Batman: The Long Halloween

A heavy source of inspiration for Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight , this collection of a 13 part mini-series has distinct style and storytelling. Like a classic 30s mob story, Gotham City's crime families are caught up with a "Holiday" killer, while the three good guys, Batman, Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent, attempt to keep pace.

As a self-contained story, this one is epic and delivers wonderfully.  Tim Sale's use of panels and darkness gives a cinematic feel to the Loeb story structure.  Though i'm hesitant to make the comparison, The Long Halloween reminds me at times of Watchmen, in how the concept and layout appear to be meticulously planned and designed.  There is no filler here, nor no stone left unturned.

Though not breathtaking or stunning from a visual standpoint, it is as solidly created a Batman adventure one could ask for.  It definitely deserves to be ranked amongst the most definitive renderings of Dark Knight lore by providing a stellar account of the Bat's early years in Gotham.

5 stars out of 5

Batman: Hush Volumes One and Two

Some more great artwork from Jim Lee and a surprisingly suspenseful story by Jeph Loeb that only suffers from the need to wrap things up too tidily.  It's always great to have a new character introduced into a long running series, especially when they can stand alongside traditional rogues gallery villains.  Loeb writes in a ton of cameos for Lee to draw, and while some add great depth and personality to Bruce Wayne and his storied relationships, others are just throwaway visits that do little to boost the story line.  All in all, a very welcome take on Bruce Wayne and Batman that exists within "continuity" which offers some intriguing complications to the story line.  A good read for anyone interested in "jumping in" to comics.

4 1/2 stars out of 5

Batman: Haunted Knight

It's been awhile since i've read comics, and i'm pleased to see that Batman is every bit as good as it ever was. Interesting, reflective character study, paired with dark, detailed artwork. Tim Sale's take on classic Batman villains really makes them more menacing than ever. Certainly not a classic, but a nice collection, which i bought in advance of reading The Long Halloween. It has certainly whet the appetite.

4 stars out of 5