Batman: The Long Halloween #6

Batman: The Long Halloween, written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by Tim Sale, was published as a limited series by DC Comics between 1996 and 1997. The story was conceived as a bridge between the mob-centric Gotham depicted in Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One and the more colorful, costumed rogues gallery that defined later eras. Issue #6, titled 'Unfaithful,' serves as a pivotal mid-point in the mystery of the Holiday Killer, focusing on the strained relationship between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle while escalating the tension between Gotham’s organized crime families.

Tim Sale’s visual approach was heavily influenced by film noir and German Expressionism, utilizing sharp shadows and exaggerated, atmospheric silhouettes to emphasize the isolation and psychological burden of its characters. This particular issue is frequently cited by critics and fans for its moody, cinematic composition, which solidified Sale’s reputation as one of the definitive modern Batman artists. The series was met with widespread acclaim upon release and remains a staple of the essential Batman reading list, having notably served as a primary narrative inspiration for later film adaptations of the character.