21st Century Santa Stories #1

I meant to read this book last year when it came out. But for some reason I didn't get to purchase it until after the holiday. Maybe it was a shipping delay. But for some reason, I was late to the party for this one-shot anthology from American Mythology. 

There are 4 stories in this book. The first story ponders what would happen to Santa if Christmas was cancelled. Now, normally, you'd think that St. Nick would have an early vacation. But the twist on this story is that Santa only gets paid if there's a holiday. So without his annual stipend, Kris Kringle is forced to make ends meet until next year's holiday season. 

Then a bunch of homemade ornaments meet the newest decoration on the tree, a cute little puppy. But when an accident causes Santa's milk and cookies to be ruined, the baubles panic thinking that they've ruined Christmas.

Then a young boy is taught to pray to Saint Nicholas for protection over his father who's at sea on a merchant vessel. Unknown to the child, dad's praying too because his ship has just sunk and he's about to plunge into the bring deep.

Lastly, a pair of brothers, and one sleepy sister, use modern technology to try and capture Santa Claus.

This issue ends with a couple of interactive one-pagers for kids. I particularly liked the form letter to Santa. That was kinda funny. An unexpected addition was a glimpse at all of American Mythology's Three Stooges books over the years. I greatly appreciated it as I saw that there's a couple of holiday themed specials that I don't have yet. (I'll need to update my wish list.)

Overall, a very good book. The prayers to Santa story was a little weird. But then again, I don't live in a predominantly Catholic nation where intercession with Saint Nicholas is common. So I learned something there. But I also experienced some heartache inside this book.

In the opening tale, there was a single panel that just broke my heart. In need of cash, Santa has to sell his reindeer. The look on Donner's face just killed me. He looks so loving and proud at Santa, who's refusing to sell one of his team for no less than $500. I just couldn't tell if Donner had no idea that someone was about to buy him or if the reindeer was hopeful that for such a large sum of money, Donner isn't going anywhere. The whole swirl of mixed emotions and uncertainty over the outcome of that scene just made me so sad and I just can't shake its effect on me.

The main cover by Roy Allen Martinez is just so wonderful. It should rank up there as one of the best holiday covers of all time. However, I don't think that's going happen with this being an Indy book that flew under a lot of comic book lovers radar.

I wouldn't mind a second volume. Just don't play with my heartstrings when it comes to Santa's reindeer.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.