With the holiday season in full swing, one has to wonder howBatmanandSupermanspend the most wonderful time of the year. Moststories put out by DC Comicsthroughout 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 thisby 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.
12Batman 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 onthe 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 thatBatman 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).
10Batman Took Time to Show Alfred Love on Christmas
“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 thatBatman deeply cares for the people closest to him.
9Santa 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.
8Batman’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 companyand 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.
7Superman 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 thatshows Robin’s hidden heart of gold.
6Superman 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 showsthe different approaches Batman and Superman have to helping their fellow man.
5Superboy 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.
4Lois 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 andLois 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.
3Superman Took Time Out of the Holiday to Help a Man Find Purpose
“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 systemin the new year. It’s a touching story that wants everyone to know that reaching out for help around the holiday is okay.
