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DC Anthology Specials
A Very DC Rebirth Holiday
It’s time to deck the halls with the DC Universe’s greatest heroes in a collection of holiday-themed stories from the world of DC!
Harley Quinn rings in the festivities, hosting yuletide tales of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, the Flash and more. Then Harley herself takes center stage when she has to help an ailing Santa Claus get back to his holiday work, but discovers that Santa has no interest in hitching up the sleigh ever again!
Discover how Gotham City celebrates the holidays in these Dark Knight stories that include the Eisner Award-winning “Good Boy” (from writer Tom King and artist David Finch), which introduces a new take on Batman’s best friend!
A VERY DC REBIRTH CHRISTMAS showcases all-star creators Scott Snyder, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Paul Dini, Neal Adams, Gene Luen Yang, Steve Orlando, Joseph Michael Linsner, Ian Churchill, Andrea Mutti and many more.
Collecting: DC REBIRTH HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1, HARLEY QUINN #10 and BATMAN ANNUAL #1, it's the perfect gift for good guys and gals on anyone's list!
Harley Quinn rings in the festivities, hosting yuletide tales of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, the Flash and more. Then Harley herself takes center stage when she has to help an ailing Santa Claus get back to his holiday work, but discovers that Santa has no interest in hitching up the sleigh ever again!
Discover how Gotham City celebrates the holidays in these Dark Knight stories that include the Eisner Award-winning “Good Boy” (from writer Tom King and artist David Finch), which introduces a new take on Batman’s best friend!
A VERY DC REBIRTH CHRISTMAS showcases all-star creators Scott Snyder, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Paul Dini, Neal Adams, Gene Luen Yang, Steve Orlando, Joseph Michael Linsner, Ian Churchill, Andrea Mutti and many more.
Collecting: DC REBIRTH HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1, HARLEY QUINN #10 and BATMAN ANNUAL #1, it's the perfect gift for good guys and gals on anyone's list!
160 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
7 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Paul Dini
726 books716 followersPaul Dini is an American television producer of animated cartoons. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman/Superman Adventures, Batman Beyond and Duck Dodgers. He also developed and scripted Krypto the Superdog and contributed scripts to Animaniacs (he created Minerva Mink), Freakazoid, Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. After leaving Warner Bros. In early 2004, Dini went on to write and story edit the popular ABC adventure series Lost.
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 21, 2024
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: Read in singles. Individual reviews for included issues can be found here:
- DC Rebirth Holiday Special (2016) #1
- Batman (2016-) Annual #1
- Harley Quinn (2016-2020) #10
Notes: Read in singles. Individual reviews for included issues can be found here:
- DC Rebirth Holiday Special (2016) #1
- Batman (2016-) Annual #1
- Harley Quinn (2016-2020) #10
December 9, 2021
A solid set of warm holiday stories featuring DC's characters. There's a lot of unlikely characters teaming up in some of these stories which makes for some fun. The worst story in this was a Harley Quinn issue from Palmiotti and Conner's run where Harley goes into Santa's head. Harley's shtick from that run got old real fast. Contrastingly, Paul Dini uses Harley to introduce each story and he writes her wonderfully. It's amazing how differently her character can work.
December 12, 2018
This graphic novel was super cute. Normally I would not be a big fan of all the cheesiness that is contained in this book, but it works for these DC Christmas tales. The biggest highlight was seeing Jon Lane Kent ( Superboy) and Damian Wayne (Robin) spending the holiday together! They really set the bar high for friendship goals.
December 15, 2018
An okay mix of holiday stories. The Batman ones at the end were the best.
December 17, 2017
This year DC decided it’s a good idea to give Batman and Harley Quinn a big ol’ Christmas special! Well, okay, other characters showed up too but we all know who DC mostly focuses on (though I have been seeing them focus a bit more on Wonder Woman recently but she isn’t in this book much) and... it’s surprisingly good.
What’s it about?
It’s a collection of DC stories focusing on various December holidays. Pretty much a festive DC anthology.
Pros:
All the art was pretty good, I don’t recall any bad art at least and definitely recall some stories having amazing art so good job, artists!
A lot of superhero excitement throughout!
I’m just gonna go over the stories I liked now. The first story in this collection focuses on Batman and Superman, it’s a fun story. I definitely enjoyed that one.
For The Dog Who Has Everything is a great story about Superman and Superboy getting a present for Krypto ‘cause he’s a good boy! I obviously liked that one because DOG!
The Night We Saved Christmas is a good one. Of course a story about a private detective/chimp teaming up with Batman is gonna be pretty cool.
A Flash Christmas Carol is great! I’m not a huge Flash fan... thinking about it, I’ve never read a Flash comic in my life. This story is great and makes me think I should try some Flash comics. I don’t want to give spoilers but it’s one of the best parts of this book.
The Batwoman story is good.
The Titans story is really cool and exciting! Another major highlight from this book that I unfortunately can’t talk much about without giving spoilers.
There’s a sweet little story about Nightwing and Batgirl that was quite fun and cute in it’s romantic way. I really liked it.
This book includes the first DC Rebirth Batman Annual and includes a story called Good Boy which at first I hated because it opens with some sad stuff about dead dogs (what kind of f***ed up person puts dead dogs in a book, especially a Christmas one) but gets better with happy dog stuff so I ended up sorta liking it because of the happy dog stuff.
Another Batman story (exactly what this book needed) that I liked was The Insecurity Diversion. Not much to say except it’s good.
I was pleasantly surprised by how good the Harley Quinn story at the end is. I’ll admit I’m not really a fan of the character. I wouldn’t say I absolutely hate her or that I refuse to read any of her comics but pretty much everything I’ve seen her in she’s been a not nearly as funny or aggressive but hyper-sexualized version of Deadpool with no superpowers (though I would love to see a writer try to do a more twisted action/horror take on the character sometime) and that is pretty much what she is here but she is still entertaining in this fun story and it makes for a crazy, amusing and surprisingly NSFW addition to this book (not that explicit content makes things better IMO, I’m just happy to see DC not censor the story as much as the big 2 usually censor non-Vertigo or MAX stories).
Cons:
Not to be a Scrooge but I did have some problems, one being how predictable this entire book is. Did I not see a few minor things coming? Sure. But even though I enjoy them and there are some exceptions most Christmas stories and DC comics stories are predictable so with this being both... yeah, expect it to be predictable.
We got the Wonder Woman/Constantine Christmas crossover that pretty much nobody asked for, that’s obviously going to be great or a freakin’ train wreck, though it’s not entirely, it’s closer to being said train wreck. It’s super cheesy, a waste of 2 pretty good characters, sadly uninteresting IMO and has a very silly ending.
There’s a story about that New Superman character (the one that doesn’t even get a name, is just the New Superman) is very forgettable.
The Green Lantern story is a cheesy disappointment.
Batman’s Silent Night story is very mediocre (another disappointment since I’m usually a big fan of Scott Snyder’s work).
The Batman/Harley Quinn Not So Silent Night story is one that I can’t say I particularly like. Mainly because Harley is portrayed as this fun, great person spreading cheer... if you forget she’s a mass-murderer. I honestly think it’s f***ed up that DC keeps trying to act like she’s a superhero when it’s very clear she isn’t, last I checked superheroes don’t go on psychotic rampages and blow up children.
There’s another disappointing Batman story.
Overall:
Despite a few disappointing stories and being predictable, it’s mostly fun and has a lot of really good stories with good art. I mostly liked it and would recommend it for DC fans looking for something festive.
4/5
What’s it about?
It’s a collection of DC stories focusing on various December holidays. Pretty much a festive DC anthology.
Pros:
All the art was pretty good, I don’t recall any bad art at least and definitely recall some stories having amazing art so good job, artists!
A lot of superhero excitement throughout!
I’m just gonna go over the stories I liked now. The first story in this collection focuses on Batman and Superman, it’s a fun story. I definitely enjoyed that one.
For The Dog Who Has Everything is a great story about Superman and Superboy getting a present for Krypto ‘cause he’s a good boy! I obviously liked that one because DOG!
The Night We Saved Christmas is a good one. Of course a story about a private detective/chimp teaming up with Batman is gonna be pretty cool.
A Flash Christmas Carol is great! I’m not a huge Flash fan... thinking about it, I’ve never read a Flash comic in my life. This story is great and makes me think I should try some Flash comics. I don’t want to give spoilers but it’s one of the best parts of this book.
The Batwoman story is good.
The Titans story is really cool and exciting! Another major highlight from this book that I unfortunately can’t talk much about without giving spoilers.
There’s a sweet little story about Nightwing and Batgirl that was quite fun and cute in it’s romantic way. I really liked it.
This book includes the first DC Rebirth Batman Annual and includes a story called Good Boy which at first I hated because it opens with some sad stuff about dead dogs (what kind of f***ed up person puts dead dogs in a book, especially a Christmas one) but gets better with happy dog stuff so I ended up sorta liking it because of the happy dog stuff.
Another Batman story (exactly what this book needed) that I liked was The Insecurity Diversion. Not much to say except it’s good.
I was pleasantly surprised by how good the Harley Quinn story at the end is. I’ll admit I’m not really a fan of the character. I wouldn’t say I absolutely hate her or that I refuse to read any of her comics but pretty much everything I’ve seen her in she’s been a not nearly as funny or aggressive but hyper-sexualized version of Deadpool with no superpowers (though I would love to see a writer try to do a more twisted action/horror take on the character sometime) and that is pretty much what she is here but she is still entertaining in this fun story and it makes for a crazy, amusing and surprisingly NSFW addition to this book (not that explicit content makes things better IMO, I’m just happy to see DC not censor the story as much as the big 2 usually censor non-Vertigo or MAX stories).
Cons:
Not to be a Scrooge but I did have some problems, one being how predictable this entire book is. Did I not see a few minor things coming? Sure. But even though I enjoy them and there are some exceptions most Christmas stories and DC comics stories are predictable so with this being both... yeah, expect it to be predictable.
We got the Wonder Woman/Constantine Christmas crossover that pretty much nobody asked for, that’s obviously going to be great or a freakin’ train wreck, though it’s not entirely, it’s closer to being said train wreck. It’s super cheesy, a waste of 2 pretty good characters, sadly uninteresting IMO and has a very silly ending.
There’s a story about that New Superman character (the one that doesn’t even get a name, is just the New Superman) is very forgettable.
The Green Lantern story is a cheesy disappointment.
Batman’s Silent Night story is very mediocre (another disappointment since I’m usually a big fan of Scott Snyder’s work).
The Batman/Harley Quinn Not So Silent Night story is one that I can’t say I particularly like. Mainly because Harley is portrayed as this fun, great person spreading cheer... if you forget she’s a mass-murderer. I honestly think it’s f***ed up that DC keeps trying to act like she’s a superhero when it’s very clear she isn’t, last I checked superheroes don’t go on psychotic rampages and blow up children.
There’s another disappointing Batman story.
Overall:
Despite a few disappointing stories and being predictable, it’s mostly fun and has a lot of really good stories with good art. I mostly liked it and would recommend it for DC fans looking for something festive.
4/5
January 11, 2019
Issue 1:
A VERY HARLEY HOLIDAY: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This story was a bit annoying. This was story was in between all the other stories. I didn't care for this and wasn't excited to really the next part. Overall, meh story.
THE LAST MINUTE: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was really cool! My likes are: the drawings were amazing. The idea of the story was really good. The twist at the end was really good. Overall great story!
FOR THE DOG
WHO HAS EVERYTHING :⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was good! My likes are: the gift was pretty cool. The drawing was also good. My cons are: this story could have been better written. Overall, decent story.
THE NIGHT WE
I SAVED CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was amazing! My likes are: Detective Chimp was such a smart ass. He was also funny. Batman well was Batman... Overall, really good story.
DREAMING OF A
WHITE CHRISTMAS: ⭐️
This issue was bad. My cons are: The story didn't really make sense. Also, the idea wasn't good. It was also pretty short. Overall, bad story.
A FLASH
CHRISTMAS CAROL: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was cool! My pros are: I like how they show Captain Cold nice side. It shows the human side of criminals. The story ideas was cool. My cons are: the ending could have been better executed. Overall, cool story.
DAY OF RETURNING: ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was meh. My likes: for some reason, I really liked ”Batman”. My cons are: Since these were the Chinese Justice League I didn't really understand their traditions. Also, this story was way too short. Overall, meh story.
LIGHT IN THE DARK: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was good. My likes: the story was cool and well written. I like how they showed that crime never stops. Also, how to make the best of a situation. Overall, good issue.
WHAT A YEAR OF
A NEW YEAR: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was good. My likes: the drawing was really good. The story was a good idea. My cons: I didn’t really care for this story. Overall, decent story.
I DON’T WANNA BE LATE: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was meh. My likes: the Art was good and so was the story idea. My cons: it was too short and felt a bit useless.
THE EPIPHANY: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was really good! My likes: Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz were really well written. The art was also really good. My cons: the story could have been better developed. Overall, really good story.
Issue 2:
GOOD BOY: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was really cool! My likes: The relationship between Alfred and Bruce Wayne was funny. Some scenes were cool. Overall great story!
SILENT NIGHT: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was good! I liked: how the crime stops and then all of a sudden a guy just comes from an ice castle comes. Also, Harley Quinn was funny in this story. The ending was good. My flaws: they didn’t develop the villain or progress to much. Overall, a good story.
THE INSECURITY
DIVERSION: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was pretty good! My likes: The story was cool. The ending was funny. Scarecrow was also good. Overall, good story.
Issue 3:
EGG NOGGIN: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was okay! My likes: I like how funny Santa was. Also the art was really good. My flaws: the ending was dumb because it was only a dream. Overall okay story.
This book was okay. I rate it 3/5. I recommend you read this from the library or hoopla.
A VERY HARLEY HOLIDAY: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This story was a bit annoying. This was story was in between all the other stories. I didn't care for this and wasn't excited to really the next part. Overall, meh story.
THE LAST MINUTE: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was really cool! My likes are: the drawings were amazing. The idea of the story was really good. The twist at the end was really good. Overall great story!
FOR THE DOG
WHO HAS EVERYTHING :⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was good! My likes are: the gift was pretty cool. The drawing was also good. My cons are: this story could have been better written. Overall, decent story.
THE NIGHT WE
I SAVED CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was amazing! My likes are: Detective Chimp was such a smart ass. He was also funny. Batman well was Batman... Overall, really good story.
DREAMING OF A
WHITE CHRISTMAS: ⭐️
This issue was bad. My cons are: The story didn't really make sense. Also, the idea wasn't good. It was also pretty short. Overall, bad story.
A FLASH
CHRISTMAS CAROL: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was cool! My pros are: I like how they show Captain Cold nice side. It shows the human side of criminals. The story ideas was cool. My cons are: the ending could have been better executed. Overall, cool story.
DAY OF RETURNING: ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was meh. My likes: for some reason, I really liked ”Batman”. My cons are: Since these were the Chinese Justice League I didn't really understand their traditions. Also, this story was way too short. Overall, meh story.
LIGHT IN THE DARK: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was good. My likes: the story was cool and well written. I like how they showed that crime never stops. Also, how to make the best of a situation. Overall, good issue.
WHAT A YEAR OF
A NEW YEAR: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was good. My likes: the drawing was really good. The story was a good idea. My cons: I didn’t really care for this story. Overall, decent story.
I DON’T WANNA BE LATE: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was meh. My likes: the Art was good and so was the story idea. My cons: it was too short and felt a bit useless.
THE EPIPHANY: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was really good! My likes: Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz were really well written. The art was also really good. My cons: the story could have been better developed. Overall, really good story.
Issue 2:
GOOD BOY: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was really cool! My likes: The relationship between Alfred and Bruce Wayne was funny. Some scenes were cool. Overall great story!
SILENT NIGHT: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was good! I liked: how the crime stops and then all of a sudden a guy just comes from an ice castle comes. Also, Harley Quinn was funny in this story. The ending was good. My flaws: they didn’t develop the villain or progress to much. Overall, a good story.
THE INSECURITY
DIVERSION: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was pretty good! My likes: The story was cool. The ending was funny. Scarecrow was also good. Overall, good story.
Issue 3:
EGG NOGGIN: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This issue was okay! My likes: I like how funny Santa was. Also the art was really good. My flaws: the ending was dumb because it was only a dream. Overall okay story.
This book was okay. I rate it 3/5. I recommend you read this from the library or hoopla.
December 11, 2017
I stumbled upon this book in my library’s app and immediately borrowed it. I am a complete sucker for holiday specials and this did not disappoint. Upon doing a bit of research, I discovered that this is the first year that DC has done a “holiday” special versus a Christmas special. I thought that was great and they really did cover a variety (hang in there when you’re reading… the variety comes later). The book ends with holiday excerpts from other DC Rebirth comics. I had already read a few of those in their original graphic novels, but it was nice seeing them compiled altogether too. Definitely check this book out if you are a comic book and holiday enthusiast!
December 13, 2022
A fairly passable holiday crossover collection that does pack a nice punch despite some pretty forgettable stories. The bonus Batman comics are just as decent. B- (67%/Decent)
May 10, 2021
This was a quick and fun volume of fun stories featuring many of the DC heroes all tied in with the holiday season. On top of that, we have two additional issues, one from Batman and one from Harley Quinn which were also holiday themed.
I thought the whole volume was good for the holidays. The stories themselves run the gamut from ok to really good, and the art as well. There are some highlights in the book, and I think anyone reading this would find at least one story that they liked. It features many writers and artists and again, they range in quality depending on your taste.
Of course, this is best read around the time of the holidays, so if you are looking for something festive but superhero themed, you can go wrong with this.
I thought the whole volume was good for the holidays. The stories themselves run the gamut from ok to really good, and the art as well. There are some highlights in the book, and I think anyone reading this would find at least one story that they liked. It features many writers and artists and again, they range in quality depending on your taste.
Of course, this is best read around the time of the holidays, so if you are looking for something festive but superhero themed, you can go wrong with this.
December 27, 2022
This collection leans heavily on the Batfamily and relations, especially Harley, who leads the wraparound story and also has a full issue included in addition to the shorter stories from the original special issue. They're okay throughout, although nothing's particularly memorable. The stories reach for some of the more esoteric characters - the Detective Chimp story with Batman is one of the more entertaining ones, although seeing Constantine teamed up with Wonder Woman definitely has its moments. The Green Lantern story is just weird and only tangentially Christmas related. Art is decent without anything particularly fancy throughout - there's a Batwoman story whose style definitely suffers for not being J.H. Williams, for example, although it does occasionally attempt to mimic him. All told it's a decent enough diversion that borrows a little holiday spirit.
November 22, 2019
Takže... vezmeme Holiday Special, a abysme ho mohli prodat znovu a dráž jako book, přilípneme k tomu vánoční speciály Batmana a Harley. To je od DC tfuj koncept a dost mě překvapuje, že se do toho BBArt pustil.
Batmanovské příběhy jsou na tom nejlíp, Harley je tradičně šit a zbytek podprůměr, kdy na DC hrdiny násilně roubujeme americká vánoční klišé. Meh, meh, meh.
Batmanovské příběhy jsou na tom nejlíp, Harley je tradičně šit a zbytek podprůměr, kdy na DC hrdiny násilně roubujeme americká vánoční klišé. Meh, meh, meh.
January 17, 2018
This was an okay special, though I was actually looking for DC Holiday Special 2017 #1.
December 15, 2020
I really liked this collection. It's definitely one to read over a few days or something. I think the different art styles were fun.
July 28, 2022
Loved the various December holidays shown and the characters that celebrate them. Overall, really cute and perfect for Christmas in July.
January 5, 2021
I absolutely loved the story of the Supersons and their dads. It was so sweet and wholesome and the art was beautiful. The Titans story was also great (complemented by great art), as it touched upon Roy's troubles with addiction and the Titan's strong friendship. Would have loved if Wally was in this tale too, but it was still great!
(Five stars for these two tales. The rest were alright, but not as interesting to me.)
(Five stars for these two tales. The rest were alright, but not as interesting to me.)
January 30, 2020
The Harley Quinn issue is garbage, but the two actual holiday specials are pretty decent. Some really good stories, and few bad ones. My favorites: the Flash short story and the secret origin of Ace the Bathound.
March 1, 2018
I've always enjoyed the DC Comics Holiday Specials, though making a loopy Harley Quinn as the main character this year was rather odd to say the least. For the most part though, the stories were really good and touching.
February 9, 2021
Rep: lesbian character, non-white characters
April 19, 2018
Nothing new or necessary, but one-shot collections can afford to be trite or vapid, and there are a few laughs or awwws spread throughout. New Green Lanterns still suck.
July 1, 2020
A light Christmas book that you'll probably forget a couple of hours after reading.
Read
December 16, 2020Like everything else DC have done since Flashpoint, Rebirth had its flaws, but was at least a gesture towards re-finding the heart and soul in characters who had once been figures of hope. Combine that with Christmas, and more often than not this is pretty sweet, in both senses. Dini and Charretier provide a framing story which plays merry havoc with the fourth wall, in which Harley Quinn hosts a TV holiday special. As she points out, she was raised marking Jewish holidays as well as Christian ones, hence such entirely sensible and respectful innovations as her Menor-antlers. Set within that, an assortment of seasonal vignettes, which even before the Batman-specific annual at the back, do lean rather too heavily on the Caped Crusader for my liking. As a character, he's never going to catch the spirit of the season as well as Superman – but even so I enjoyed the pair of them trying to sort their Christmases with their sons. Better still was Bruce getting out-detected by Detective Chimp in the first story to bring a tear to my eye (and not just because the idea of enlisting Batman to help track down a mall Santa's dognapped pet is so pleasing); the story of the Flash's festive truce with the Rogues was another which caught the right balance of tugging the heartstrings without tipping into schmaltz. Alas, one pairing which could have been amazing didn't quite work; I love the idea of a Christmas team-up between damned John Constantine and pagan Wonder Woman, and it does have a fabulous final panel, but not one that altogether makes up for a story seemingly trying to play off the Pendle witch trials while conflating Lancaster and Lancashire. Still, the collection finishes with a nice reminder of the raucuous jollity of Christmas in the before times, following Harley again as Conner and Palmiotti send her into Santa's brain to restart his faltering festive spirit.
November 25, 2024
This collection consists of DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1, Batman Annual #1, and Harley Quinn #10, all from the bygone holiday season of 2016.
The meat here is of course the Holiday Special, a collection of stories checking in on various DC heroes and villains during the holidays. The frame narrative features Harley Quinn (as written by character creator Paul Dini) hosting a holiday special in the vein of classic television featuring characters from the DC Universe. Not only does Dini write Harley like no other, but we also get some nice bits with Dini-favorite characters such as Black Canary and Zatanna. More importantly, Elsa Charretier's artwork gives these characters a classic feel reminiscent of Bruce Timm or Darwin Cooke. The stories themselves are mostly forgettable with the exception of the opening Batman/Superman tale by Tim Seeley that features some nice Damian/Superboy moments.
The next chunk of the volume features holiday-themed tales of the Dark Knight from the Batman Annual. The first of these, and by far the strongest, is an origin story for Ace the Bat-Hound penned by then-current Batman writer Tom King. King's tale both warms the heart and ties in neatly with his deeper Batman mythos. We then get some cute but forgettable entries from Scott Snyder and Dini, as well as some more puzzling stories toward the end. Of course, if you're a Batman fan, there's a good chance you have already read this annual elsewhere, so keep that in mine in assessing the value of this collection.
The collection caps of with a terminally horny entry from Palmiotti/Conner run of Harley Quinn. The less said about this the better.
All in all the collection is certainly not a must for the DC fan, but if you can pick it up for cheap (or free from the library) and want a light holiday distraction from the Rebirth era, check it out.
The meat here is of course the Holiday Special, a collection of stories checking in on various DC heroes and villains during the holidays. The frame narrative features Harley Quinn (as written by character creator Paul Dini) hosting a holiday special in the vein of classic television featuring characters from the DC Universe. Not only does Dini write Harley like no other, but we also get some nice bits with Dini-favorite characters such as Black Canary and Zatanna. More importantly, Elsa Charretier's artwork gives these characters a classic feel reminiscent of Bruce Timm or Darwin Cooke. The stories themselves are mostly forgettable with the exception of the opening Batman/Superman tale by Tim Seeley that features some nice Damian/Superboy moments.
The next chunk of the volume features holiday-themed tales of the Dark Knight from the Batman Annual. The first of these, and by far the strongest, is an origin story for Ace the Bat-Hound penned by then-current Batman writer Tom King. King's tale both warms the heart and ties in neatly with his deeper Batman mythos. We then get some cute but forgettable entries from Scott Snyder and Dini, as well as some more puzzling stories toward the end. Of course, if you're a Batman fan, there's a good chance you have already read this annual elsewhere, so keep that in mine in assessing the value of this collection.
The collection caps of with a terminally horny entry from Palmiotti/Conner run of Harley Quinn. The less said about this the better.
All in all the collection is certainly not a must for the DC fan, but if you can pick it up for cheap (or free from the library) and want a light holiday distraction from the Rebirth era, check it out.
December 29, 2017
More like 3.5 stars actually. I enjoyed this comic collection, but there were a few stories that were just plain silly and didn't make much sense; however, the ones that I liked, I downright adored. The standout stories were definitely the first two and the one where Alfred saved and trained a dog as a Christmas present for Bruce. I haven't really read any Rebirth yet (because I have been futilely attempting to finish everything I want out of the New 52 first), but these little snippets into the universe has me very excited, especially with my two favorite characters (Batman and Superman) and their sons. Seriously, I need to read more Jon Kent ("Smith"). And, as always, I enjoyed seeing Damian... especially his softer side. In addition, I like that this iteration of Batman seems a little less serious. He hasn't lost his Bat-edge, but he does also seem a bit more human than other takes on him that I've read. Of course, the stories collected here were more lighthearted in nature, so that may be inaccurate, but still.... I also really liked Superman, especially the fact that he's with Lois again. (I was never a fan of Superman/Wonder Woman). In addition, this collection also gave me a chance to read some other heroes I hadn't thought about trying, namely the Green Lanterns. I'm very interested in them. Others that I read confirmed why I haven't been interested before (specifically Batwoman), but it was still nice to at least give them a try. In short, this wasn't a perfect holiday collection, but the stories that worked really, really worked and I would definitely recommend this both as a fun read and as a quick snapshot of the Rebirth universe.
January 3, 2019
Reprinting a trio of holiday themed issues from DC's Rebirth era.
Reprinting Batman: Annual #1, spend the holidays in Gotham City. Marvel at a band of acrobatic thieves. Get caught under the mistletoe with the Scarecrow. Harley Quinn catches a ride back to Coney Island with the Dark Knight. Plus, the origin of Ace, The Bat-Hound is finally revealed.
Then in the contents of Harley Quinn #10, Santa Claus has gone catatonic. The only person who can help him is Dr. Harleen Quinzel. Taking the term 'head shrink' to an all new meaning, Quinn is shrunk into Santa's brain in hopes of restoring his holiday spirit.
Lastly is the DC Rebirth Holiday Special from 2016. Hosted by Harley Quinn, the Joker's Ex puts on a sort of old school variety show much like Sinatra or Andy Williams used to host. Just about every holiday of the season is explored through the eyes of Batwoman, the Green Lantern Corps, and the Titans. My favorite story is a Christmas Eve romp with Detective Chimp and Batman. There just aren't enough stories with Detective Chimp and this team-up was fantastic!
This should have been called Harley Quinn's Rebirth Holiday Special. She features prominently in all three main stories. I'm not complaining. This was great fun. It was way more enjoyable than 2018's DC's Nuclear Winter Special. There's just no way around it- Christmas-time specials need to be light-hearted and fun; not dismal and bleak.
Featuring the talents of Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Scott Snyder, Neal Adams and many more. This was classic DC fun in a Rebirth wrapper!
Reprinting Batman: Annual #1, spend the holidays in Gotham City. Marvel at a band of acrobatic thieves. Get caught under the mistletoe with the Scarecrow. Harley Quinn catches a ride back to Coney Island with the Dark Knight. Plus, the origin of Ace, The Bat-Hound is finally revealed.
Then in the contents of Harley Quinn #10, Santa Claus has gone catatonic. The only person who can help him is Dr. Harleen Quinzel. Taking the term 'head shrink' to an all new meaning, Quinn is shrunk into Santa's brain in hopes of restoring his holiday spirit.
Lastly is the DC Rebirth Holiday Special from 2016. Hosted by Harley Quinn, the Joker's Ex puts on a sort of old school variety show much like Sinatra or Andy Williams used to host. Just about every holiday of the season is explored through the eyes of Batwoman, the Green Lantern Corps, and the Titans. My favorite story is a Christmas Eve romp with Detective Chimp and Batman. There just aren't enough stories with Detective Chimp and this team-up was fantastic!
This should have been called Harley Quinn's Rebirth Holiday Special. She features prominently in all three main stories. I'm not complaining. This was great fun. It was way more enjoyable than 2018's DC's Nuclear Winter Special. There's just no way around it- Christmas-time specials need to be light-hearted and fun; not dismal and bleak.
Featuring the talents of Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Scott Snyder, Neal Adams and many more. This was classic DC fun in a Rebirth wrapper!
December 25, 2017
This book can be divided into several parts over its 160 + pages length. Most of it is Holiday-related stories from the DCU. About the first of it has a party by Harley Quinn where heroes and villains alike have shown as a framing device. Later parts of the book include a Batman annual with holiday stories in it, and there's Harley Quinn's issues.
The main portion of the Holiday Party was fine. Most of the stories were cute (Superman having to get a present for Jon right before Christmas), and a few were even good, the Flash's Christmas Carol told the story of how he and the Rogues called a truce for the Holidays for the first time. I also liked the Epiphany tale with the Green Lanterns. Others were a little pointless. The Wonder Woman/Constantine story was below average. For the most part, the bulk of these stories were cute.
I thought the same of the Batman stories. They were okay. I particularly liked the story about Alfred trying to retrain the Joker's Dog Ace.
The final part of it is an Issue of Harley Quinn's comic book where she journeys into Santa's mind. What can I say. This one is just purely trashy. It tries to be funny and fails. Very unpleasant to read, and also makes this a book you can't give to kids.
Overall, without the Harley story, I'd give this 3.5. With it in there, I'm taking it down to a three. There are some good stories, but man that last one...Trashy.
The main portion of the Holiday Party was fine. Most of the stories were cute (Superman having to get a present for Jon right before Christmas), and a few were even good, the Flash's Christmas Carol told the story of how he and the Rogues called a truce for the Holidays for the first time. I also liked the Epiphany tale with the Green Lanterns. Others were a little pointless. The Wonder Woman/Constantine story was below average. For the most part, the bulk of these stories were cute.
I thought the same of the Batman stories. They were okay. I particularly liked the story about Alfred trying to retrain the Joker's Dog Ace.
The final part of it is an Issue of Harley Quinn's comic book where she journeys into Santa's mind. What can I say. This one is just purely trashy. It tries to be funny and fails. Very unpleasant to read, and also makes this a book you can't give to kids.
Overall, without the Harley story, I'd give this 3.5. With it in there, I'm taking it down to a three. There are some good stories, but man that last one...Trashy.
December 27, 2020
This was surprisingly diverse in it's showing of winter holidays from cultures around the world. Good job, DC!
I did have a soft spot for the Batman-centric ones though, my favorites have to include the first story, "The Last Minute" which centered around the Super Sons (Damian Wayne and Jon Kent) as well as the holiday team-up of Batman and Detective Chimp entitled "The Night We Saved Christmas", also the dark horse but soon instant favorite "A Flash Christmas Carol", and finally the reprint of "Good Boy", first introduction of Ace in the DC Rebirth universe.
Still hate Kenan (aka Chinese Super-man), he's still a himbo. Although, I do concede his taste in Chinese desserts is on-point. Doesn't make him a good superhero or person tho.
I did have a soft spot for the Batman-centric ones though, my favorites have to include the first story, "The Last Minute" which centered around the Super Sons (Damian Wayne and Jon Kent) as well as the holiday team-up of Batman and Detective Chimp entitled "The Night We Saved Christmas", also the dark horse but soon instant favorite "A Flash Christmas Carol", and finally the reprint of "Good Boy", first introduction of Ace in the DC Rebirth universe.
Still hate Kenan (aka Chinese Super-man), he's still a himbo. Although, I do concede his taste in Chinese desserts is on-point. Doesn't make him a good superhero or person tho.
May 29, 2023
A collection of tales of holiday cheer and how to achieve it in the DC Rebirth Universe, this is a pretty darned good collection of stories featuring characters from across the DC Rebirth Universe.
Introductions by Harley Quinn for each of the first ten tales are hilarious and almost worth the price of the book by themselves.
Others include an origin of Ace the Bat-Hound and an evening during which Batman is allowed a few minutes with absolute silence from all his various automated calls to battle. Peace, it seems, is not his comfort zone - but he can be taught.
Solid entertainment for the holiday season.
Introductions by Harley Quinn for each of the first ten tales are hilarious and almost worth the price of the book by themselves.
Others include an origin of Ace the Bat-Hound and an evening during which Batman is allowed a few minutes with absolute silence from all his various automated calls to battle. Peace, it seems, is not his comfort zone - but he can be taught.
Solid entertainment for the holiday season.
December 7, 2025
I liked Harley Quinn as an emcee and some fun moments, like Wonder Woman talking about her winter solstice tradition. I enjoyed most of the stories, especially the Green Lantern three kings story and Nightwing meeting Batgirl for New Year’s where they’re both late and they watch the fireworks. However I wasn’t thrilled with the Batwoman story with the EMP, I didn’t like the art style, story, and am not familiar with Catwoman being a tech genius.
The last Harley Quinn story was awful.
High 3, low 4. Was in the mood for something wintery and festive. Will likely check out the sequel, yay for Hoopla.
The last Harley Quinn story was awful.
High 3, low 4. Was in the mood for something wintery and festive. Will likely check out the sequel, yay for Hoopla.
January 13, 2018
Blah. All the interstitials say, "Don't buy into this trite mindless holiday pablum." And then they give you trite, mindless holiday pablum.
Then there's actually filler for the holiday special.
How many times am I going to read the Ace the Bat-Hound story? And then that Harley Quinn story? Why must the layout keep leering at her?
Then there's actually filler for the holiday special.
How many times am I going to read the Ace the Bat-Hound story? And then that Harley Quinn story? Why must the layout keep leering at her?
March 17, 2018
Harley hosting a holiday show? can't get better than that!
I've only really read Harley Quinn in the rebirth storyline, so I wasn't entirely sure who some of the characters were, but the stories were still great. I also really enjoyed the fact there was a bunch of different holidays that take place in winter - even a New Year's one.
I've only really read Harley Quinn in the rebirth storyline, so I wasn't entirely sure who some of the characters were, but the stories were still great. I also really enjoyed the fact there was a bunch of different holidays that take place in winter - even a New Year's one.
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