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In this eagerly anticipated sequel, Santa Claus joins forces with DC’s iconic heroes to face a chilling new threat: the Silent Knight. This spectral villain wreaks havoc across the DC Universe, forcing an unlikely alliance in a holiday crossover that promises thrills, mystery, and a touch of festive magic.
Let’s unwrap the first issue of this thrilling DC holiday special! Stay tuned as Matt and Marty dive into the writing, art, and everything that makes this festive crossover event so spectacular.
Creative team: Jeff Parker (Writer), Lukas Ketner (Artist), Marcelo Maiolo (Colors), and Pat Brosseau (Letters)
Check Out The Review For Last Years Event Here!
The Writing:
Marty:
Jeff Parker delivers another engaging holiday crossover that will leave fans eager for more. The narrative sets the stage with a swift yet intriguing backstory, presenting the Silent Knight as a ghostly menace with an aura reminiscent of classic Christmas hauntings—think Scooby-Doo meets A Christmas Carol.
Parker skillfully manages the story’s pacing, maintaining a smooth flow as multiple heroes converge to confront the rising threat. The Silent Knight’s looming presence builds a palpable tension, and the stakes feel high as he overpowers even the mightiest champions. The issue’s cliffhanger is expertly crafted, ensuring readers are left wanting more, and it continues to solidify this event as a cherished holiday tradition.
Matt:
I am a sucker for these Holiday crossover events, and Jeff comes in swinging with this year. Setting the stage with a presence that not only can stifle the likes of Superman but also leaves behind a haunting image of mummified humans brings us immediately to the edge of our seats. Bringing in other heroes to get a share of the light, such as Zatanna, Nubia, and others, also has this story set to be thrilling since we don’t often spend time with these characters.
Santa’s epic return as he bursts through the chimney is another well-paced and thought-out moment that achieves what Jeff was setting out to achieve, which is bringing hope into this story. I cannot wait for more.
The Art Colors and Flow:
Marty:
Lukas Ketner’s artwork shines, particularly in his depiction of the Silent Knight. The character design exudes intensity, with his ghostly form enhanced by dynamic shading and powerful action lines. The vivid oranges, yellows, and reds Marcelo Maiolo uses during battle sequences heighten the drama, making the villain’s presence feel both ominous and forceful.
Ketner’s use of depth is noteworthy. By placing lighter, more subdued characters in the background and vividly detailed ones in the foreground, he creates a 3D-like effect within the 2D space, adding visual richness that makes each panel feel larger than life.
Pat Brosseau’s lettering is a standout. The distinct color variations and balloon styles for different characters make it easy for readers to follow conversations, a critical element in a crossover featuring numerous heroes. This thoughtful approach to lettering ensures seamless navigation through the complex narrative.
Matt:
There are some highly well-designed panels on the pages of this book. The shot of Santa emerging from the fiery chimney as this hulking figure leaves us in awe as the mythical jolly man does more than deliver presents under the tree. Another outstanding example of artwork is the opening pages when we see the dark being sucked the life from normal humans, leaving them as a husk of what they were. It is darkly portrayed against the bright colors this issue otherwise presents us with.
Pat deserves a special shout for the lettering done as well. The little things, such as there being a top hat when Zatanna speaks and the childlike and yet brave voices of our under-age heroes, are the little details I love to see in a comic.
Final Thoughts:
Marty:
Batman Santa Claus Silent Night Returns #1 delivers a festive thrill ride, blending holiday charm with high-stakes action. The creative team excels in every department, producing a visually captivating and narratively satisfying start to what promises to be another beloved holiday event. Don’t miss this one—it’s a gift worth unwrapping!
Overall Grade 9 out of 10
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Matt:
Batman Santa Claus Silent Knight Returns #1 is the Holiday adventure we all grew up dreaming of as kids. Seeing Santa back in the DC Universe is always a great thing, and this issue serves as the excellent sequel kick-off to last year’s event. I cannot wait to see where the adventure takes us!
Overall Grade 9.5 out of 10
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Thanks for checking out our joint review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let us know what comics you’re reading and hit us up on any social media platform! Marty can be found here and Matt can be found here! Untill next time…
