The first issue of Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween set up the abduction of Commissioner Gordon’s son. The case becomes a priority for both Batman and his newly-appointed partner, Robin. This sets up the opening of the series’ second issue, in which the Dark Knight reluctantly brings Dick Grayson with him to Arkham Asylum.
Written by Jeph Loeb, with art by Klaus Janson, Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween is set shortly after Bruce Wayne adopted Dick Grayson. The Boy Wonder proved his worth more than once. However, he is still ill-prepared for an up-close encounter with an inquisitive Calendar Man.
The main Tim Sale cover and first seven pages of Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween #2 can be viewed below:
How The Final Halloween #2 builds on a classic Loeb and Sale story
Batman: The Long Halloween is one of the most famous stories ever written to feature the Dark Knight. Few may recall, however, that it is a sequel to a trio of Batman stories by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. Originally published as Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Special #1-3, the trio was later collected more famously as Batman: Haunted Knight.
The second story of the trilogy, Madness, centers upon the Mad Hatter abducting a young Barbara Gordon on Halloween. This is why the Dark Knight seeks out Jervis Tetch in Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween #2. Despite the Mad Hatter being safely confined, the crime does fit his modus operandi. He is also one of the few criminals capable of getting the drop on Jim Gordon.
Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween #2 arrives in comic shops everywhere on October 30, 2024.
