For Christmas Eve 2020, I went with a classic. DC Comics Presents #67, teaming Superman with Santa Claus, is a story that is every bit as magical as the Christmas holiday is.
I had this comic book when I was a kid during the 1983 Christmas holiday. (Remember, comics were usually dated 2-3 months later than when they actually hit store shelves back in the day.) And it became an annual read for me up until about 1992 or so when my comic book collection was stolen.
The story has the Man of Steel and Kris Kringle taking on the Toyman, who has booby-trapped a number of toys. Within the toys are subliminal messages ordering the kiddies to steal cash and jewels and take them to their local Schott's Toy Store. Considering that these are toys that parents will be giving to their children as presents from Santa, the Jolly Ol' Fat Man cannot stand idly by letting his reputation go to pot.
This book is almost 40 years old. So I think it's okay to spoil it a bit.
The story ends with Superman's encounter with Santa being a dream (or is it?) The fact that Toyman has a nefarious scheme hasn't changed. That part is definitely real. Yet this story ends with Superman going to his Clark Kent apartment to dress back into his secret identity to go to a holiday party. There's no mention of what happened to the Toyman. So did Superman allowed Toyman to ruin Christmas? While this issue is an all-time classic- it's got some plot holes!
E. Nelson Birdwell (Justice League of America) and Len Wein (Swamp Thing) wrote the story. Curt Swan drew it and definitive feelgood DC artist Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez crafted that timeless cover. It all makes for a very festive read that is fitting for a night of waiting for Santa. But it's far from perfect especially thanks to Sups letting Toyman off scott free!
Worth Consuming!
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.
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