Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #2

It has been too long since the last instalment of The Last Halloween series. Issue 1 left myself and many other fans shocked and eagerly awaiting the next issue, that wait is now finally other… But was it all worth it? In this review I will be giving my honest opinion of the series so far, the good, the bad and the bold!

Normally we keep these reviews completely spoiler free, though I will not be sharing any key plot points of issue 2, be prepared for spoilers from issue 1. With that being said, it’s time for our Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #2 review.

The Review

Image by DC Comics

Picking up right where The Last Halloween #1 left off, Issue 2 dives right into the action as we see Batman and Robin investigating the disappearance of Jim Gordon’s son in Arkham Asylum. We are quickly reacquainted with iconic villains, Solomon Grundy, Calendar Man, Catwoman and Mad Hatter, before Batman is sent on a wild goose chase to confront Penguin. With Gordan becoming more stressed with every day that passes without his son, time is of the essence, Batman must find this new (?) holiday killer before it’s is too late.

It might sound like there is a lot going on in The Last Halloween #2, that’s because there is – even the villains in this story are in danger and the only one who can help them is Batman. The constant introduction to different villains at first glance came across as unwarranted, however as you continue reading every villain makes their own contribution to the progression of this overall story. One story which was disappointingly not explored in Issue 2, was Two-Face.

Remember how I said to be prepared for spoilers from the last issue? Well, skip this paragraph to avoid that! The Last Halloween 1 ended on a massive cliff-hanger, Two-Face had been shot, left for dead, his wife left doing the bidding of someone else to save her own life. I believe this to be the main villain arc of this story and for the first time ever in all the years I have been reading comic books, I am more invested in this story than Batman and Robins hardship.

I am sure The Last Halloween #3 will continue the incredible arc set out for Two-Face and his wife, but I cannot stand the fact we need to wait another month to find out what is happening.

Image by DC Comics

The comic not directly picking up from the cliff-hanger we ended on in Issue 1, is my only problem with The Last Halloween #2. The story is still really interesting and the artwork is absolutely stunning. We saw a fair amount of progression in the overall story, at a very steady paced – this is a common practice for a second issue in a series, plus it will not feel that steady once the complete graphic novel releases!

In The Last Halloween #2, we got a glimpse of Robin wanting more from Batman and his relationship with Calendar peaking his interest mentioning how they could be ‘Equals’. I mentioned last week that batman was being much too tough on Robin, so this change of perspective seeing how robin almost resents Batman for the way he treats him was a much need and great edition. I just hope they can iron out all their problems before the 10 part series concludes.

Image by DC Comics

Overall, The Last Halloween #2 is a great comic. The universe Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale first created in The Long Halloween shines through in this sequel giving it a nostalgic feel despite being a new addition.

This issue once again concluded with a dramatic cliff-hanger – though this one seems less life endangering since Batman does not really seem too fazed. Hopefully we find out what happens in Batman’s side of the story next month rather than having to wait longer. The Last Halloween is gearing up for something spectacular, you can feel it with every turn of the page. I stand by what I said previously about this series, he are watching another icon unravel, so be prepared for the next issue!

What are your thoughts on The Last Halloween so far? Let us know in the comments section!

See also: Must Read Batman Comics

Aramis Mason

I’m Aramis! A life long comic book fan and Twitch Partner. I first learnt SEO in 2020 writing articles to help other streamers, but have now decided to put those skills to good use, with my wife and our friend, for Nerdy Nook.

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