Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween #6 – Jeph Loeb, Writer; Enrico Marini, Artist; Dave Stewart, Colorist; Richard Starkings, Lettering & Design
Ray – 9/10
Ray: Every issue of this series has a new artist, and the style does change dramatically, but it feels like all of them are paying tribute to the legacy of Tim Sale with their work on this book. That’s especially the case for Enrico Marini, who isn’t as familiar to comic fans here but has incredibly crisp, clean artwork that effectively captures the Gotham that Loeb and Sale brought to life. This issue deepens the mystery we already know while also bringing in some new players. Gilda Dent is still determined to get her husband back, leading her to confront Two-Face and his minion Solomon Grundy in the underground lair. Meanwhile, as Batman and Commissioner Gordon continue to investigate the seeming revival of Holiday, they get an unwelcome visitor – Amanda Waller, here an FBI agent and one with a mysterious past with Gordon. It’s clear even here that she has some deeper plans for the city and its heroes.
While she’s not here to offer her help – holding a grudge against Gordon for not calling her in earlier – she leaves Gordon and Batman to puzzle over the case. It’s clear Gordon is still rattled by the kidnapping of his son, and that makes him worry even more about Robin. To Bruce’s credit, he seems to be getting used to being a father and he and Robin are able to work together here and pick up some key clues. Why does every rogue in Gotham seem to be saying the same thing when they’re caught, and what does it mean? Loeb’s been working on this series for a long time, but he clearly still has all the lore in mind. This issue calls back to the Catwoman spin-off comic, “When in Rome”, and also gives us one of the first hints of what will eventually be the Sirens. The story here is compelling, but it’s really the great art this issue that makes the world of this Gotham City stand out from the pack.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
