Happy holidays, comic book readers! Another winter is upon us, and with that comes hot mugs of cocoa, warm fireplaces, tasty festivities, and fun with friends and family…aaaaand comic books. Yep, we here at Tiny Table 3 wanted to make sure you all had the perfect reading material to keep you warm and cozy this holiday season, so we put together a list of the books and issues you should be adding to your queue this years. That’s right, throw out the Christmas classics and flip through some of these beauties. Take a look at some of our preferred choices for Christmas-time comic reads, and feel free to send us your own personal recommendations! ‘Tis always the season for comic books!
1. Batman: Noël, Lee Bermejo 2011
Take the classic Christmas novel, A Christmas Carol, and swap out the main characters for Batman, the Joker, Robin, Catwoman, and even Superman. The result is, in my personal opinion, one of the most beautifully interpreted, artistically sculpted, and heartwarmingly brilliant Batman stories ever. Don’t even get me started on the fact that the upcoming portrayal of Batman in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is inspired by this novel. In this amazing interpretation of the Dickens classic, Lee Bermejo writes and illustrates one of the most beautiful renditions of Gotham ever depicted on paper. He brings new vibrancy and twists to a story that most of us know by heart, and by gosh it actually feels original. Trust us, if you haven’t heard of Batman Noël, or if you just haven’t had a chance to check it out, please do. It is a perfect accompaniment to the holidays, but even can be read all year long.
2. Superman Issue #64 “Metropolis Mailbag”, Dan Jurgens 1992
If there’s one man on the face of the Earth who can sympathize for Santa Claus during the holidays, it’s Superman. Yeah, you heard right. In this touchingly sentimental issue from 1992, Superman lets Lois Lane help him sort through his stockpile of letters sent to him by the masses. He seems hesitant at first, explaining to Lois how most of the letters are selfish requests for endorsements or pleas for illegal assistance. People are greedy during the holidays, and when you can ask Superman for seemingly any favor, the wrong types of people are going to reach out. However, that isn’t what really bothers Superman. It’s the pleas for help that he cannot physically answer. The children of dying parents, people in need of transplants, and people who are beyond saving…those are the ones who really make him feel pain. Yet, he takes the guilt and the burden of being Superman head-on, doing whatever he can to offer help, guidance, and comfort to those who are truly in need. In his own words, “The Eradicator, Intergang, Mr. Mxyzptlk—none of them get to me the way this does. Guess that’s pretty obvious why that is…I at least have a chance of coming out on top with those guys.” In this issue, you’ll really get a sense of the true meaning of Christmas, which is to be selfless and help others. It’s a quick read that should definitely be in your Christmas reading pile.
3. Marvel Zombies Christmas Carol, Jim McCann 2011
Now, we should preface that one of the more disappointing aspects of this comic book is the lack of Marvel superheroes. Understandably, when one reads “Marvel Zombies”, several images come to mind. However, this book stays away from the classic Marvel heroes and strictly reimagines the Dickens classic…but with zombies. Hey, everyone’s doing it! Still, it manages to make a pretty compelling story and adds some much needed suspense and action to an otherwise melancholy and (sometimes) boring base story. All in all, there’s not much to say here other than: It’s A Christmas Carol with zombies in it. If that hasn’t peaked your interest, maybe skip this one.
4. The Flash Issue #73 “One Perfect Gift”, Mark Waid 1993
Sometimes a simple Christmas story is the way to go, and this is a fitting choice if you’re deciding to head that route. The basis of this issue is a down-on-their-luck couple who are in need of some financial help (a la The Gift of the Magi), but leave it to Wally West and Jay Garrick (a.k.a. The Flashes) to put their own signature on the occasion. While the heart of the story is a struggling couple, Jay and Wally race around town helping the less fortunate, shoveling pathways, and spreading Christmas cheer, all while discussing the true meaning of Christmas: being with the ones you love. It’s a short and sweet issue, but covers all the typical Christmas bases. Check it out!
Hey, obviously there are plenty more comics that could have made it on our list, and many that are worthy of a spot. That’s where you come in! Let us know what comics WE should check out this holiday season, and help spread the word! Comment below and let us know what you think! Merry Christmas, everyone!
Tiny Table 3 