Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #8 Review

It feels going back to this series after two long months of waiting, but today marks the return of Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween with the release of issue 8. With only 3 issues left (including this one), the series is nearing its end and everything is slowly becoming clearer, but was this comic worth the wait? Will The Last Halloween have a satisfactory ending? Honestly, I have no idea how this series will end, but this latest issues gives us a lot to talk about! So, let’s get into our Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #8 review.

In Nerdy Nook fashion, this review will be spoiler free, but make sure you have read through the previous issues before continuing.

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The Review

Image by DC Comics

Last issue, we saw Robin really start to become his own hero, giving a possible glimpse a his future as Nightwing, while Catwoman tracks down the Falcone crime family and Calendar Man is confronted by the real Holiday Killer. Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #8 marks the return of Penguin, as Gordan confronts the mob boss, and of course the return of the loveable dimwit, Solomon Grundy.

Since it has been so long, I was half expecting to be a little lost when reading this issue. However, The Last Halloween #8 does an excellent job of referencing the rest of the series as a gentle reminder without seeming out of place or taking away anything from the story. Yes, we are forced head first into the action, but at least we are not left in the dark. One thing I had forgotten however, was that Penguin was one of the previous victims of The Holiday Killer. It was a moment that happened in the middle of all the other madness and had been a little overlooked by myself, so seeing him return in this capacity was the peak of this issue.

Although this series does feel final, it also feels like nothing is at stake. Gordon’s son is back, everyone that was shot has lived unscathed, the only one who seems to be affected by whatever is going on at this point is Batman. It’s hard to know if that is part of the plan or not since we are still unsure as to who the killer is. It seems to be hinting towards the killer being Catwoman, but I am certain that will not be the case – perhaps I am just hoping that is the case since it would not really make too much sense.

Unfortunately not much else felt like it happened in this issue, it was almost like the calm before the storm, though it did move the series forward and geared us up ready for a explosive finale.

Image by DC Comics

Once again, we are joined by another new artist to the series, and this time it’s Becky Cloonan. This artist is nothing short of brilliant. The Last Halloween #8 has some incredibly detailed, and satisfying artwork throughout. On the topic of art, the interesting choice to use the same colourist throughout the series, Dave Stewart, makes the whole series flow. Of course each artist has added their own mark, but Stewart has done a terrific job of making everything feel consistent.

I wish there was more for me to say, but there really isn’t. The Last Halloween #8 is a great addition to the series, but as I previously stated, it felt like a calm before the storm. Not quite a filler nor lacking substance, it plays an important part of the overall story, but on it’s own felt incredibly calm.

With that being said, the footing has been laid for an explosive finale. I am just glad we only need to wait till next month to get our hands on the penultimate issue of The Last Halloween, could not be more excited to see how this story finally ends. I think Tim Sale would be very proud of the work Jeph Loeb has done to preserve the universe they made together.

Image by DC Comics

Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #8 is a calm before the storm, a slight breather before an inevitably explosive finale for the The Long Halloween trilogy. Though the story is more relaxed than usual, this issue is filled with exceptional artwork and important plot points for the series to move forward.

What are your thoughts on The Last Halloween? ? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, share them with us in the comment section of this article!

See also: Previous issue review

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