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Klaus #1
Klaus: How Santa Claus Began
Klaus is “Santa Claus: Year One.” Award-winning author Grant Morrison (All-Star Superman, The Multiversity) and Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award-winning artist Dan Mora (Hexed) revamp, reinvent, and re-imagine a classic superhero for the 21st century, drawing on Santa’s roots in Viking lore and Siberian shamanism. Collects the complete, seven-issue limited series in an oversized hardcover. “It’s the beautiful art and the unusual blend of grim medieval setting and whimsical fairy tale elements that truly distinguish this tale.” - IGN
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
77 people are currently reading
1500 people want to read
About the author
Grant Morrison
1,791 books4,563 followersGrant Morrison has been working with DC Comics for twenty five years, after beginning their American comics career with acclaimed runs on ANIMAL MAN and DOOM PATROL. Since then they have written such best-selling series as JLA, BATMAN and New X-Men, as well as such creator-owned works as THE INVISIBLES, SEAGUY, THE FILTH, WE3 and JOE THE BARBARIAN. In addition to expanding the DC Universe through titles ranging from the Eisner Award-winning SEVEN SOLDIERS and ALL-STAR SUPERMAN to the reality-shattering epic of FINAL CRISIS, they have also reinvented the worlds of the Dark Knight Detective in BATMAN AND ROBIN and BATMAN, INCORPORATED and the Man of Steel in The New 52 ACTION COMICS.
In their secret identity, Morrison is a "counterculture" spokesperson, a musician, an award-winning playwright and a chaos magician. They are also the author of the New York Times bestseller Supergods, a groundbreaking psycho-historic mapping of the superhero as a cultural organism. They divide their time between their homes in Los Angeles and Scotland.
In their secret identity, Morrison is a "counterculture" spokesperson, a musician, an award-winning playwright and a chaos magician. They are also the author of the New York Times bestseller Supergods, a groundbreaking psycho-historic mapping of the superhero as a cultural organism. They divide their time between their homes in Los Angeles and Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
December 23, 2022
Merry Christmas and behold the true story of Santa!
*cough*...as told by Grant Morrison.<--Ho, ho, ho, bitches
I was expecting something absolutely off the wall when I read this because, well, it's Grant Morrison retelling the origin of Santa.
But this was actually pretty normal. I mean, sure it's a barbarian fantasy thing with Klaus (Santa) fighting evil and magically making toys to combat the unhappiness caused by a demon-controlled king.
BUT.
It was a coherent story. <--did not expect that from Morrison.
This is wacky at its best.
Also, I didn't realize that there were more (one-shot) stories that add to the mythos of this character and his universe. I'm on a Christmas mission to track them all down and check them out.
I don't usually read Christmas stories. Most of the time they're a bit too sappy for me and just not what I'm looking for in my reading material.
But if there is such a thing as a holiday genre that I would be interested in, then this is it.
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, then I'd definitely encourage you to give it a try.
Badass Santa is the best Santa.
Happy Holidays, Goodreads.
*cough*...as told by Grant Morrison.<--Ho, ho, ho, bitches
I was expecting something absolutely off the wall when I read this because, well, it's Grant Morrison retelling the origin of Santa.
But this was actually pretty normal. I mean, sure it's a barbarian fantasy thing with Klaus (Santa) fighting evil and magically making toys to combat the unhappiness caused by a demon-controlled king.
BUT.
It was a coherent story. <--did not expect that from Morrison.
This is wacky at its best.
Also, I didn't realize that there were more (one-shot) stories that add to the mythos of this character and his universe. I'm on a Christmas mission to track them all down and check them out.
I don't usually read Christmas stories. Most of the time they're a bit too sappy for me and just not what I'm looking for in my reading material.
But if there is such a thing as a holiday genre that I would be interested in, then this is it.
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, then I'd definitely encourage you to give it a try.
Badass Santa is the best Santa.
Happy Holidays, Goodreads.
February 1, 2021
Bloody hell! Ima buy a print copy of this book!! Oh and I buddy read this with some of my MacHalo dolls, Fluffy & Hoopla Kitty
Before I commence with some awesome graphics, I must say.... I FREAKING LOVE HOT ASS, WOLF LOVING KLAUS. There, I shall proceed! Enjoy 😘
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Before I commence with some awesome graphics, I must say.... I FREAKING LOVE HOT ASS, WOLF LOVING KLAUS. There, I shall proceed! Enjoy 😘
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
December 10, 2023
If you find typical Christmas tales such as Twas the Night Before Christmas a tad sentimental and cloying, try out this alternative origin story for Santa Claus by Grant Morrison, a variation of an historical fantasy set in the middle ages, featuring a warrior named Klaus who would defeat an Evil Lord Magnus who enslaves his men in mines and cancels Yuletide and toys for children. Klaus, with a touch of psychedelic magic and a very real commitment to Doing Good for the people in this land and especially children, changes all that, with a certain measure of (non-Santa Claus-like?) ultra-violence.
Based in part in Norse legend and Siberian Shamanism, Klaus wants to restore yuletide cheer for the people, but in order to do that he must defeat Magnus, the totalitarian dictator who tear gasses child refugees just in time for Christmas (oops, wrong dictator!).
Klaus is one of Grant Morrison's more straightforward and comparatively wholesome tales, with a surprising touch of Christmas spirit and cheer. Well, I mean, wholesome for comics crazy Morrison, because a lot of people die, in case you're into that kind of thing and would miss it for the holidays. The art, especially in the depictions of the children, is pretty cartoony, and Klaus has about a size 75 EEEEE comic hero chest, and the evil Lord (and his son) are cartoonishly crazy evil, making everything a little silly, but it is pretty inventive and fun.
Based in part in Norse legend and Siberian Shamanism, Klaus wants to restore yuletide cheer for the people, but in order to do that he must defeat Magnus, the totalitarian dictator who tear gasses child refugees just in time for Christmas (oops, wrong dictator!).
Klaus is one of Grant Morrison's more straightforward and comparatively wholesome tales, with a surprising touch of Christmas spirit and cheer. Well, I mean, wholesome for comics crazy Morrison, because a lot of people die, in case you're into that kind of thing and would miss it for the holidays. The art, especially in the depictions of the children, is pretty cartoony, and Klaus has about a size 75 EEEEE comic hero chest, and the evil Lord (and his son) are cartoonishly crazy evil, making everything a little silly, but it is pretty inventive and fun.
November 2, 2016
It’s Yuletime but there’s no seasonal respite for the put upon townsfolk of Grimsvig – the evil Lord Magnus is forcing the men to work in the coal mines on Christmas Day while the children are banned from having toys or any fun. But magic is in the air so you better not cry – Santa Klaus is coming to town!
Dubbed “All-Star Santa” by some clever wag, Grant Morrison and Dan Mora’s Klaus is the secret origin of Santa Claus, and it’s brilliant!
If you’re familiar with Morrison’s work, you’ll know he tends to do two kinds of books: trippy/elaborately complex stories and the straightforward kind – Klaus is firmly in the latter, so don’t be put off by thinking it’ll be inaccessible or too weird.
Also, Klaus isn’t the familiar jolly old fat man figure you might expect for Santa – he looks more like Bruce Wayne out of costume, ridonkulously ripped and hunky, and his demeanour is similarly serious. Given the ninja stealth and fighting Klaus gets up to, it really does feel like Morrison is writing Batman again albeit with the soul and positivity of Superman in an Elseworlds-type setting - great news if you’re a fan of Morrison’s Batman like me!
Morrison cleverly weaves Klaus’ origin with traditional Christmas features like presents, chimney delivery, the significance of coal as punishment, the red and white colour scheme, the focus on family and kindness to all, the sled, and the tree, in an effortlessly complementary way that feels natural to the story. And I love that he jettisoned reindeer as Santa’s helpers and replaced them with giant snow wolves - that page of Klaus riding his wolf-driven sled across a lightning-sky background was SO metal!
But Morrison ensures that it’s also a real story rather than a tick-box exercise as our kindly underdog outlaw, framed years ago for a crime he didn’t commit, takes on the authorities with plenty of awesome action and an unexpectedly tender romance at the heart of everything.
If there’s a complaint to be had it’s that the villain is a bit too one-dimensional (think V for Vendetta obviousness) and the finale is your usual archetypical good vs evil smackdown complete with predictable ending. Then again in a book primarily focused on Santa, you’d expect the other characters’ development to be limited.
I don’t know where Morrison found him but Dan Mora’s artwork is a revelation: gorgeously painted landscapes, dynamic action scenes, excellent layouts, fantastic monster design, and he really gives the winter fantasyland its enthralling chilly atmosphere. Klaus is such a beautifully-drawn book - and he does it all, pencils, inks and colours! - it’s easy to see why Mora walked away with Most Promising Newcomer at this year’s Eisners. So well-deserved, I’ll definitely keep an eye out for his future projects.
Grant Morrison and Dan Mora’s Klaus is a highly entertaining and imaginative origin story for that ancient superhero, Santa Claus, and a wonderfully enchanting feel-good seasonal read too. A definite stocking-filler for comics fans everywhere!
Dubbed “All-Star Santa” by some clever wag, Grant Morrison and Dan Mora’s Klaus is the secret origin of Santa Claus, and it’s brilliant!
If you’re familiar with Morrison’s work, you’ll know he tends to do two kinds of books: trippy/elaborately complex stories and the straightforward kind – Klaus is firmly in the latter, so don’t be put off by thinking it’ll be inaccessible or too weird.
Also, Klaus isn’t the familiar jolly old fat man figure you might expect for Santa – he looks more like Bruce Wayne out of costume, ridonkulously ripped and hunky, and his demeanour is similarly serious. Given the ninja stealth and fighting Klaus gets up to, it really does feel like Morrison is writing Batman again albeit with the soul and positivity of Superman in an Elseworlds-type setting - great news if you’re a fan of Morrison’s Batman like me!
Morrison cleverly weaves Klaus’ origin with traditional Christmas features like presents, chimney delivery, the significance of coal as punishment, the red and white colour scheme, the focus on family and kindness to all, the sled, and the tree, in an effortlessly complementary way that feels natural to the story. And I love that he jettisoned reindeer as Santa’s helpers and replaced them with giant snow wolves - that page of Klaus riding his wolf-driven sled across a lightning-sky background was SO metal!
But Morrison ensures that it’s also a real story rather than a tick-box exercise as our kindly underdog outlaw, framed years ago for a crime he didn’t commit, takes on the authorities with plenty of awesome action and an unexpectedly tender romance at the heart of everything.
If there’s a complaint to be had it’s that the villain is a bit too one-dimensional (think V for Vendetta obviousness) and the finale is your usual archetypical good vs evil smackdown complete with predictable ending. Then again in a book primarily focused on Santa, you’d expect the other characters’ development to be limited.
I don’t know where Morrison found him but Dan Mora’s artwork is a revelation: gorgeously painted landscapes, dynamic action scenes, excellent layouts, fantastic monster design, and he really gives the winter fantasyland its enthralling chilly atmosphere. Klaus is such a beautifully-drawn book - and he does it all, pencils, inks and colours! - it’s easy to see why Mora walked away with Most Promising Newcomer at this year’s Eisners. So well-deserved, I’ll definitely keep an eye out for his future projects.
Grant Morrison and Dan Mora’s Klaus is a highly entertaining and imaginative origin story for that ancient superhero, Santa Claus, and a wonderfully enchanting feel-good seasonal read too. A definite stocking-filler for comics fans everywhere!
December 26, 2020
Take Rankin & Bass's Santa Claus Is Coming to Town , mix in some high fantasy and German folklore and you have Grant Morrison and Dan Mora's Klaus. I was very leery going into this, afraid this would be some metaphysical, Vertigo-like Grant Morrison nonsense, but Morrison gives us a straight forward story and it's fantastic. Accompanied by some blisteringly beautiful artwork by Dan Mora. As far as I know this is only his second series and his work is already top tier. Lush, vivid backgrounds, dynamic panels screaming action, this gentleman can do it all. Now that we have Klaus's origin story, I can't wait to see what he does the other 364 days of the year.
December 23, 2019
This is a slightly different origin story to one of THE heroes on this planet: Santa CKlaus (Father Christmas).
The author(s) combine Viking lore and Siberian shamanism to tell the story of Klaus, a man living in the woods and discovering one day that the town of Grimsvig has become a horribly dreary place where celebrating Yuletime (Christmas) is illegal as is being cheerful or having toys, singing, ...
He knew the town in times past when it was a joyful place and is determined to make it so again, if only for the sake of the children. He is helped by his white she-wolf Lilli and the ice and forest spirits.
A young, muscular Klaus who not only loves animals but has a faithful wolf by his side? Sign me up!
I will admit that it was slightly confusing that I now know a version of Father Christmas that I find sexy. *lol*
Despite the distracting muscles, the story nicely shows the meaning of Santa's clothes (the colours, mostly), snowmen and many other typical winter-y or Christmas-y traditions and symbols.
There is magic, there is action, a big bad, a fair maiden even (who packs quite a punch), there are beautiful toys, ... and the art was cool too (whether the more funny bits or the sincere ones). Definitely a different look at the myth but a highly enjoyable read!
The author(s) combine Viking lore and Siberian shamanism to tell the story of Klaus, a man living in the woods and discovering one day that the town of Grimsvig has become a horribly dreary place where celebrating Yuletime (Christmas) is illegal as is being cheerful or having toys, singing, ...
He knew the town in times past when it was a joyful place and is determined to make it so again, if only for the sake of the children. He is helped by his white she-wolf Lilli and the ice and forest spirits.
A young, muscular Klaus who not only loves animals but has a faithful wolf by his side? Sign me up!
I will admit that it was slightly confusing that I now know a version of Father Christmas that I find sexy. *lol*
Despite the distracting muscles, the story nicely shows the meaning of Santa's clothes (the colours, mostly), snowmen and many other typical winter-y or Christmas-y traditions and symbols.
There is magic, there is action, a big bad, a fair maiden even (who packs quite a punch), there are beautiful toys, ... and the art was cool too (whether the more funny bits or the sincere ones). Definitely a different look at the myth but a highly enjoyable read!
February 12, 2023
Novela gráfica que narra el origen de Santa Claus, que aquí se muestra como un superhéroe joven, luchador y fuertote, en un entorno nórdico con una población que parece medieval.
Mucha acción, lobos y espíritus del bosque en un combate del bien contra el mal encarnado por un barón detestable y una criatura demoníaca, en una historia que me ha parecido simple pero con un estilo de cómic con muy buen dibujo de Dan Mora.
Mucha acción, lobos y espíritus del bosque en un combate del bien contra el mal encarnado por un barón detestable y una criatura demoníaca, en una historia que me ha parecido simple pero con un estilo de cómic con muy buen dibujo de Dan Mora.
December 10, 2023
Klaus is a wild man of the woods who, together with his white she-wolf Lilli, is determined to bring the yuletide holiday back to life. The setting is the totalitarian town of Grimsvig, where joy and Christmas are forbidden. Where the men work in mines and toys are reserved only for the son of the evil lord.
Now the whole thing is extremely brutal and I have rarely seen so much violence and action packed into such wonderful art.
I'm quite worked up and probably need a good dose of fluff and lightness right now. 😅
Now the whole thing is extremely brutal and I have rarely seen so much violence and action packed into such wonderful art.
I'm quite worked up and probably need a good dose of fluff and lightness right now. 😅
November 30, 2024
Grant Morrison's work has always been hit or miss for me. It's strange, other than All-Star Superman, the only works of his I've seemed to enjoy are his less-favored tales. (Meaning All-Star Superman is a praised book by him that I enjoyed).
I've read the first two Omnibuses of his Batman run because it's considered one of the best runs in comics out there, but I wasn't impressed. And I even made sure to read Batman's Black Casebook first before diving into that whole thing...
Again, All-Star Superman was good and I enjoyed some of his Green Lantern, but I just haven't been a fan of his work. There's a few more I've read and still a lot more to dive into though!
Klaus was great! The writing wasn't overly complex and trippy (in Morrison fashion) and Dan Mora's artwork was excellent! I've seen and read a hundred different Santa origin stories, and yet, this one still felt fresh and new.
There seems to be a couple more short volumes in this series, but this volume works as a standalone, should you only decide to check this one out. Count me in on the sequels!
Highly recommended. There's some violence and average PG-13 curses, just in case you're expecting a child's tale going into this, however.
I've read the first two Omnibuses of his Batman run because it's considered one of the best runs in comics out there, but I wasn't impressed. And I even made sure to read Batman's Black Casebook first before diving into that whole thing...
Again, All-Star Superman was good and I enjoyed some of his Green Lantern, but I just haven't been a fan of his work. There's a few more I've read and still a lot more to dive into though!
Klaus was great! The writing wasn't overly complex and trippy (in Morrison fashion) and Dan Mora's artwork was excellent! I've seen and read a hundred different Santa origin stories, and yet, this one still felt fresh and new.
There seems to be a couple more short volumes in this series, but this volume works as a standalone, should you only decide to check this one out. Count me in on the sequels!
Highly recommended. There's some violence and average PG-13 curses, just in case you're expecting a child's tale going into this, however.
April 27, 2017
Grant Morrison takes on Santa Claus. No this is not some strange made-for-tv-movie plot. The British comic book writer has linked his impressive writing talents with the beautiful art style of Dan Mora. The result is a gorgeous Graphic Novel telling the story of Santa.
Into the town of Grimsving a wandering trader of fur pelts comes. But the nice, welcoming town is not the same anymore. Something terrible has happened. Thus starts the tale of Klaus. Klaus, a former soldier of the old Baron, has left society to live his life in the woods. His only companion is a feral white wolf named Lilli. But during aforementioned run-in with the authorities it seems Klaus and the spirits of Yule have something planned. Within Grimsving the new Baron Magnus has taken control with an iron fist. The men are all working in the mines, the baron's spoiled son is the only one allowed toys and his frigid and shallow wife cares nothing for the lower classes. The people need a hero, someone to fight for their Yuletide. But, there are other events that necessitate the coming of a hero, for the Baron is not acting alone. Inside of a black tome of magic he finds an "ally" who will help him to win the Throne. I shall not spoil the rest of the story with the whos, whats and whys. If that is what you desire-read this book.
I enjoyed Grant Morrison's version of Klaus. While the Baron and his son are something of a caricature, they seem to work within the confines of what this story is. It is the retelling of one of the most beloved Children's folktales' origin story. In that sense, it draws from Batman:Year One in that we have a hero who is not completely the legend he eventually becomes. The character of Klaus and the Baron Magnus are both very well done. In fact the only person who I did not care for at all is the Baroness. I can understand the young Baronet being spoiled rotten (his mother really is of no help). But for her to have turned her back on Klaus and believed Magnus's lies, even after growing up with Klaus, makes her the least sympathetic person in the story. Her venal attitude has allwed her husband to become a cruel, rapacious, greedy tyrant. All the while she has done nothing, other than wander around exuding nonchalance. Still this story brims with some great characters, not all are good. Morrison's imagination is quite broad and I, for one, am glad he brought it to this retelling of the Klaus story.
The art of Dan Mora is excellent and fits this story perfectly. The version of the Graphic Novel I bought, has gold leaf pages and is of an excellent quality. I was very impressed with this gorgeous graphic novel. I can not recommend this one enough to anyone who loves a good tale.
Klaus
Into the town of Grimsving a wandering trader of fur pelts comes. But the nice, welcoming town is not the same anymore. Something terrible has happened. Thus starts the tale of Klaus. Klaus, a former soldier of the old Baron, has left society to live his life in the woods. His only companion is a feral white wolf named Lilli. But during aforementioned run-in with the authorities it seems Klaus and the spirits of Yule have something planned. Within Grimsving the new Baron Magnus has taken control with an iron fist. The men are all working in the mines, the baron's spoiled son is the only one allowed toys and his frigid and shallow wife cares nothing for the lower classes. The people need a hero, someone to fight for their Yuletide. But, there are other events that necessitate the coming of a hero, for the Baron is not acting alone. Inside of a black tome of magic he finds an "ally" who will help him to win the Throne. I shall not spoil the rest of the story with the whos, whats and whys. If that is what you desire-read this book.
I enjoyed Grant Morrison's version of Klaus. While the Baron and his son are something of a caricature, they seem to work within the confines of what this story is. It is the retelling of one of the most beloved Children's folktales' origin story. In that sense, it draws from Batman:Year One in that we have a hero who is not completely the legend he eventually becomes. The character of Klaus and the Baron Magnus are both very well done. In fact the only person who I did not care for at all is the Baroness. I can understand the young Baronet being spoiled rotten (his mother really is of no help). But for her to have turned her back on Klaus and believed Magnus's lies, even after growing up with Klaus, makes her the least sympathetic person in the story. Her venal attitude has allwed her husband to become a cruel, rapacious, greedy tyrant. All the while she has done nothing, other than wander around exuding nonchalance. Still this story brims with some great characters, not all are good. Morrison's imagination is quite broad and I, for one, am glad he brought it to this retelling of the Klaus story.
The art of Dan Mora is excellent and fits this story perfectly. The version of the Graphic Novel I bought, has gold leaf pages and is of an excellent quality. I was very impressed with this gorgeous graphic novel. I can not recommend this one enough to anyone who loves a good tale.
Klaus
December 23, 2019
Muahahahaha!
This is the perfect Yuletide gift! Down with the medieval oligarchy! Down with the demons from hell! Let's get SANTA CLAUS (ahem, sorry, KLAUS) over into this Yuletide mess and have him sneak into the besieged town, hack up soldiers, and sneak down chimneys!
TO BRING GIFTS TO THE CHILDREN.
This is the bloodiest, most awesome fantasy adventure in a comic book to capture the Christmas spirit, EVER. And I LOVE that chariot. :)
This is the perfect Yuletide gift! Down with the medieval oligarchy! Down with the demons from hell! Let's get SANTA CLAUS (ahem, sorry, KLAUS) over into this Yuletide mess and have him sneak into the besieged town, hack up soldiers, and sneak down chimneys!
TO BRING GIFTS TO THE CHILDREN.
This is the bloodiest, most awesome fantasy adventure in a comic book to capture the Christmas spirit, EVER. And I LOVE that chariot. :)
December 10, 2017
I know I already said this in a status update for this book but it’s the only thing I can think of to say in the beginning of this review. Ho-ho-holy s***! This book is so much better than I expected it to be! I honestly expected a gritty Santa comic to be ridiculous but it’s actually pretty awesome!
What’s it about?
This comic takes place in a town that has a baron who is a very evil person, he has something against people being happy, kids that aren’t his son having fun as well as having a bunch of other strict rules and the people there live really s***ty lives. Now Klaus has shown up and starts bringing joy to that town during the Yuletide season even if it means he’s on the run!
Why it gets 5 stars:
The story is so d*** good! I’ll be honest, I usually ain’t attached to Santa stories except for a couple Christmas movies I can’t help but love (possibly because my parents aren’t liars so they never told me Santa actually exists) but this is a freaking epic take on the character, I love it!
The characters are interesting. This Santa is more bad-a** than usual! The baron and his family are interesting (even their son and I usually find kids in books (or anywhere near me) kinda annoying so great job there, Morrison). I liked Klaus’ dog (well, okay, wolf). There’s a few more minor characters that are pretty interesting.
The art is fantastic! This book has a lot of really beautiful panels.
There’s some awesome action scenes in this one! Like I said, Santa’s less a creepy old fat guy breaking into children’s houses but instead a bad-a** outlaw trying to bring joy to a dark world so of course there’s gonna be some good action!
This is not a predictable story, I had no idea what to expect!
This book does such a good job at making it a mix of epic and super Christmasy! We need more Christmas stories that do that!
I know I already mentioned it but the wolf is awesome so yay! Then again, the wolf is sorta like Santa’s dog and anyone who follows these bats*** crazy messes I call reviews probably knows I absolutely love dogs so I’m not very picky about that (however if a dog dies in a book, f*** that garbage, the dog shouldn’t die unless he’s avenged (why stories like John Wick get a pass)). And if you were concerned
This book has towards the end and this version of him is freaking awesome!
The ending is so good! It’s a good ending for a miniseries but if Morrison ever wanted to make a second one he could, I always like those kinds of endings!
Overall:
This is so freaking great! Reading this is probably going to become a Christmas tradition for me! This is sorta what I’d expect from a Berserk Christmas special (though not as much gore and no sexual content so it’s still great for those who may be sensitive to Berserk-level content, I don’t want to put anyone off reading this). Seriously, I can’t believe how blown away I am by this. I highly recommend it!
5/5
What’s it about?
This comic takes place in a town that has a baron who is a very evil person, he has something against people being happy, kids that aren’t his son having fun as well as having a bunch of other strict rules and the people there live really s***ty lives. Now Klaus has shown up and starts bringing joy to that town during the Yuletide season even if it means he’s on the run!
Why it gets 5 stars:
The story is so d*** good! I’ll be honest, I usually ain’t attached to Santa stories except for a couple Christmas movies I can’t help but love (possibly because my parents aren’t liars so they never told me Santa actually exists) but this is a freaking epic take on the character, I love it!
The characters are interesting. This Santa is more bad-a** than usual! The baron and his family are interesting (even their son and I usually find kids in books (or anywhere near me) kinda annoying so great job there, Morrison). I liked Klaus’ dog (well, okay, wolf). There’s a few more minor characters that are pretty interesting.
The art is fantastic! This book has a lot of really beautiful panels.
There’s some awesome action scenes in this one! Like I said, Santa’s less a creepy old fat guy breaking into children’s houses but instead a bad-a** outlaw trying to bring joy to a dark world so of course there’s gonna be some good action!
This is not a predictable story, I had no idea what to expect!
This book does such a good job at making it a mix of epic and super Christmasy! We need more Christmas stories that do that!
I know I already mentioned it but the wolf is awesome so yay! Then again, the wolf is sorta like Santa’s dog and anyone who follows these bats*** crazy messes I call reviews probably knows I absolutely love dogs so I’m not very picky about that (however if a dog dies in a book, f*** that garbage, the dog shouldn’t die unless he’s avenged (why stories like John Wick get a pass)). And if you were concerned
This book has towards the end and this version of him is freaking awesome!
The ending is so good! It’s a good ending for a miniseries but if Morrison ever wanted to make a second one he could, I always like those kinds of endings!
Overall:
This is so freaking great! Reading this is probably going to become a Christmas tradition for me! This is sorta what I’d expect from a Berserk Christmas special (though not as much gore and no sexual content so it’s still great for those who may be sensitive to Berserk-level content, I don’t want to put anyone off reading this). Seriously, I can’t believe how blown away I am by this. I highly recommend it!
5/5
December 10, 2016
Fuck this series...
December 16, 2020
Dank and delightful Yuletide reading! Won't post anything else as it really needs to be experienced on its own...
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March 6, 2020Дуже красиво намальоване дитя грішної любові різдвяного Hallmark movie і лавкрафтіанського хоррору, “Клаус” пояснює, звідки взявся Санта. У маленькому пряничному містечку жив та був лихий барон, який витискав із мешканців своїх земель усі соки і змушував тяжко гарувати день і ніч. (Якщо вам у маскульті сьогодні ще не траплялося heavy-handed метафор капіталізму, то Санта-Клаус поспішає до вас!) Різдво скасував, радіти заборонив. Про мотивації, для чого він це робить, краще не задумуватися, бо психологізм – не сильна сторона чарівної казки, лол:) На щастя, могутньому чоловіку, який усе відбирає, протистоїть могутній чоловік, який все роздає – той самий Клаус, який розносить подаруночки всім дітям. Бінарна опозиція кодується по лінії штучне/природне, місто/ліс (щедрість і радість=природне, а зажерливість і політичні перегини=цивілізаційні надлишки). Зроблено досить прямолінійно і простенько, але мальовка просто казково гарна, та й ніщо так не прикрашає Різдво, як лавкрафтіанські жахіття.
January 21, 2024
7.4/10
Grant Morrison's take on the origin of the beloved jolly figure, is different than what you might've expected from a Christmas story. We have a character that is muscular and badass, fighting evil. Yet i think it still captures the spirit of Christmas. As we see Klaus bringing joy and hope to the people of a town that's forced to live in darkness.
The writing is good and the art is beautiful. Crazy thing is that Dan Mora's art became even better since then.
Grant Morrison's take on the origin of the beloved jolly figure, is different than what you might've expected from a Christmas story. We have a character that is muscular and badass, fighting evil. Yet i think it still captures the spirit of Christmas. As we see Klaus bringing joy and hope to the people of a town that's forced to live in darkness.
The writing is good and the art is beautiful. Crazy thing is that Dan Mora's art became even better since then.
January 8, 2024
"What If.. Thor was Santa and Loki was the Grinch."
Readers Beware: This would be a 2 star rating for me if it wasn't for the artwork. I don't know where Morrison found Dan Mora, but when he did, it was a Christmas miracle!
The real star here is the groundbreaking artwork, a visual feast of amazing landscapes, vibrant colors, and intricate details. While the story, a pumped-up Santa origin, is decent, it lacks excitement and feels predictable. A typical narrative unfolds: a villain causing misery, oppressed townsfolk, and Santa's heroic intervention. The stunning art elevates the overall experience, turning a forgettable story into a visually captivating but somewhat hollow adventure.
I wouldn't be surprised if it's gonna become an animated film or a live action one for that matter, in the future.
Readers Beware: This would be a 2 star rating for me if it wasn't for the artwork. I don't know where Morrison found Dan Mora, but when he did, it was a Christmas miracle!
The real star here is the groundbreaking artwork, a visual feast of amazing landscapes, vibrant colors, and intricate details. While the story, a pumped-up Santa origin, is decent, it lacks excitement and feels predictable. A typical narrative unfolds: a villain causing misery, oppressed townsfolk, and Santa's heroic intervention. The stunning art elevates the overall experience, turning a forgettable story into a visually captivating but somewhat hollow adventure.
I wouldn't be surprised if it's gonna become an animated film or a live action one for that matter, in the future.
March 28, 2021
Grant Morrison’s Klaus is basically Santa Claus: Year One, a comic that treats this classic folklore character as a superhero, giving him an origin story. It’s a fantastic read complete with great story and characters, and of course very fitting for the Christmas season. Morrison’s writing is usually not for everybody, but this is maybe their most accessible and straightforward comic ever, and I would have no problem recommending it to anyone who wants to get into the holiday spirit.
First read: August 4, 2016
Rating: ★★★ ★・
Second read: December 19, 2017
Rating: ★★★★★
First read: August 4, 2016
Rating: ★★★ ★・
Second read: December 19, 2017
Rating: ★★★★★
December 24, 2017
What a perfect Christmas Eve read, telling the origins of “Klaus” in the most action packed way, and who knew Santa Claus was so hot!
December 22, 2023
wow wasn’t expecting this graphic novel about buff santa to make me cry
January 16, 2018
This sword and sorcery take on the origin of Santa Claus is pretty decent at face value but makes me wonder first why we need a sword and sorcery take on the origin of Santa Claus, and then, since the author is Grant Morrison, I have to wonder what deep and ironic meaning I'm missing that makes this all a big joke on me for liking it at face value.
But seriously though, why do we as a people feel the need to add dark undertones to the bright and cheerful memories of our youth? Morrison here retells the Rankin and Bass animated "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" with violence and demons. In other places in pop culture, Santa has fought vampires, zombies and Martians. And can anyone come close to counting how many times the Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan have been recast in a darker light? Okay, in looking at my examples I realize that all of them have some pretty dark tones already just under (or even on) the surface, and people like to pick at scabs so...
I guess I'd better get to work on my mashup of Pooh and Chucky. ("Oh, bother," Pooh grumped. "I'm feeling a little eleven o'clockish but it will take me forever to filet Piglet with this dull knife.")
But seriously though, why do we as a people feel the need to add dark undertones to the bright and cheerful memories of our youth? Morrison here retells the Rankin and Bass animated "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" with violence and demons. In other places in pop culture, Santa has fought vampires, zombies and Martians. And can anyone come close to counting how many times the Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan have been recast in a darker light? Okay, in looking at my examples I realize that all of them have some pretty dark tones already just under (or even on) the surface, and people like to pick at scabs so...
I guess I'd better get to work on my mashup of Pooh and Chucky. ("Oh, bother," Pooh grumped. "I'm feeling a little eleven o'clockish but it will take me forever to filet Piglet with this dull knife.")
December 13, 2020
This surprised me because its a straight forward story and a pretty decent one. Fantasy, xmas and a little folklore mixed very well without Morrison getting completely lost in his own head
January 17, 2021
Ох уже ці казки з їхніми чорно-білими героями!)
Улюбленими героями стали чарівна вовчиця Ліллі і гарнюня Крампус.
Улюбленими героями стали чарівна вовчиця Ліллі і гарнюня Крампус.
December 23, 2022
I loved this. Which was not something I thought I would say about a dark take on Santa Claus.
December 6, 2023
Wow!
This was excellent! Fun story! Amazing artwork! Who knew that a warrior Santa would be so awesome?! 😂 I’ll definitely read the final volume in this series! 5 stars!
This was excellent! Fun story! Amazing artwork! Who knew that a warrior Santa would be so awesome?! 😂 I’ll definitely read the final volume in this series! 5 stars!
June 29, 2020
This graphic novel reimagines the origin of Santa. That's right, the Christmas Santa! He's not a harmless old grandfather, but a freedom fighter struggling against the oppressive government of his hometown. It's a fun tale that weaves together folk tale and social commentary. It's well worth a read.
January 1, 2022
Christmas with a twist.
Fantastic seven part graphic novel telling the Santa Klaus origin as only Grant Morrison could.
Might be a little too sweet for some, and too scary for others. For me, it was just right, and I hope to read it every year from now on.
Fantastic seven part graphic novel telling the Santa Klaus origin as only Grant Morrison could.
Might be a little too sweet for some, and too scary for others. For me, it was just right, and I hope to read it every year from now on.
December 10, 2019
Ця історія однозначно потрапляє в скриньку з моїми улюбленими. Після прочитання стало якось так світло-тепло, що хотілося обійняти її і сидіти так, аби хоч ще трошки продовжити магію. Дуже рекомендую.
December 9, 2018
The story has some ups and downs but the beautiful illustrations make up for them.
February 1, 2021
An entertaining retelling/origin story. Lots of action, high stakes, solid artwork.
brought to you by the Picture Boxxx in the MacHaloMansion Harem
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