The (presumably) final “Long Halloween” tale continues this week with Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #3. A copycat Calendar Man is running amok, kidnapping James Gordon’s son while Batman and Robin navigate a case with the FBI fully entrenched. In a series of rotating artists, Mark Chiarello tags in to offer a visually striking issue as the plot thickens.
It appears Batman’s greatest villains are getting knocked off or taken out of commission. Last issue, Penguin was shot, and in this week’s issue, Riddler is the new target. The issue opens with Riddler minding his own business when a bunch of men wearing Batman masks armed with shotguns start firing at him. A chase ensues, and somehow, he survives.
Much of this issue is about Batman sneaking his way to Riddler with the FBI, assuming he’s a suspect, and the fallout from that. Chiarello and colorist Dave Stewart do a great job with this sequence, using Robin’s stark yellow cape to make him stand out as he clings to an ambulance. Striking color is used throughout to create good contrast and a distinction between background and foreground.
Neat use of puzzle pieces.
Credit: DC Comics
This issue also ties in with the idea that Robin is quite young and needs protection from Batman. When Batman orders Robin not to enter Arkham, Robin does so anyway. There’s also an influence with Catwoman, with a bit of commentary on her sexuality not working on Robin.
The plot thickens nicely in the last third of the issue, including a major reveal regarding Gordon’s son. The ties to the original Long Halloween are becoming more apparent, and it’s becoming more clear the master plan is robust. Two-Face, for instance, is involved, but how and why? Puzzle pieces are used to visually represent the mystery afoot, which is a nice visual element.
With so much focus on Riddler and Robin, Batman ends up feeling a bit like he’s along for the ride. Sure, he gets to interrogate Riddler and is involved in the last third, but the most interesting characterization is of Catwoman and Robin at this point.
Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #3 builds on the legacy of the original series while continuing to forge its own path. The creative team delivers a visually compelling issue, with Mark Chiarello and Dave Stewart utilizing bold contrasts and striking colors to enhance the narrative. The focus on Robin and Riddler shifts some of the spotlight away from Batman, but it allows for meaningful character exploration, particularly highlighting Robin’s youthful defiance and vulnerability.
With its mix of mystery, dynamic visuals, and layered character interactions, this issue proves to be an engaging continuation of a beloved tale.
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