Despite a distinct lack of actual Batman in this annual until the funnily downbeat denouement. Batman: The Dark Knight Annual #1 could rank among the best Batman one-and-done stories in recent memory. It's easier to compare it to some of the more beloved episodes of "Batman: The Animated Series" than anything that's happened in a New 52 Batman comic heretofore. While the timing is a little odd - the story is meant to take place on Halloween - that's less of put-off, and more of an invitation to revisit this comic when the appropriate time of year finally rolls around. Any comic that begs a re-read, especially nowadays, is a welcome change of pace from the fleeting pleasures of most DC comics these days. Read Full Review

Sometimes annuals don't measure up to the monthly title, but this one is a perfect companion. Having three villains appear ups the ante in the book, and the mystery surrounding what's going will help the Dark Knight's mystique grow in Gotham's criminal underworld since I just KNOW one of them will blab about it anyway! While it's a great read at any time, I would highly recommend returning to this annual on Halloween when it will be a perfect way to celebrate that holiday! Read Full Review

The creative team that has brought us the current arc of the Batman: The Dark Knight book almost give us Gotham by Gaslight here, but also surprising with a double-page spread showcasing the madness of the Hatter. It's a great example of the sometimes lost art of single-issue storytelling. Read Full Review

This is a nice story with really no faults aside from it not going deep enough than its expected to. It's a done-in-one annual that can be enjoyed by all and the art makes it a joy to read. Being an annual it's a bit of a steep price for something that's middle of the road as opposed to something remarkable however. Read Full Review

Despite the questionability of releasing a Halloween story in June, the annual is a solid product, filled with moments of true suspense and genuine character. That said, without some familiarity with Hurwitz's work on these villains, you won't get as much out of the issue as you should. Read Full Review

I still haven't read the Red Hood annual yet, but as of right now this seems to be the best Annual issue of the day and it's one of the best issues of Batman: The Dark Knight yet that nicely ties together all of Hurwtiz's previous stories. I think it's good and worth a read, but $5 dollars good? I keep going back and forth on that. This Halloween special has some scenes that go on a bit long and if they were trimmed then “Once Upon a Midnight Dreary” would've made a fantastic $2.99 issue come October. Read Full Review

The central flaw with this Annual is that it's too light and simple to justify the $5 cover price. The idea is fun and the execution solid, but, it doesn't even need to be as long as it is. This story would have been better off trimmed down into a one or two-part installment of Legends of the Dark Knight. At least then readers would only be asked to fork over a dollar or two. Read Full Review

If you're looking for a easy to jump into story involving three of Batman's more recognizable rouges, then this is an issue you'll probably be interested in. It's simple, entertaining, and even funny at times (IE the early banter about Batman's tropes). If you're looking for the NEXT BIGGEST STORY EVER THAT WILL SHAKE CONTINUITY... then this probably isn't that. It's an enjoyable, low-stakes story, with enjoyable atmospheric art, nothing more, nothing less. Read Full Review

"Batman: The Dark Knight Annual" #1 is a comic that's best aimed at those who haven't read Hurwitz's "Batman: The Dark Knight" before. If you like what you see, you're in luck because a new storyline is just around the corner, kicking off with "Batman: The Dark Knight" #22 in July. For those who have already experienced Hurwitz's run, though? Just look at this as a remix/greatest hits album, and you'll be all right. Read Full Review

Gregg Hurwitz gives us an interesting, creepy set-up: three villains alone in a creepy, run-down abandoned orphanage, once run by the Arkhams. Scarecrow, Penguin, and.... Mad Hatter? I can let that one slide. Sometimes a writer has a character that they always wanted to work with, or have a special emotional connection to that they want to pull into a story. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The inclusion of the Hatter seems a bit arbitrary, as he is a C-list villain at best with a couple of A-listers. Why either of the others would even respond to his invitation is beyond me. They quickly realize they've been set up. Hijinks ensue. It's pretty bland, there are some interesting flash backs that occur from a jolt of Scarecrow's fear toxin, but nothing we haven't seen before. The whole release of the fear toxin scene was muddled and confusing as well. Read Full Review