Status Updates From Batman: The Long Halloween

Labor Day

I love the hunt for Harvey. But the standout moment from this issue is Harvey’s conversation with Solomon Grundy about if a man can truly come back.

Roman Holiday

The lead-up to the origins of Two Face is so wonderful. From being handed the “ulcer medicine” to Harvey then later implying he didn’t even know about an ulcer, the tension of knowing what is about to happen. I love this character.

Independence Day

The conversations involving Harvey, Bruce, and Jim are always so well done. I especially love the panels each showing one half of Harvey’s face. It’s a recurring motif and perhaps an obvious one, but I am a sucker for it.

Father’s Day

It’s cool how they aren’t afraid of having Bruce be vulnerable when it comes to his parents. Sal’s father being a victim is good development and I love the further we get to Harvey’s inevitable fate of becoming Two Face

Mother’s Day

Scarecrow is another favorite villain of mine so I love to see him. I do wish the Holiday killing was more interesting for this issue.

Aprils Fools Day

Love that even the Riddler can’t figure it out. And this rift between Harvey and Bruce forming as they suspect one another. Ending with the killer pulling a joke and not killing on April Fools.

St Patricks Day

The ivy storyline is short but fun. After The Penguin I have a newfound enjoyment of seeing Sofia Falcone.

Valentines

I think it’s very cool having an issue focusing on the relationships of Bruce, Harvey, and Gordon. I am also always impressed with how many villains are fit into this comic. It truly is the best comic when it comes to introducing someone to Batman. You get a bit of everything.

New Years

The fight with Joker is exactly what you would want. I love Joker’s motivation of being pissed someone is moving in on his “homicidal maniac” territory.

Christmas

Loeb and Sale write a draw a version of the Joker that I so desperately wish we saw more in other media. Bewilders me that no live action Batman has properly captured this Joker when so many take inspiration from this very comic. I love the line Joker treads between ridiculous and terrifying and the way he is drawn perfectly exemplifies that. Him singing Christmas songs and being intelligent is a need.

Thanksgiving

I think whenever a character is revealed to be wearing a mask disguising themself as another person that is ends up being a tad bit too ridiculous for me. I love the push of Harvey’s leniency to bend the law and ignore it to suit his endeavors.

Crime

Been a while since I read this. Two Face will always be my favorite batman villain and I love this comic for that reason. I love how Tim Sale plays with shadows in art. The Falcones and Maronis have never been favorites of mine but I think this comic simplifies that family enough that I can get on board with it. Good introduction to the trio of Harvey, Batman, and Gordon.

Damn shit just went downnnn