[[{“value”:”
With the holiday season in full swing, one has to wonder how Batman and Superman spend the most wonderful time of the year. Most stories put out by DC Comics throughout the year show them and their allies working round the clock, but rarely around the holidays.
For those who like a bit of seasonal entertainment, DC has rectified this by periodically publishing winter anthologies that show its numerous heroes and villains celebrating the holidays. Whether they’re decking the halls or just decking a villain, these 12 stories are sure to put a smile on any fan’s face this holiday season.
12
Batman Came to a Synagogue’s Aid on Hanukkah
“House of Peace”, DCU Holiday Bash II #1
In Chuck Dixon and Dave Taylor’s “House of Peace”, a crook steals from a synagogue during Hanukkah, stealing donations the building relies on to stay open. Thankfully, Batman is already on the scene, handling the thief as the congregants work together finding replacement oil that was ruined during the robbery. Everything comes together as the temple’s menorah is lit, and the Dark Knight retrieves the missing money. It’s a simple story, but an effective one that shows that Batman is always keeping an eye on the vulnerable parts of his city, especially during an important time like Hanukkah.
11
‘Santa’ Gave Superman the Gift He Needed Most
“The Gift”, DCU Holiday Bash II #1
Dan Jurgens’ “The Gift” is an incredibly short story, but it really captures the essence of Superman. It’s another day in Metropolis as Lex Luthor has failed yet again to destroy Superman. Clark disposes of a robot that Lex sent after him and tells him off before Superman heads back to Smallville to spend Christmas on Kent Farm. Around the Christmas tree, Clark finds a note to him from ‘Santa’ that says he’s got the perfect gift for him: A brand-new cape to replace the one that was destroyed by Lex’s robot (and Superman couldn’t be more grateful for it).
“Just Another Night”, DCU Holiday Bash #1
Similarly, Jim Aparo’s “Just Another Night” is short and has no dialogue, but it says everything it needs to say about Batman’s relationship with Alfred. It’s Christmas, but it’s business as usual for the Dark Knight. Alfred tends to Wayne Manor, noting how quiet it is without Robin around. As usual, Batman heads out to protect Gotham, leaving Alfred alone in the Batcave. However, the faithful butler finds a gift for him from Batman. Bruce often has trouble expressing his emotions, but stories like this remind everyone that Batman deeply cares for the people closest to him.
9
Santa Claus Got a ‘Super’ Origin Story
“The Man in Red”, DCU Holiday Special #1
Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson, Ivan Reis, and Joe Prado had fun with their story “The Man in Red”, which initially appears to be a re-telling of Superman’s origin story. But it’s actually an origin for Santa Claus, who follows the same path Clark did on his path to becoming the Man of Steel. From growing up with a supportive family in a small town to building a palace in the North Pole, the short draws a lot of parallels between the two. It’s a hilarious, but earnest riff on both Santa and Superman that any reader can appreciate.
8
Batman’s Son Reunited with Family on a Somber Holiday
“Warmth”, DC Nuclear Holiday Special #1
“Warmth” by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Giuseppe Camuncoli is a daring story, set during the tragic future of Batman 666, a timeline where Damian sold his soul to become Gotham’s eternal protector. Batman roams the streets until he’s attacked by his grandfather, a suicidal Ra’s al Ghul. al Ghul tries to bait Damian into killing him, but Batman takes pity on Ra’s, offering the old man his company and the two spend Christmas sitting by a fire. It’s sadder than most other DC Christmas stories, but it’s one that offers a small ray of hope to an otherwise hopeless timeline.
7
Superman Was Shown Up by Robin (But it All Worked Out)
“The Last Minute”, DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1
“The Last Minute” by Tim Seely and Ian Churchill finds Superman in a real predicament. He’s forgotten to get Jon an in-demand video game console, forcing Clark to go on a worldwide search. Unfortunately, the last console is bought by Damian. The Waynes and Kents spend Christmas together when Superman discovers that Damian actually bought the console for Jon instead of himself. Bruce apologizes for Damian sneaking the gift from Clark, but Superman is just happy Jon has a friend to help him feel like a normal kid. It’s a sweet tale that shows Robin’s hidden heart of gold.
6
Superman and Batman Helped a Family in Need in Their Own Ways
“World’s Finest Christmas”, DCU Holiday Bash III #1
In Karl Kesel, Dave Taylor, and Klaus Janson’s “World’s Finest Christmas”, Superman and Batman have just saved a family, though their home is in ruins. Batman simply moves on, while Superman hangs back to build them a brand-new house. But, Bruce helps out in his own way, sending Alfred to offer the family’s father a job at Wayne Enterprises. Alfred makes a point that while Batman has a hard outer shell, he deeply sympathizes with those who have nothing around the holidays. It’s a wonderful story that shows the different approaches Batman and Superman have to helping their fellow man.
5
Superboy Tried to Give Krypto the Best Christmas Present
“For the Dog Who Has Everything”, DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1
In Eric Esquivel and Dan Jurgens’ “For the Dog Who Has Everything”, Jon is concerned that the Super-Family’s dog Krypto feels isolated that he’s not like other dogs. Ever the observant parent, Superman takes Jon to the Fortress of Solitude to share more about his Kryptonian heritage with his son. During the visit, Jon spots Superman’s old belt and fashions it into a collar for Krypto, giving it to the pooch and telling him that no matter how different they are, they’re a family. It’s a sweet story to really get readers thinking about familial bonds during the holiday.
4
Lois Saved the Life of a Man in Need
“The Benefaction of Peace”, DCU Holiday Bash #1
Superman’s not the only person who can save a life. In Barry Jameson and Graham Nolan’s “The Benefaction of Peace”, Lois discovers George, a Daily Planet co-worker, on the roof and about to commit suicide after his wife left him. Lois spends time with him, telling him a story about Superman during the loneliest parts of his career. Her story inspires George to come down and Lois offers to spend more of Christmas Eve getting to know George. It’s a good reminder that around the holidays, just reaching out and talking to others can have a positive impact.
“Streaks in the Sky”, DC’s ‘Twas the Mite Before Christmas #1
“Streaks in the Sky” by Michael W. Conrad and Gavin Guidry is a powerful and poignant Superman story. Superman takes time out of his packed holiday to aid a suicidal man, and the two have a frank discussion about life and its hardships. Thankfully, the overall experience broadens the man’s perspective and motivates him to get consistent help. Not only does Superman inspire the man to play Santa, but he also works towards gaining a better support system in the new year. It’s a touching story that wants everyone to know that reaching out for help around the holiday is okay.
2
Batman Showed Up Superman at Christmas
“Yes, Tyrone, There is a Santa Claus”, DCU Infinite Holiday Special #1
There simply is no funnier DC holiday short story than “Yes, Tyrone, There is a Santa Claus” by Kelley Puckett and Phil Balsman. A boy writes to the Daily Planet asking if Santa is real, inspiring Clark to surprise him. However, Batman dissuades Clark, saying it’s unbefitting of a superhero. Before Superman heads off, he decides to at least give Tyrone his presents, only to discover Batman swooped in and stole the Christmas glory, earning Batman a punch on the jaw from Superman. It’s a unique story that puts a festive and hilarious spin on the World’s Finest’s rivalry.
1
Oracle Stopped Crime in Gotham as a Gift to Her Father
“Day Without Sirens”, DCU Holiday Special #1
Living in Gotham is hard, but even miracles are possible. In “Day Without Sirens” by Joe Kelly and Mick Bertilorenzi, a community initiative is attempting to make Gotham a crime-free day, but Commissioner Gordon has his doubts such a thing is possible. However, the Day Without Sirens comes and Gotham PD has absolutely nothing to do, surprising the hardened Gordon and renewing his faith in humanity a little bit. Unbeknownst to Gordon, the day was arranged by his daughter, Barbara, who called in a favor from Supergirl to keep the city crime-free as a gift to Oracle’s father.
“}]] The World’s Finest holiday stories. Read More