Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 1
The Long Halloween, Part 1 is a faithful and stylish adaptation of one of Batman’s most iconic comic storylines, and it captures the noir-inspired tone that makes the original so memorable. Set early in Batman’s career, the film blends a murder mystery with Gotham’s descent into chaos, balancing the city’s mobster roots with the rise of costumed supervillains. The pacing is slower and more methodical than some of the other animated Batman films, but that deliberate storytelling helps the atmosphere feel tense and unsettling.
What works best here is the mood, dark, gritty, and steeped in classic crime drama. Jensen Ackles delivers a strong, brooding Batman, while the supporting cast adds weight to the story, particularly with the developing tension between Harvey Dent, Jim Gordon, and Batman himself. The animation style has a pulp sensibility that fits the material, and the decision to split the story into two parts gives it space to breathe rather than rushing through the complex plot.
While the first half is more setup than payoff, it succeeds in drawing viewers into the mystery and setting the stage for what’s to come. It may not be as action-packed as other entries, but its dedication to atmosphere, character, and slow-burn suspense makes it a solid and promising start to one of Batman’s most enduring tales.