming Two-Face, as that had not been depicted in depth since the original Year One story.[4][5]

Reception

Critical reception

Batman: The Long Halloween has received widespread critical acclaim and is praised as one of the definitive Batman stories to date due to Jeph Loeb's involving storyline and Tim Sale's dark, moody art.

Hilary Goldstein of IGN Comics praised Loeb's story as "tight, engrossing, and intelligent writing that never betrays the characters", adding that he "mixes Batman and Bruce Wayne's lives as well as anyone has, and brilliantly demonstrates the bond of brotherhood shared by Batman, Jim Gordon and then District Attorney Harvey Dent."[6] Goldstein later ranked The Long Halloween #4 on a list of the 25 best Batman graphic novels, The Long Halloween has "all the ingredients of a classic Batman story: a mysterious killer, appearances by notable villains, striking visuals, and an imperfect ending." Loeb is credited for making Calendar Man "interesting and necessary."[7] Similarly, Rhenn Taguiam of GameRant ranked it as the fourth best Batman story. He praised it for its depiction of Gotham and its exploration of Harvey Dent’s transformation into Two-Face, he regarded the story as a quintessential Batman tale.[5]

Yannick Belzil of The 11th Hour said that "Jeph Loeb has crafted a story that is unique to the characters. It's a complex murder mystery, but it's also a Batman story." Belzil added: "Buoyed by a film noir-ish plot that features a Gothic twist on the gangster/murder mystery plot, terrific character-based subplots, and beautiful, cinematic art, [The Long Halloween is] an addition to your collection that you won't regret."[8]

Influence

The influence of The Long Halloween storyline can be seen in television adaptations of Batman. In the fourth season of Gotham, several elements from the storyline were adapted, contributing to the show's narrative arc.[9] The Long Halloween significantly influenced Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, especially The Dark Knight (2008).[10] The Long Halloween heavily influenced The Batman (2022), shaping its portrayal of a year-two Batman and the evolution of key characters like Selina Kyle and Oswald Cobblepot.[11] In the 2011 video game Batman: Arkham City, players can unlock a Catwoman skin based on her appearance in The Long Halloween.[12] Similarly, the 2013 game Batman: Arkham Origins offered a pre-order bonus pack that included an optional suit for Batman inspired by his look in The Long Halloween.[13]

Animated film

Batman: The Long Halloween
Deluxe Edition 4K Ultra HD cover
Directed byChris Palmer
Written byTim Sheridan
Based on
Batman: The Long Halloween
by
Produced by
  • Jim Krieg
  • Kimberly S. Moreau
Starring
Edited byJohn Soares
Music byMichael Gatt
Production
companies
Distributed byWarner Bros. Home Entertainment
Release dates
  • June 22, 2021 (2021-06-22) (Part 1)
  • July 27, 2021 (2021-07-27) (Part 2)
  • September 20, 2022 (2022-09-20) (Deluxe Edition)
Running time
85 minutes (Part 1)
87 minutes (Part 2)
172 minutes (Deluxe Edition)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Batman: The Long Halloween is a 2021 American two-part animated direct-to-video superhero film produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, based on the DC Comics storyline of the same name. Part 1 is the 44th film, and Part 2 is the 45th film, of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies, with both parts serving as the third and fourth installments of the DC Animated Movie Universe's second phase, and the eighteenth and nineteenth overall. The film is directed by Chris Palmer and stars the voices of Jensen Ackles, Josh Duhamel and Naya Rivera in her final film role before her death the year prior and is dedicated to her memory. In both parts of the film, Batman attempts to unravel the mystery of murders committed on holidays throughout the year, and uncover the true identity of the serial killer Holiday.

Part 1 was released on June 27, 2021, and Part 2 was released on July 27 the same year. A deluxe edition combining both films was released on September 20, 2022.[14]

Cast

Part One of The Long Halloween was dedicated to Naya Rivera, serving as her final posthumous credit following her death in July 2020.

Appearing in both parts

Appearing in Part One

Appearing in Part Two

The Flash and Green Arrow make non-speaking cameo appearances during the second part's post-credit scene.

Production and release

The film was officially announced in August 2020, during the Superman: Man of Tomorrow panel at DC FanDome. On March 31, 2021, the film's voice cast was revealed.[15] Part One was released on June 22, 2021, on digital download, DVD, and Blu-ray.[16] Part One was delayed due to the release of the live-action Batman film The Batman, and was originally supposed to launch the new animated continuity that originated in Superman: Man of Tomorrow.[17] Part Two was made available for online streaming on July 27, and was released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 10.[18] The deluxe edition released in September 2022 combined the two parts into one.[19]

Commercial performance

Part One earned $659,774 from domestic DVD sales and $2,950,796 from domestic Blu-ray sales, bringing its total domestic home video earnings to $3,610,570.[20] Part Two earned $454,659 from domestic DVD sales and $2,100,180 from domestic Blu-ray sales, bringing its total domestic home video earnings to $2,554,839.[21]

Critical reception

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One has garnered positive reviews for its faithful adaptation of the classic graphic novel. Both CBR and MovieWeb praised the film effectively at captures the tone and style of the original story, translating it into a compelling animated format.[22][23] IGN Movies highlights the film’s detailed animation and its faithful representation of the noir elements central to the source material. The review praises the suspenseful narrative and complex characters, enhancing the story’s depth.[24] The Indian Express views the film as a worthwhile watch for Dark Knight enthusiasts, appreciating how it brings the graphic novel’s intricate and dark narrative to life.[25] ComicBookMovie specifically praises Jensen Ackles' performance as Batman, describing him as an ideal choice for the role. The review also commends the film’s visual style and adherence to the comic book’s tone, which contributes to a highly engaging viewing experience.[26]

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two continues the gripping narrative from its predecessor, delivering a dramatic and satisfying conclusion. Critics highlight its exploration of Batman's battle against a series of iconic supervillains and the resolution of the Holiday Killer mystery. ComicBookMovie and IGN both praise the film for its epic resolution and effective wrapping up of key plot points.[27][28] CBR lauds the dynamic portrayal of DC's villains and strong character development.[29] MovieWeb reviews the Blu-ray release, noting the high-quality presentation and valuable special features that enhance the viewing experience.[30]

Future

Main article: DC Animated Movie Universe § Second story arc: "Tomorrowverse" (2020–2024)

Ackles reprised his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman in Legion of Super-Heroes and in the film Justice League: Warworld, both of which are also set in the Tomorrowverse continuity.[31]

See also

References

  1. ^ Manning, Matthew K. (2010). "1990s". In Dolan, Hannah (ed.). DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. Dorling Kindersley. p. 275. ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9. The acclaimed team of writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale reunited to chronicle a dark year of the Dark Knight's past with Batman: The Long Halloween, a thirteen-part limited series.
  2. ^ "Batman: The Long Halloween Sequel Series Announced by DC".
  3. ^ Brady, Matthew (August 1997). "Delivery Room". Wizard. No. 72. pp. 56–60.
  4. ^ Mark Salisbury. Writers on Comics Scriptwriting 1999. Titan Books. Pages 152-165.
  5. ^ a b Taguiam, Rhenn (January 6, 2024). "10 Best Noir DC Comics, Ranked". Game Rant. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  6. ^ Batman: The Long Halloween review, Hilary Goldstein, IGN, June 1, 2005
  7. ^ IGN (March 8, 2022). "The Top 27 Best Batman Comics and Graphic Novels". IGN. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  8. ^ Comic Reviews - Batman: The Long Halloween Archived August 18, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Yannick Belzil, The 11th Hour
  9. ^ Ridgeley, Charlie (March 8, 2018). "'Gotham' Star Confirms 'No Man's Land' and 'Long Halloween' Arcs This Season (Exclusive)". ComicBook.com. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  10. ^ This is mentioned inside the front cover of the Batman Begins digest sized comic book that comes with the DVD.
  11. ^ Ryan, Danielle (August 16, 2021). "Comics That Inspired The Batman Collected in New Set". SlashFilm.com. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  12. ^ "Batman: Arkham City Catwoman Alternate Skins Revealed". gamerant.com. October 13, 2011. Archived from the original on March 12, 2022.
  13. ^ Corriea, Alexa Ray (August 7, 2013). "Batman: Arkham Origins skin pack adds alternate timeline costumes". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on August 11, 2013. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  14. ^ Harvey, James (July 7, 2022). ""Batman: The Long Halloween – Deluxe Edition" Hits 4K UltraHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, Digital On September 20, 2022". Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  15. ^ Couch, Aaron (March 31, 2021). "'Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One' Sets Voice Cast (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  16. ^ Baumgartner, Drew (April 8, 2021). "'Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 1' Gets Release Date, Blu-ray Cover Art". Collider. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  17. ^ Holmes, Adam (June 17, 2021). "How Matt Reeves' The Batman Affected The Long Halloween's Release". CinemaBlend. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  18. ^ Lane, Carly (May 19, 2021). "'Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two' Trailer Reveals Release Date for R-Rated Conclusion". Collider. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  19. ^ Church, Ricky (September 30, 2022). "Batman: The Long Halloween - Deluxe Edition (2022) - 4K Ultra HD Review". Flickering Myth. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  20. ^ "Batman: The Long Halloween Part One (2021) The Numbers Listing". The Numbers. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  21. ^ "Batman: The Long Halloween Part Two (2021) The Numbers Listing". The Numbers. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  22. ^ Roman, Julian (June 23, 2021). "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One Review: A Stunning Adaptation of The DC Comics Classic". MovieWeb. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  23. ^ Stone, Sam (June 18, 2021). "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 1 Is a Faithful Adaptation of the Classic Story". CBR. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  24. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (June 22, 2021). "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One Review". IGN. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  25. ^ "Batman The Long Halloween, Part One movie review: A worthwhile watch for Dark Knight fans". The Indian Express. June 24, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  26. ^ "BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, PART ONE Review; "Jensen Ackles Proves To Be A Perfect Pick For The Dark Knight"". ComicBookMovie.com. June 16, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  27. ^ "BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, PART TWO Review; "A Fittingly Epic Conclusion"". ComicBookMovie.com. July 26, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  28. ^ Hasan, Zaki (July 27, 2021). "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two Review". IGN. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  29. ^ Stone, Sam (July 27, 2021). "REVIEW: Batman: The Long Halloween Part 2 Brings DC's Iconic Supervillains to Life". CBR. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  30. ^ Roman, Julian (July 30, 2021). "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two Review: A Riveting Conclusion to The DC Comics Epic". MovieWeb. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  31. ^ Couch, Aaron (October 13, 2022). "DC's 'Legion of Super-Heroes' Sets Voice Cast With Meg Donnelly and Harry Shum Jr. to Star (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
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