This one-shot from the legendary Paul Dini has Santa's ultra-hip daughter starring in a trio of holiday-themed tales. First, Belle and the captain of the rival Snow-Leopards try to spread some holiday cheer during a hockey game. But when the girls find out that their dating the same guy, nobody is safe- especially the boyfriend. Then Jingle helps set up one of Santa's helpers to impress the new girl in gift wrapping. Lastly, the Claus family are asked to help light the national Christmas tree in Washington.
The first two tales were great. They were fun, they were funny, and they had a classic holiday cartoon feel to them. But story number 3 was a stinker. It was way, way too political.
Published in 2005, the President at the time was George W. Bush. Now I know that comics have always been a tool for free expression and I support the first amendment. But, no matter how you might feel about Bush's policies or the guy as a whole, I just didn't feel that a book like this, aimed at readers of all ages, is the right time to start being political.
I've read tons of holiday comics that use the spreading of holiday cheer to examine the wrongs of society. From helping the homeless to tackling human trafficking, drugs, and Anti-Semitism, holiday comics have often hidden morals underneath a Christmas tree's worth of great treats. But never have I read a holiday comic that goes out and named actual names of politicians who might be passing over the little guy.
I could see a Halloween comic or a valentine special demonizing Bush and Cheney. But Christmas is supposed to be about peace on earth and goodwill to men. Having our POTUS electrocuted when trying to light the tree just seems to be going too far. There's no way in the world this would've gone unnoticed if Obama was made to look the fool and could you imagine the uproar the politician lampooned was Kim Jong-Un?
Something to think about in this mixed up world of Sony hacks and Seth Rogen comedies.
Worth Consuming
Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.
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