The Last Halloween returns after three-month break with issue #8. For this issue, Becky Cloonan steps in to do the interior artwork. This sequel series to The Long Halloween has been really hit-or-miss for me so far, so does this issue get my interest back on the right track? Let’s get into it.
Issue #8 was just fine. Becky Cloonan’s artwork was the stand out for me. To be honest, the rotating artists that come in for each issue are really the only reasons that have kept my interest in this series as it has progressed. The story by Jeph Loeb just isn’t doing it for me and with only two issues left, I don’t think that sentiment is going to change. I welcome to be proven wrong by the time the series concludes, but that’s how I’m feeling right now.
The three-month break didn’t really help either because I had forgotten some things that happened, and it took me a bit to recollect what was going on with all the subplots. There were some questions answered like who really kidnapped Gordon’s son, who hired them, and the identity of the person who has been targeting the villains in the copycat Holiday shootings.
Some of those revelations just fell flat for me because those subplots, specifically Gordon’s family issues, don’t seem to be that consequential to the main story.
Calendar Man’s involvement in this series has also been so inconsistent. I’m going to reveal a spoiler, so read at your own discretion… but it is revealed that Calendar Man has been the one who’s been shooting/targeting the villains in the copycat Holiday attacks. It wasn’t a surprise, and the reveal was just lackluster.
The only storylines that I’m somewhat still intrigued by are Catwoman’s deal with Mario Falcone and Gilda/Two-Face’s dilemma they find themselves in. I want to know what Selina’s endgame is and how it involves the rest of the Falcone family. And I want to know how Harvey moves forward based on what’s revealed towards the end of this issue. So I’ll give Loeb credit for still providing some interesting storylines.
Like I mentioned earlier, Becky Cloonan’s illustrations carried this issue for me. Her style perfectly captured Tim Sale’s vibe while still making it her own. The sequence where Batman and Gordon go to the old Falcone Estate was beautifully illustrated and a highlight for me. Dave Stewart’s colors once again complemented the artwork.
This issue had some of the best artwork of the series in my opinion, but great art can only carry a mediocre/okay story so far.
Recommended if…
- You’re a fan of Becky Cloonan’s artwork.
- You want to see how the main story plays out as we near the end.
- You’re a father and appreciate the Father’s Day undertones implemented in this issue.
Overall
The Last Halloween #8 has great artwork by the talented Becky Cloonan. But her great artwork can’t save the bland and overstuffed story by Jeph Loeb. There are some story elements that I still find intriguing but with only two issues left, I’m asking myself if this sequel series was necessary. And that hurts me to state because I love the original Long Halloween. Hopefully Loeb can end it in a satisfying way, and I’m excited for Chris Samnee doing the art in issue #9.
Score: 6.5/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of review.
English (US) · 