The four-part crossover event of a generation begins when a not-so-jolly St. Nick hits Gotham City to investigate a brutal crime in the days leading up to Christmas… What manner of man or beast could have committed such atrocities?! With the help of his former student, Batman, Santa will team up with the heroes of the DC Universe to right this wrong–or the world wakes up to coal in their stockings! A brutal, two-fisted holiday tale of hope, wonder, and monster hunting is the perfect treat to ring in the holidays–it’s Claus in canon! Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight #1 might sound like a silly concept but it’s really good.

There’s something strange going on in Gotham. Something is attacking its citizens and the bites point towards vampires. In steps Santa… monster hunter! Jeff Parker takes this goofy concept and makes it work. Wow does it work. Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight #1 is just a hell of a lot of fun and that has to do with a lot with how Parker makes it seem like a completely normal event. Parker achieves that by playing off the “wtf” nature of it all. While Batman has had some history with Santa, the others act like they thought it was just stories Batman made up. They act a bit amazed and kid-like with Santa standing before them. It’s not played like this is just some normal event, there’s excitement and disbelief which reflects the readers in some ways.

Part of that is due to the art by Michele Bandini. With color by Alex Sinclair and lettering by Pat Brosseau, the art balances its worlds. There’s solid action you’d expect from a Batman story and the winter setting is solid and not overdone. But, what stands out are the characters’ reactions to meeting Santa. There’s a sense of wonder, excitement, disbelief, and astonishment in their faces and body language. Again, that plays off of Parker’s writing and helps establish to the readers this isn’t some normal event, it really is magical.

I’ll admit, I came into Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight #1 not expecting much but boy I was wrong as far as that. The story is fun, entertaining, full of action, some laughs, good action, and perfect for the holiday season. Don’t be naughty and sleep on this, it’s what comics are supposed to be, fun entertainment. Just one issue in and I’m hoping this becomes a yearly tradition.

Story: Jeff Parker Art: Michele Bandini
Color: Alex Sinclair Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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