Batman: The Long Halloween Review: Gotham Is a Dark Place, Sometimes

[@TheDigitalApple]

The comic that turned Calendar Man from a costumed criminal who committed crime on specific dates to a Silence of The Lambs homage.

[@yeez13]

A Hannibal Lecter analogue wrapped inside of a blatant retelling of The Godfather within the Batman Mythos 🤔 As much as I love the comic miniseries itself based off of the amazing Tim Sale art and breezy yet stylish reading experience it offers…it’s incredibly awful as a Story and especially as a Mystery. But sometimes “Things Happen” can make for great entertainment, which The Long Halloween has been a shining example of.

[@maxducks2001]

22:00 Just wanted to note that Naya Rivera died while saving her four year old son, getting him back into the boat before tragically going under. Died a hero and made the ultimate sacrifice as a mother, may she rest in peace. o7

[@ZX-Gear]

Yeah. She was also a cast member of Glee as well if I recall. RIP.

[@neroknight11]

Also fun fact, Jensen Ackles also voiced acted Red hood in under the red hood, so this man not only played a former robin but the bat himself

[@Josh-ez5hf]

As bad as the Schumacher movies were I have to give props to him for taking all the hate on the chin. More graceful than most filmmakers who gave backlash today

[@nymetsfan9121]

Tbh I wanted to see what a joel Schumacher Batman movie would look like if they hadn’t pushed him to make to make it more kid friendly

[@Josh-ez5hf]

​@@nymetsfan9121After watching 8mm I believe he could've made an excellent Batman movie tbh

[@stevemanart]

fun fact about that clip from brave and the bold, that is the first time we ever see Bruce's face in the show after like a whole season or more (i forgot the episode number)

[@TheAlmightyLoli]

They also had Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill play Phantom Stranger and Spectre.

[@stevemanart]

@@TheAlmightyLoli i loved that about the episosde

[@CMan-x7k]

Didn't we see his face when he took up the Matches Malone persona?

[@1Sir-McKnight]

And Adam West voiced Thomas Wayne too. Awesome episode.

[@stevemanart]

@@CMan-x7k I'm about 80% sure that episode came after the Chill of the Night

[@gojira7824]

A Bat Credit Card? They gave him a Bat Credit Card!?... Looks cool can I get one?

[@sitorchallenge5691]

Never leave home without it

[@VolturetheSpiky]

A Batman story so peak it made Santa hide in his sleigh this whole November!

[@xxXEAMxx]

I just wanna say that John DiMaggio's take on the Joker in Under the Red Hood is my favorite and I think the best Joker. Obviously Mark Hammill had to walk so he could run but still.

[@lucascoval828]

THIS.

[@CatsOverdrive]

For me, _Under the Red Hood_ Joker is more understated, and it's what lends to his charm(as a villain) being more natural. He doesn't _have_ to convince you that he's crazy and funny, he just is.

[@xxXEAMxx]

@@CatsOverdrive Also that he's got such an edge to his voice when he speaks lower and slower. And the writing had him have actual dark jokes - 'then a picture of me and the kid, then one of the crowbar' - where even if they're not funny to you, you can still see how they'd be funny in a twisted way instead of the 'standard' Joker humor of lethal dad jokes and just off-the-wall insanity that he laughs about.

[@DagothDaddy]

I think all the Holiday killings we see without Batman present are Batman picturing how they went down hence the very obviously male build for Holiday during Alberto's death.

[@virgilbarrios3174]

All-Star Batman is the comics version of "The Room". It's bad, but it's so fucking funny.

[@TheNoobyNoob1]

The way he quite literally calls Robin his “soldier” is the funniest part for me. The scene is just this kid, freaking out after getting kidnapped by a drunken sounding middle aged man in a bat costume screaming at him about blood and vengeance while veering through tight slums at god knows how fast. I’m 90% sure this Batman even had some kinky thoughts about dying as Batman but I may just be filling in blanks. Could you imagine? I have trauma from busting my head open on my wall when I was like 7… wtf would that do to a 10 year old 😭😭😭. They were on some heavy no no snow when writing that.

[@theredscum4202]

​@@TheNoobyNoob1 forgot he got aske dif he was tarded by the Goddamn Batman

[@maxducks2001]

Just wanted to note that Alfred is voiced by Alastair Duncan, the VA for Mimir in God of War, and Celebrimbor in Shadow of Mordor/War.

[@leithaziz2716]

I believed he also played Alfred in The Batman 2004 show.

[@lucascoval828]

And Senator Armstrong. 😎😎😎

[@Ancor_Vantian]

@@lucascoval828 WHAT!? That's him too?

[@ThelronFjord]

My favorite part about the Bat Credit Card joke is the one time Linkara was doing a review of the Batman & Robin comic adaptation, and he had a skit where Doug would bring up the credit card joke, but Linkara gave a serious rebuttal to the idea that Batman having a Bat Credit Card isn't so crazy as an idea. Linkara is such a wiener.

[@Rolf97]

100% agree about Brave and the Bold. It's a lot of campy fun while still being dramatic.

[@Fauwkes]

“Alfred I found the body. Slathered in makeup and castrated. Could be the joker, but this seems like a lot. Even for him.”

[@BrokenCornholio1537]

Alfred going through a trans phase?

[@Fauwkes]

@ “Sir, I wanted to tell you that i am a transgender. From now on I’m Alfreda pennyworth.”

[@Fauwkes]

“Sir I am a transgender. From now on I am Alfreda pennyworth.”

[@BorbMcGorb]

4:49 And obligatory Banepost spotted. We’re cashing this Bat Credit Card with no survivors.

[@marshalmarshall2109]

Batman would be so much cooler if he threw bricks at Tenma.

[@Snakedude4life]

Maybe it’s just me, but Batman is always peak when he’s up against something that he can’t break their legs or talk no jujutsu. 🎩 🐍 no step on snek 🇭🇰🇺🇸

[@sevirkenevans]

Stand Alone Complex mentioned! Now we gotta get a GiTS: SAC video.

[@thelordofcringe]

Seconded. Desperately needed, everyone always talks about the movie.

[@devanbarrios9216]

The movies were pretty decent but I still love the comic a lot more. RIP Tim Sale

[@ohitsthatguy8079]

2:05 I just wanna say this, Joel Schumacher’s movies could’ve actually been really good. He made Falling down and Lost boys and apparently his idea for a Batman movie before Batman forever was apparently prequel adaptation of Batman year one. Also he said he slept with thousands of men. Dude is kind of a chad rest in peace Joel

[@seeleunit2000]

I actually enjoy his movies about Batman, but during the time they were showing in theaters and on DVD I suppose I got burned out hearing about them. But I enjoy them because they're campy fun

[@ohitsthatguy8079]

@ That’s what makes Batman fun. Plus Batman Forever > bvs. At least Forever is funny on purpose

[@hilotakenaka]

Ah, a perfect video to celebrate one of America’s greatest holidays National Puhskinti Day

[@isaackane4931]

Having only watched the animated movie, not seen the comic, overall I really liked it as a middle-ground kind of story. Not a Batman origin story, but still showing he's far from the person most people would be used to. How his persona is seen and reacted to, both as a terror to criminals and symbol of positive change to everyone else, and his lacking skills as, "The World's Greatest Detective." Plus, his relationship with Selena is great to see, an even one of the things I liked most about the Hush comic. What I ended up disliking the most was mainly the very end. Gilda being the killer I thought was fine enough, even if it stretches the possibility. But how it ended left me rolling my eyes, with Gilda explaining her backstory with the Falcones and her motivation, as well as (minor) regret over what happened to Harvey, and Batman seemingly letting her go. Sure, you can say it's left ambiguous, but the way it's portrayed, it looks more like Batman let a mentally damaged mass-murderer go because she's a sad woman who was victimized by the evil men. Which is nonsense. Sure, he would recognize that she's a victim as well, and seek to get her mental help, but he wouldn't just walk away.

[@theknightofashes8209]

5:45 Oh if only you knew what they did in “Batman Three Jokers”

[@RogueFox2185]

Now this is a certified Gotham classic.

[@TheHollowedKing754]

The Arkham Asylum soundtrack fits so well with this story, it brings the eeriness, the dread, and sets the atmosphere that something dangerous is in the shadows and yet… we aren’t talking about Bruce

[@thedarkmasterthedarkmaster]

A much better comic review than anything Linkara has ever done

[@Laughing_Shadow-w3e]

“This truly was, a long Halloween.” Great vid on great comics and movies. Can’t wait for more.

[@TengenToppaSalyur]

YOU MADE ME LOSE NO NOSTALGIA CRITIC NOVEMBER AGGHHHHHH

[@tylerlong5112]

Over the years I have learned that Schumacher was not really at fault. It was WB because they wanted a more kid friendly tone after Burton quietly left, and when you look at his other films Lost Boys, Falling Down he wasn’t a bad pick. But he had to deal with a bullshit studio and angry fans and now I feel bad for him.

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

It was because of Batman Returns, they thought it was too dark to base toys on.

[@tylerlong5112]

@@TheAutistWhisperer which was just wrong you can make toys out of darker movies especially in this day and age.

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

@@tylerlong5112 It was, particularly when you had kid shows being based on mature IPs and still did fine.

[@leithaziz2716]

Batman is one of those characters I can understand people being annoyed at due to overexposure with how much he's used in all media, while characters like Superman and Wonder Woman struggle to get influential works for years. But darn, Batman just has so *many* good stories that have been told with the character. Alongside a great supporting cast and iconic villains. I grew up with the DCAU, so I was spoiled with over 10 years of great material. I fully believe you can get a lot of fun with his stories if you balance out the frequency you check his material. Cause DC loves to churn out Batman stuff (even if it's mostly very good).

[@Daunikkek]

Hey Almighty! Just wanted to let you know that your movie show and episode reviews are some of my favorite! Love your stuff!

[@Boxmediaphile]

Can’t wait for The Dark Knight Returns vid

[@zer0deception706]

just listened to the whole berserk series at work again, hyped to see a new upload of any sort

[@handlesspragmatist304]

I’m glad people are singing Brave and Bold’s praises. That was the show i grew up watching and knowing more about comics it’s a great love letter to the goofy Silver Age.

[@tylertheguy3160]

Joel Schumacher was a good director and I have no doubt he could've made a good Batman movie under different circumstances.

[@TheDigitalApple]

His Batman films could’ve worked if they were their own films if not acting as sequels to the Burton films.

[@walrusaurelius4801]

Thanks, you broke my No Nostalgia Critic November streak. 4:19-4:26 for those who need to avoid.

[@TLSoulDude]

My dad and I used to watch Batman cartoons together. Enjoyed the 90's BTAS, then I introduced him to Brave and the Bold...considering he grew up with the Adam West show, he really enjoyed it (we both love that depiction of Aquaman). So...yeah, Batman's something that the family in general really likes.

[@Iceman9122]

Can't wait to watch this in work tomorrow. Posting this for the Algo gods

[@GorillerGamerz]

I love you so much almightyloli and I love batman, mayyy be my favorite video of yourss!

[@zedkruger6779]

Would love to see more reviews on Batman comics! Love this

[@davisenpai1203]

The outro being the song they played for the Arkham city gameplay trailer is TUFF

[@hiruyabebaw807]

I remember in the movie version they had falcones daughter looking... interesting.

[@lucascoval828]

Would.

[@tadpolegaming4510]

Nice

[@TealWolf26]

I thought she was Holiday at one point.

[@TheBatman39]

Cristin Milioti is gorgeous

[@reimu3627]

Long Halloween and Dark Victory are probably my favorite comics aesthetically. Between the two though, I prefer Dark Victory. I’m a sucker for stories centered around Batman learning not to work alone.

[@zzodysseuszz]

0:40 Arkham asylum music? Perfect pick

[@jmginvestments2319]

I recently listened to your 22 hour long berserk video in parts at a time. Took me between 2 and 3 weeks and I loved it. Seeing this I had to listen. Not only do I love batman, I kinda missed your storytelling.

[@TheMoonlyBlackCat]

You should do more Batman comic reviews, your just to good at it

[@sonnyblue6918]

Ackles is terribly underrated as Batman

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

Gotham by Gaslight is pretty good.

[@TheAnonyomusGuy]

I didn't like the twist. I feel like Viktor Zazz would have been a better reveal

[@burntgrahamcracker2866]

@@TheAnonyomusGuy nah having Jim Gordon be a murderer is a twist no one sees coming but can understand given the different era and upbringing his sense of justice is moulded more through punishment and ptsd than morality.

[@TheAnonyomusGuy]

@burntgrahamcracker2866 No, I agree, I just know that there were better choices, and that sours the twist for me. Harvy - with a more symbolic split than a literal one Viktor Zazz - A man with a compulsive need to kill and tally himself. Decon Blackfire - A mad murderous preacher for God Pyg - a surgeon seeking perfection All of these would have been great choices for Jack but, instead we got a twist with Gordon. And again, I write to the Gordon twist. It made sense, though it's soured because I know that there are other better choices in the batman universe

[@burntgrahamcracker2866]

@ fair enough but while a more fitting choice Jim is more shocking to the audience. Perhaps upon repeat viewings people would prefer a traditional villain maybe with a name change to preserve the mystery but for first viewings it’s totally unexpected and is the thing most will remember the film for.

[@TheDantedarkdemon201]

The Burton films are my moms favorite Batman movies and I remember reading this in highschool

[@deadwar2012]

Halloween Forever! Fuck Yeah!

[@atomistic3101]

I mentioned this being my favorite Batman comic series on one of your streams, and I'm very glad to see you finally cover it on the channel. Long Halloween is one of the GOATs in comics.

[@CristyanMoralws]

The variety of textures in the kislux bags is impressive. From smooth leather to textured suede, there is something for everyone. I was also attracted by it. The price is not expensive, which is very attractive!

[@TasMan14PL]

it was nice to see Poison Ivy as an actual villain and not just Harley Quinn's accessory.

[@TheBatman39]

The day of judgement has finally come gentlemen, Almighty Loli has posted a video about Batman. Also nice touch of using the Arkham Asylum soundtrack

[@AugustusCivitatis]

I still hold that The Batman (2004) is within the top 5 pieces of Batman media ever produced-with Rino Romano easily standing up there with Kevin Conroy as the voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

[@vinegar4556]

Can confirm, Arkham Shadow is really fucking good. Despite not being Rocksteady, the dev team's passion and respect for the franchise is clear as day and it's certainly the best VR game I have ever played.

[@mccabestevenson]

my introduction to batman was the knightfall audio drama and the long Halloween

[@SuperLlama42]

"Everyone has reasons why they love the guy" ...except for Twitterites crying about him beating up poor people

[@Fauwkes]

My problem with Batman comics is how inexplicably Caucasian all of gothams criminals are

[@PeanutBaller]

I knew from the moment you made that Kung Pow reference in your Berserk video that we had the same taste in story telling

[@CJDunehew1]

I really did like the movie, the guy who voiced calendar man did an awesome job Forgot to mention, happy birthday loli I hope you have a good one

[@fconstraints]

The Schmuacher Era is unfairly maligned. It's goofy as hell, but as a kids first exposure to Batman, it was fun. I enjoy how campy and colorful they are, and I'd rather watch those films than The Dark Knight Rises any day.

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

Batman Forever is underrated.

[@kingtreck7117]

Batman touched me and put me in a robin costume

[@dirtypurplenurpl6667]

You just broke my NNN record!(No NostalgiaCritic November)

[@abrahemsamander3967]

Nice video. I really want to read the comic. Tim Sale was a master, rest in peace. Speaking of the Falcone family. Are they ever the main villain of a Batman story? It seems like they’re exclusively a background threat to his more colorful rogues.

[@Firestorm4fuul]

Quick message for you Loli (I dont know if you read every comments on your video): I think you're my favorite content creator I discovered this year. I feel like your voice is a breath of fresh air amongst the community. Even if I love you work on Berserk, my favorite video of yours is your take on Disco Elysium. Also, you made me discover M. Inbetween and The outpost, wich are fantastic pieces of media who deserve more recognition. In comparison of the right wing commentators who gosssip only on the negative, AKA all the woke nonsense, and continue to contribute to its advertisement (I think we should just ignore left wing media like Star Wars), you keep producing niche videos to show us that there is a culture who deserve to meet its audience. Thank you for all your hard work ! You deserve more credits. Godspeed from France, mate !

[@therussiancomicbookgeek]

Great video 🤙The movie was probably the best Tomorrow verse DC movie 🍿

[@DMAN99]

8:40 god I hope you talk about the insanity that is DK2 in that

[@kac022796]

8:42 I NEED IIIIIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@monobro141]

I'm just gonna say it(disagreements are to come) THE ANIMATED LONG HALLOWEENS ARE MY FAVORITE BATMAN MOVIES Voice acting FIRE Designs FIRE The BEST Batman and Catwoman couple FINALLY without some bs excuss on why they can't date Legit one of the BEST comic adaptations i've seen IN MY LIFE

[@MrLolguy93]

Sorry if this is off topic, but have you considered making a video on Edgar Rice Burroughs, his characters like Tarzan and his legacy? Sorry if I'm annoying, I'm autistic

[@understanding77]

Love the art style so much from this series

[@TheDapperDragon]

A 40 minute video on a show I don't know about regarding a character I don't care about? Sign me the fuck up!

[@kirkwulf]

Long Halloween was the first comic of Batman I ever had! Absolutely loved it, and Dark Victory too!

[@topcat59]

Happy birthday Loli, I hope your day is doing great.🥳😺

[@rickyfrax5602]

Been planning on watching this, perfect timing

[@OscarAntonio-t4z]

I want a million AL videos about Batman

[@Siren-m6v]

I just re-read this story and watched the movies again and its one of the few pieces of batman content i still like. The only thing I've thought was bad about The Long Halloween was Joker's involvement, felt like he was just there to sell comics and had no actual place in the plot.

[@BlueSoulSleeping]

This is the definitive Two Face origin story for me, Josh Duhamel absolutely kills it as Two Face and makes him feel like he is supposed to. An arbiter of true, black, and white justice.

[@bionicsentinel1529]

28:13 Whenever "holiday" appears in the movie, he's depicted as looking like the Shadow, the character that Batman originally plagiaruuuhh I mean "took inspiration from"...yeah.

[@blackmonish]

Dark Knight Returns is my favorite too. Can't remember who Joker was, but I loved his final line in that movie.

[@AntiDecepticonCampaign]

In contrast I would have to say and ask: so how is it The punisher isn’t more popular or better handled? People love this stuff, at this point failure is intentional with these creative properties. A Nolan made punisher with fan service isn’t impossible.

[@bradyd.6332]

It’s funny, Mr. Rogues just did a review on this comic and completely trashed it as overrated. After watching this review I’m conflicted.

[@Spike294]

took a quick 4 hour break to read the thing again because i completely forgot what happens so i can watch this video. i enjoyed it more on this read, super good

[@ChandlerVanFossen]

Now I not only wanna hear you talk about DKR, but I want to hear you talk about the Arkham games!

[@noravanguard]

My sister and I have been going through Brave and the Bold again. I haven't seen it and years and yah it's still really good

[@darkknightfan7520]

It’s a peak tribute to the best of the dcu & Batman’s silver and golden age

[@ScottE-2]

I am surprised you don't know about one of the lesser known cartoons called The Batman, which Batman is just starting out and isn't recognized as a hero just yet. It is made by the same crew who did Jackie Chan Adventures. It has a great Halloween movie in which Batman fought DRACULA. I really like that one a lot. It has weak moments but still it's Batman versus Dracula. Great review dude, didn't even know this movie even came out.

[@burntgrahamcracker2866]

KMR as joker is probably the most unique versions I’ve seen and the work they did with clayface as Bruce’s friend was well developed. I liked DA.V.E as a concept even if he’s not a recurring character and the design for firefly is my favourite. Not a fan of scarface and especially mr freezes motivations even if his design is dope.

[@ScottE-2]

@@burntgrahamcracker2866 For sure dude. The production is quite fascinating in its own right. Designs stand out and feel fresh even today but, I'd say for the limitations they were forced under they did shine in places. Even if we lost some unique characters from early on.

[@thant0s]

Not getting Harvey Dent introduced and meaningfully established was a pretty big flaw in The Batman (2022) and Penguin; sure, you don't have to give us Two-Face, but Dent is bigger than his dark turn, especially when it comes to their relationship with Bruce. We don't need a 1-to-1 of The Dark Knight when it comes to the two, but he's still very important. The smallest part of me is that they may try and do something with Gordon at this point if they can't somehow find a deeper connection with the Dent character that is present, but almost a cardboard cutout right now.

[@kyon813]

Call me picky, but I can't get into the DC animated adaptations just for how they strip down the styles of the comics. Both Year One and Long Halloween thrive in the heavy shadows, surreal color choices, and those intentionally-warped character designs that make an atmosphere halfway between film noir and gothic horror, perfect for Batman. The movies keep some of the framing and blocking, but they look more homogeneous and boring by comparison. I know perfectly recreating the looks of the comics would've taken Akira-sized budgets for each film, but as they are, I'll stick with the comics. (I specifically paused the video and read all of Long Halloween when the spoiler warning came up. Did I do good, Poppa Loli?)

[@mrkaji8913]

3:01 I love when his comics get animated

[@BlainFurgerson]

This is a great video! Thank you so much here kislux for making my budget look more reasonable.

[@thefierceapatheticblackque2523]

In my opinion, Batman: Long Halloween is the perfect animated movie, and Jensen Ackles gave a great performance as Batman. The Batman: Long Halloween comic also had an interesting story that I found fun and enjoyable. The reason I enjoy Batman media, including Kevin Conroy's Batman universe, is that it brings back fond memories of my childhood! 👏

[@mrkaji8913]

8:17 I’d love that animated

[@deathsnitemaresinfullust2269]

Yeah, 3:52 Batman: The Brave and The Bold was actually pretty good. I don't exactly love the art design for a bunch of the characters but I still watched through the whole series and would do it again if I just needed something to watch. 😄👍

[@abletothink]

Arkham Shadow is great! That and RE4 make the Quest 3 worth it. Plus it works great with PC.

[@JozefanoYT]

I would say that Matt Reeves Batman didn't just used Riddler in place of the holiday killer but also he is similar to how he is in zero year with the whole flood plan its just that he doesn't take over Gotham

[@TheJinxCast]

happy birthday

[@atmastand3485]

Have you ever thought of covering Hitman from DC Comics. Tommy Monaghan is one of the few DC characters that Batman truly dislikes, as he almost killed the Joker while he was incarcerated in Arkham. Tommy failed... but he still kneecaped the clown prince of crime in his escape.

[@bears4life183]

man, since you talked about starship troopers, maybe we could get a forever war video?

[@captainskippy4560]

My personal favorite batman comic is 'A serious House in a serious world' (at least I think that's the name).

[@leithaziz2716]

"A serious house on serious earth" But yeah, close enough. The video game Arkham Asylum took a lot of inspirations from that story.

[@pickybusiness8549]

Idk if you covered it yet/at all, but if you want another show related to batman, check out Gotham. Its more of a prequel to batman, focusing more on James Gordon, and it definitely plays with the lore a bit, but its honestly pretty good, even if they cant specifically name certain villains.