REVIEW: ‘Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns’ Issue #1

Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Jeff Parker, art by Lukas Ketner, colors by Marcelo Maiolo, and letters by Pat Brosseau. Santa Claus returns to help Batman and the rest of the Justice League in their hour of need.

A direct sequel to an earlier team-up, this festive adventure has a purity to it. While there are references to what happened in the previous series, this comic is easy to get into. It’s got the same giant monster fighting, with a different selection of villains that must be defeated. What has changed is that the reader is now more aware of the circumstances so that it can start faster.

While Christmassy, Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1 can get dark if it wants to. Young superheroes are put in danger and fatalities early in the book. What has also shifted is when and where the characters are introduced. The first series started slow, gradually expanding and including the heroes. Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1 has an entire Justice League squad, perhaps leaning into the new premise of the team. And then it shrinks, bouncing between this team and a smaller group that has gone to Santa for help. This keeps the pace moving and the story exciting.

The characters are incredibly well-written in Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1. Klaus and the monsters show that Parker introduces more than just a festive, Christian idea to the book. Klaus is a monster hunter. Norwegian and other forms of folklore have a massive influence, turning the jolly character into something more hardcore and action-packed. That being said, Klaus also leans into more recognizable features of Christmas, such as elves and trees. It is interesting to see characters look up to and trust Santa, even those that once were non-believers. Even Robin, who spent the previous series unimpressed by Santa, now requires his aid and fully believes in his magic. 

The selection of heroes has changed in Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1. The Justice League team is undoubtedly an intriguing selection. Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern (John Stewart) are familiar with their earlier adventure and are figureheads of the lead. Then you have Mera and Nubia. Amazing warriors and rulers, in their own right, provide freshness and strength to the cast. Then there is little Thunderheart, Irey West. The daughter of Wally West, she is energetic but also vulnerable. This makes the book busy in the early stages. However, as the first iteration of this idea showcased, the number of superheroes is likely to increase further.

The art is sensational. A change in artist allows for new ideas and perspectives. As the issue begins, the displayed monsters and creatures look haunting and disturbing. It is something new and a phenomenal design by Ketner. At first glance, the character generates a mystery around its history. The monster leaves its victims in a horrible state, dried-out husks with demented looks of fright on their faces.

The first fight of Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1 is grand and exciting, even as a taster of what is to come. The speed and strength of the heroes come across brilliantly. The second half of the issue features more festive aspects as Klaus enters the picture. There is a home filled with the quintessential trimmings of Christmas, warming up the book. Klaus is an excellent mix of comfort and cool. He has been redesigned to feature his iconic outfit, but he is also decked out with an axe and armor for his monster hunting.

The colors are excellent at controlling the temperature of Batman/Santa Claus: The Silent Knight Returns #1. Despite the wintery time of year, the book is warm and comforting. At first, this can be seen in the powers of the characters. There is an intense red through much of the issue, with some green emanating from Green Lantern’s ring and energy construct. Then, in front of the Christmas tree, the candles and the roaring fire warm the heart. But when the heroes run into trouble, the colors drain from the page, and bitter cold sets in. The letters are dynamic and bold, exciting and easy to read.

Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1 is more than a holiday special. Implementing some folklore into Santa’s makeup transforms him from the front of a Christmas Card to a figure with depth and intrigue. He may still be corny, but that isn’t always bad in comics. The sheer number of heroes involved makes it fun to get involved in. The dialogue is noisy and exciting. The story can be dark and fantastical instead of just festive. It’’s the perfect concept to prepare readers for the holiday season.

Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.