Happy Holidays, Bat-fans! It’s been a rough past few days for me (no need to worry, just the standard Christmas travel nightmares!), so it’s nice to finally have a chance to sit down and read what has been one of my favorite comics this month! We’re doing this 4-issue miniseries in one go, but if you find my review a little short or shallow, I IMPLORE you to check it out for yourself.
Let’s jump in!
O Holy Knight
Jeff Parker may have written my favorite DC holiday story. This whole miniseries feels like something out of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. The characters are all dynamic and fun, everyone is super down with the whole Santa thing, and they never once (with the exception of, of course, Damian) call Santa’s identity into question. He’s Santa Claus, and he needs their help. And that’s enough.
Another thing I absolutely adore about this mini is their version of Santa’s lore. Aside from that being in the running for one of the dumbest sentences I’ve ever written for this site, it’s also true! Santa and Krampus are actual characters in this book, with backstories and nuances and relationships. It’s really cool to see! More than that, it brings emotional stakes to a story that could very easily forgo them entirely. The good cop/bad cop angle with Krampus and Santa is so fun!! By turning Krampus into an old friend of Santa’s, one who’s been betrayed and wronged by him, Parker draws out a sympathy from the reader where one would usually expect another mindless monster who wants to destroy Christmas.
All the DC characters feel exceptionally well written as well, from Batman and Superman to Black Canary and Blue Beetle! I mean come on. Look at this. Tell me it doesn’t make you feel anything. I dare you. Cap it all off with the best present I’ve ever seen (read it for yourself!), and Jeff Parker has written a damn near perfect DC Christmas. Silent Knight? More like… uh… no that’s pretty good
But wait a minute! Cam, you’ve only talked about the writing! What about literally the other 3/4s of the comic? Settle down, I was getting there! The art for this book is honestly pretty stock-standard for DC. That’s by NO means a bad thing, more that there’s nothing unique for me to say here.
Screw that, though, I’m gonna do my best! I really like the way Michelle Bandini and Trevor Hairsine draw their faces!! Every character is expressive and animated. I also really dig their designs for Santa and Krampus! Both of them feel very modern and fresh, especially the cool monster hunter take on Santa we see in this book. Seriously, look at him. Makes me want to read Klaus in all the best ways. Danny Kim and Stephen Sargovia are nothing to scoff at either! Though their style is noticeably different than the first three issues, I almost prefer their take on Santa as a big, bulky warrior type than the slimmer, hero guy (though issues #1-3 still have some heft!). You just FEEL the jolly in him.
Of course, none of this would come together without Alex Sinclair and Pat Brousseau. I’m in love with Sinclair’s vibrant colors, and his mastery over light is extremely well used here. Every lantern and torch feels warm and bright against the cold, dark night our heroes face. Pat Brousseau maintains his status as one of my favorite letterers in the game right now. There’s nothing horribly fancy going on here (though there doesn’t need to be!!), but he delivers solid quality on every page, and that’s something to be admired. Shout out Pat! Love your work.
Recommended if…
You’re looking for a fun Christmas story with all your favorite superheroes. This is a fun late Christmas present!
Brave and the Bold type stories are up your alley. (They’re certainly up mine!)
Overall
This is exactly the kind of fun holiday romp I’m looking for in a Christmas special. I absolutely loved every second of this.
Score: 9/10
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DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purposes of this review.
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