Amazon.com ReviewIt's refreshing when you find a Batman story that both is epic and successfully explores the core of a resolutely explored character. Taking as its catalyst a sub-plot from the seminal Batman: Year One, the story revolves around murders occurring on national holidays, the victims connected to Mob boss "The Roman." Dubbed "Holiday," the killer uses an untraceable handgun and leaves small trinkets atthe scene. Plenty of suspects are available, but the truth is something the Dark Knight never suspected. This series scores two major coups: it brilliantly portrays the transfer of Gotham rule to the supervillains and charts the horrific transformation of Harvey Dent from hardened D.A. to the psychotic Two-Face. Both orbit around the sharply portrayed relationship between Dent, Commissioner Gordon, and Batman: a triumvirate of radically different perceptions of Justice. It is always great to see the formative incarnation of Batman, drenched in noir here.
Jeph Loeb's writing is keenlyaware that Batman is a detective, and Tim Sale portrays a Gotham that is a fertile breeding ground for corruption and madness. Here, Batman is coming to terms with the potent image he projects and the madness it attracts. There are many fine Batman stories, but the ones that capture the spirit with extreme clarity are few. On this alone, The Long Halloween comes highly recommended. Masterfully executed, this is an excellent chance to revisit the world of Batman as fresh as in the summer of 1939. --Danny Graydon
REVIEW
A Great, Far-Reaching Mystery From Early In The Batman's Career Not long after Batman's arrival in Gotham City, he, Captain Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent are making slow progress in cracking the criminal empire of Carmine 'the Roman' Falcone, whose reach extendeds into seemingly every nook of the city from the alleys to the courtrooms and boardrooms. Into this a new player mysteriously enters on Halloween night, an unseen killer who comes to strike on nearly every major holiday, taking out someone else close to the Roman or his empire. The mystery of the identity of this 'Holiday killer', and the events triggered by the killings, are the main focus of The Long Halloween, while subplots involving many of Gotham's most famous denizens are woven in seamlessly.
The Long Halloween, taking a full year of comics time to unfold, occurs in and around other events that took place early in the Dark Knight's career. Suspects and motives for the killings are in plentiful supply, and among the suspects are the three main figures on the side of good, Batman, Gordon, and Dent, who have to entertain the possibility that one of their allies could be the suspect they're all searching for. Adding to the tension of the situation, not all of the murder victims are criminals; being close to Falcone is enough to get you killed, and not all of Falcone's immediate family are members of his 'Roman Empire'. Falcone, his family, associates and rivals are probed in depth here. One of the most interesting things in The Long Halloween is the dicotomy between different aspects of the same person. Carmine Falcone, for example, is both a devoted, generous family man, and a guy who tried to have his nephew assasinated when he thought the nephew was going to testify against him. Falcone's pain at the deaths of his friends and family members over the year is real, but he himself doesn't hesitate to rob others of their lives and family with the activities of his crime empire. In one of the most memorable scenes in a tale full of memorable scenes, the Batman even confronts Falcone with this.
In The Long Halloween, you see the transition from Gotham as a crime-ridden city under the thumb of a traditional mafia-style organization - the Roman's Empire - to the Gotham of 'today': full of monsters, costumed madmen and assorted other 'freaks'. The transition was gradual; Batman didn't just show up into a normal city one day and then the next week busloads of freaks abruptly arrived. Gotham had been 'weird' for a long time (Solomon Grundy, for example, has periodically wreaked carnage in and and around Gotham for years prior to Batman's first appearance) but in The Long Halloween you see the transition accelerating; even the Falcone syndicate is on some level aware that things are irrevocably changing as they find themselves forced to turn to costumed figures such as the Riddler for help in trying to figure out Holiday's identity. There's a fantastic double page shot on Pages 342-343 that illustrates this 'transition' brilliantly.
Writer Jeph Loeb and artists Time Sale are at the top of their games here. Loeb expertly fills in a lot of blanks about the history of Gotham and some of its best characters; Sale's artwork is some of the most distinctive in comics and suits the tale perfectly; Gregory Wright's colors are the perfect complement to Sale's art.
Random pluses and minuses: the way most of the issues reprinted herein (Long Halloween # s 1-13) end on big events or cliffhangers is good, and so is the touching scene just before the end of issue two. Speaking of individual issues, I'm glad they're separated by the cover arts to each issue, instead of gathering the covers at the back; I wish DC would present all their collections this way. One negative is that, in the investigation of the Holiday killings, we see very little of the actual detective work being done, we don't follow with the investigation to see what clues are and aren't left, forensics-wise, for example. If it had been, it could have added to the fun in every whodunit of trying to figure out the killer for oneself. One thing that could be viewed as a negative, but that I don't, is the fact that Batman - a non-superhuman - manages to get the best of Solomon Grundy during their encounter. The reason I don't think this is a negative is this: it's been established that Grundy's temperament and intelligence vary with his different incarnations; it's become just as obvious by now though that his physical parameters vary to a much Greater extent with each incarnation. Presumably, Batman would have been much harder pressed against an incarnation of Grundy that can go blow for blow against Superman. And another great positive - the definitive, detailed origin of one of Batman's greatest enemies, who I'll refrain from naming, is in here.
'The Long Halloween' is essential DC - longtime fans will love how so many different elements and characters come together in a great tale, and for people who've never read a Batman comic in their life this is an excellent place to start - back close to the beginning, with lots of the main characters, and leaving you hungry for more.
One Amazing Book Very well made book, although it does feel a bit fragile; the pages are beautifully made. The pictures look great and it looks like a great read from the story thatinspired Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins and The Dark Knight movie. I have yet to read it all, but it is a really good Batman novel so far. Its even got a neat interview with the director himself. Interested in Batman and the Absolute line? You gotta buy this book.
Michael Myers returns! On October 31st, evil descends on the small town of Russellville, Illinois. A young girl named Lisa discovers that a secret from her past has come back to haunt her, and he's leaving a trail of bodies in his wake! A new mini-series continuing the story from the classic 1978 film by John Carpenter!
REVIEW
Michael is back.... This book represents the first of (hopefully many)DDP's HalloweeN comics series. Telling new tales of the original Michael Myers, this entry weaves together the stories of several people in and around a small town near Haddonfield. It's been years since Michael first came for Laurie, and although this town wasn't affected directly, Michael's name is still a dirty word all these years later. But Mikey will not simply fade into the night, allowing himself to become an urban legend. He still stalks people, this time going after both teens and 20-somethings.
The heroine of this piece, a girl traumatized by an incident several years before, is terrified of the dark. She sleeps with all the lights on, and refuses to leave her house after dark. Soon, though, she will be drawn into a confrontation with Michael, where she will have to face her demons. Can she put the past behind her? Can Michael be stopped?
Great writing, great characterization, amazing suspense, and gory kills make this a treat for all HalloweeN fans. Check it out. And get ready for another night HE came home!!!
At last! The collected adventures of those lovable and loathable Halloween hooligans from the town of Turgid Meadows in one vile volume! It began with a horrible Halloween omen. An apple for a treat! But it ended in murder, mayhem and madness. From zombie hordes to alien invasions, this book's got it all! What more could you want? How about all three original volumes reprinted in 'gore-ious' full color?! But wait, there's more! All-new bonus 10-page story by Benjamin Roman! Original color cover art pin ups! How to make a Pig Pig Mask instructions, and more! It's Cabbage Poot, now in 'color'! Yay!
REVIEW
Sick and Twisted This was a great manga in stunning color which sets t apart from others. The story is unique and twisted and some may not really get what is going on or even why it's even going on. Buy if you want a different kind of manga experience and if you have the black and white issues you might want this.
Another holiday, another victim! From the early days of his crime fighting career, this is the unforgettable story that pitted Batman, along with Lt. James Gordon and D.A. Harvey Dent, against a mysterious killer who only strikes on holidays. This story also ties into the events leading to Harvey Dents transformation from Gotham City district attorney and Batman ally to Batmans deadly foe Two-Face. This collector set includes: 2 action figures based on the art of Tim Sale from THE LONG HALLOWEEN: Batman: 6.75 (featuring an all-new head sculpt!) and The Joker: 6.75 . Also includes the 376 page softcover graphic novel: BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale. Packaged in a 4-color window box.
Amazon.com ReviewSpecial indeed are holiday stories with the right mix of high spirits and subtle mystery to please both adults and children--Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," for example. Or Ray Bradbury's classic The Halloween Tree. Eight boys set out on a Halloween night and are led into the depths of the past by a tall, mysterious character named Moundshroud. They ride on a black wind to autumn scenes in distant lands and times, where they witness other ways of celebrating this holiday about the dark time of year. Bradbury's lyrical prose whooshes along with the pell-mell rhythms of children running at night, screaming and laughing, and the reader is carried along by its sheer exuberance.
Bradbury's stories about children are always attended by dread--of change, adulthood, death. The Halloween Tree, while sweeter than his adult literature, is also touched at moments by the cold specter of loss--which is only fitting, of course, for a holiday in honor of the waning of the sun.
This is a superb book for adults to read to children, a way to teach them, quite painlessly, about customs and imagery related to Halloween from ancient Egypt, Mediterranean cultures, Celtic Druidism, Mexico, and even a cathedral in Paris. (One caveat, though: Bradbury unfortunately perpetuates a couple of misconceptions about Samhain, or summer's end, the Halloween of ancient Celts and contemporary pagans.) This beautiful reprint edition has the original black-and-white illustrations and a new color painting on the dust jacket. --Fiona Webster
REVIEW
Greatest horror/fantasty writer of all time! I own this DVD and watch it at least 3-4 times a year. I will have to watch it again soon, because I was sure there were three boys and a girl that were going out trick-or-treating.
I loved the book and now love the movie, and Leonard Nimoy makes the movie even more special. There is more here than meets the eye as friends look into themselves to see their relations with the mystical Pip. We see what makes a leader great with empathy and forgiveness and a special warmth that encourages others to be empathetic and giving too.
Amazon.com ReviewHalloween books abound, but none is as elegantly spooky or as eerily opulent as this gorgeous guide from Martha Stewart Living. Set the scene for the ultimate Halloween party with a magical yard full of pumpkins glowing with vibrant geometrics and sparkling with Christmas lights. Welcome guests with shadow lanterns flickering with bats and haunted windows. Strew the house with chiffon ghosts and fill the air with haunting sounds. Then host a pumpkin-carving feast, a crafty party, or a ghoulish supper, and whip up eyeball highballs, croaked messieurs, and spider-web sundaes. And don't forget the creepy makeup: follow along as willing victims transform into a skeleton, mummy, and several other creatures (Martha herself becomes an astonishing black widow). Excellent directions, full recipes, beautiful photographs, and an extremely detailed source list should inspire anyone to celebrate All Hallows' Eve with style. --Amy Handy
REVIEW
Favorite Halloween Craft (and more) Book!! I found this book at my local library a few years ago. I loved it so much, I kept it until finding it on Amazon. The book has fantastic colorful pictures that get you in the spirit of Halloween no matter what time of year it is. It has fun craft ideas, spooky recipes and costume ideas for all ages.
Most of the crafts in this book are fairly easy for anyone to attempt,however you may find a few that require tools that you might not have unless you an avid Craftster.
She has a large chapter on Pumpkin carving/decorating that has ideas for children and adults. The book has a great deal of very unique Halloween crafts that are sure to impress and spook your friends and family.
As for the recipes,they aren't too difficult. I recommend "The Hot Spiced Concord - Grape Juice"(A new twist on spiced cider) "The Great Pumpkin Cake", "Ancient Eggs" and of course The Lady Finger's and Man toes. These recipes will be a hit at any Halloween gathering.
I haven't tired out any of the makeup/costume ideas yet,however they look fantastic and not very difficult. She has included the best Mummy makeup I have ever seen, and only requires everyday kitchen ingredients.
Even Martha appears as a few frightful characters with complete how to instructions (I had no idea she was the model in a few of the photos!)
You don't have to be a fan of Martha Stewart to enjoy this book. Its filled with tons of ideas for all ages. I seriously recommend this book to anyone that enjoys DIY holiday decorating and ofcourse the Halloween food is ...to die for! This book is worth every cent, It has been my go to Halloween craft book since 2004 and I have no intention of finding another (unless it's an update)
"'Twas the night before Halloween, and allthrough the house, All the creatures were stirring, except for the mouse. The monsters had gathered to plan and prepare, For the trick-or-treaters who soon would be there...."
Little monsters and goofy goblins take center stage in this silly, spooky spin on Clement C. Moore's beloved poem. But what will happen on Halloween when the monsters come face to face with human trick-or-treaters in this fun-filled book by the author of The Night Before Easter?
* Ages 4-8
REVIEW
Cute Book! This book has a very cute story. My 3 year old niece will love it! Her birthday is right before Halloween :)...Although, I thought the price was a little high for a short story paperback. But it was b/c of the added shipping costs (which are slightly over-priced-$4 dollars). But it was worth it. Because I looked at Borders and it was over $20 dollars compared to $8. So, thank you.
Arthur finds everything about Halloween scary, including his little sister's costume, his morning snack, and the big house on the corner.
REVIEW
arthur's halloween I really like arthur's book's I remeber that I liked this book since I was in kindergarten and I'm in middle school and I still read those books. It is very intersting and I love how some of the words ryum.and I will not stop reading those books.
Arthur finds everything about Halloween scary: his little sister's costume, even his morning snack! But he's most afraid of the big spooky house on the corner where no one wants to go trick-or-treating. His fears are eventually soothed once Arthur realizes things don't always turn out the way you imagine.
Kids will love listening along as beloved author/illustrator, Marc Brown reads this exciting Halloween story!
REVIEW
arthur's halloween I really like arthur's book's I remeber that I liked this book since I was in kindergarten and I'm in middle school and I still read those books. It is very intersting and I love how some of the words ryum.and I will not stop reading those books.
