Batman – Santa Claus: Silent Knight #3 review

Last issue we learned that Krampus declaring war on Man wasn’t in character. While he looks fearsome, he was traditionally Santa Claus’s winter pal, playing mischievous tricks on naughty children in the run-up to Christmas. But a misunderstanding led Santa to banish him to a weird limbo and now, hundreds of years later, it seems festering resentment has burst into an all-out assault on humans using mythological monsters.

So it is that as the third issue of this month-long event begins, harpy-like creatures are attacking the good folk of the United Kingdom. Happily, they aren’t the only winged game in London town.

As well as Hawkgirl and Green Lantern Jo Mullein – she’s generating the force shield – there’s an expert on mythical beasts to hand… Wonder Woman.

Outside Gotham City, Santa sends a lieutenant to help Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing and the newly arrived Blue Beetle, Black Canary, Miss Martian, Green Arrow and Superman tackle the Christmas Crisis.

And soon, in Norway…

If you want gods and monsters fighting it out to the tune of Christmas, this is the book for you. There’s plenty of humour but goodness me, the threats really are scary as drawn by regular artist Michele Bandini and the always welcome Trevor Hairsine – I especially like the latter’s harpy thingies. Bandini, meanwhile, continues giving us delightfully classic interpretations of DC favourites throwing themselves at fantastic beasts. And his Santa looks more than ready for his Justice League close-up.

The storytelling is strong throughout, with dynamic panels aplenty and some fine reaction shots.

Pat Brosseau’s lettering adds to the festive feel, with Krampus’s font being darkly Dickensian, while the colours of Alex Sinclair are as intelligent as ever, from the greys of the Big Smoke to the Northern Lights vibe of Norway.

Highlights of Jeff Parker’s story include Wonder Woman ending a violent situation in a non-violent manner – there’s no sign of the character-inappropriate sword she’s been stuck with since the New 52 – and the running gag of Santa remembering the address and Christmas list of everyone he meets. And I’m pleased at the strong hint that someone is possessing lovely old Krampus… but who would the enemy of Christmas be? The Easter Bunny?

Dan Mora is slaying it with his covers, just look at this beauty.

DC should try more Yuletide events – Endless Winter in 2020 was a winner and this short series is even more fun. I don’t know how it’s going to end but I’m happy to say right now that if the animation bods at Warner Bros don’t make Batman – Santa: Silent Knight into a Christmas special they deserve nothing but coal.