Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb

"Originally published in single magazine form as Batman: the long Halloween 1-13"--T.p. verso.

Enjoyable but a bit grim, as all modern Batman sagas

So many people told me how incredible this was supposed to be, so I went in with high expectations. I don't really read comics, but at least expected a decent story. the story was just so sparse and predictable. I guess people dig the art in this? I don't know.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I can see how this novel helped to inspire Nolan's Batman Trilogy (note: I'm not sure if this directly inspired Nolan's movies, but I definitely was reminded of The Dark Knight while reading this novel).

The artwork was refreshing. It had this gritty, non-polished look to it. And I loved the renditions of infamous Batman Baddies like the Scarecrow and Joker. What I didn't love about the art was the depiction of “ordinary” civilians. Bruce Wayne, Alfred, Gordon, Harvey Dent...they all kind of fell flat for me. It took me a while to recognize them; however, those narration bubbles really helped me out.

4 out of 5 stars from me. Took off points for some of the art as well as the pacing of the novel.

Okay but ultimately unfulfilling. This was recommended to me because I said I wanted some Batman stuff that showcased some of the cool villains. That's exactly what this is, but I should have been clearer about what I want – this is a showcase and nothing more. What I guess I really wanted was something that explored one of the villains in-depth. But that doesn't really happen here.

Decent story for what it is but it feels like Batman: Dilletante Edition.