Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Year’s by Liz Ireland

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Year’s by ...:   Reviewed by Jeanne April Claus is trying to stay calm, but when your husband is out making stops all over the world in an aging sleigh...

Scott's Take: Batman-Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns by Jeff Parker (Author) and Lukas Ketner (Illustrator)

 

Batman-Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns by Jeff Parker (Author) and Lukas Ketner (Illustrator) is the sequel to the first Batman- Santa Claus team up book, Batman – Santa Claus: SilentKnight by Jeff Parker, Illustrator Michele Bandini. I read all five issues on DC Infinite and they have not collected it in trade form yet. This means I did not have access to the variant covers. such as the sexy Santa variant, which is supposed to be scratch and sniff. I am glad I do not. Sexy and Santa is not something I want connected in my mind.

 

In this Christmas tale, the Justice League attempts to stop a magical knight who is sucking the life out of random people. The league is quickly defeated and banished by the knight. Mera, Batman, Superman, and others are forced into a pocket dimension away from the world. Robin (Damian) barely escapes and goes to Zatanna for help. Soon Santa joins them. Along the way other heroes join up to rescue their friends such as Mary Marvel and Mrs. Claus.

 

This action-packed Christmas tale with some minor horror elements is a fun fast read with Fairey and Arthurian mythology. Mrs. Claus as a warrior was not something I expected to read. The art is good and several minor heroes get the spotlight who usually don’t get to appear as much. The main covers are really cool and fun. One such cover has Santa making wood figures of the heroes who join as reinforcements midway through the tale.

 

The Flash (Wally) joins in the fun with his horrible new costume. I know this is a nitpick, but his costume is so bad. Its jarring. I really don’t know how someone got that thing approved. You know it’s bad when its being mocked all the time online.

 

The ending sets up potential further adventures for Santa and the League. One hopes they keep this series going as there is setup for more.

 

As noted in the review, at this time, only the five single issues that make up the read are available at the DC Unlimited app. Scroll down to COMIC SERIES.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2025

Scott's Take: Klaus by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Dan Mora

 

Klaus by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Dan Mora tells the story of Santa Year One. This is an origin book covering how Klaus became Santa in his first year. Taking classical elements of his backstory, various traditions, and other elements, this tale is set long ago in a medieval world full of magic. It tells a unique origin story of Santa as a revolutionary trying to bring joy to a town being oppressed by a tyrant. It’s hard to talk about the plot without ruining the story, but this Santa is more of an action hero than most Santa depictions.

 

Illustrator Dan Mora provides his wonderful art using bright colors and detailed imagery. Dan Mora is widely considered by many one of the best artists in comics today for a reason. He is really good.

 

The final fight between Santa and the big villain of the tale sees Santa uttering some excellent lines while facing off against a terrifying foe. The final fight might be my favorite part of the graphic novel.

 

I am not a Christmas guy anymore since my mom passed, but this was a really good read.  My one complaint is I wish the epilogue was a bit longer.

 

The second volume in the series is titled, Klaus: The New adventures of Santa Claus, and I look forward to reading it.

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/42H5iW0  

 

My reading copy came from the Skyline Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2024