Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eve: The Illustrated Holiday Classic

by Ivan Cohen, J.J. Harrison (Illustrator)

Batman returns to save both his hometown and the holiday season in this adult storybook adaptation of Tim Burton’s Super Hero classic.

Just as three wise men once conspired to honor a baby, three deranged villains in Gotham City have hatched a clever plan of their own. But rather than traveling to Bethlehem and offering gifts, these narcissistic ne’er-do-wells are going to seize control of Gotham City’s government and power supply instead. Once again, the Dark Knight Detective is the city’s only hope for salvation—but defeating the combined forces of the Penguin, Catwoman, and unfettered capitalism is going to take a Christmas miracle! (And possibly a Bat-Plane.)

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Batman Returns with this tongue-in-cheek retelling of Tim Burton’s delightfully disturbing film. Reimagined into catchy verse and beautiful illustrations, this cautionary tale of identity, ambition, and the importance of work/life balance is guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit!

STUNNING ILLUSTRATIONS: This one-of-a-kind tale features more than 30 colorful pieces of original artwork by renowned illustrator JJ Harrison.

FAN FAVORITE CHARACTERS: The Dark Knight goes up against iconic villains like The Penguin and Catwoman in this action-packed Gotham City adventure.

PERFECT GIFT FOR BATMAN FANS: This tongue-in-cheek homage to Tim Burton’s classic is the perfect gift for the Batman fans in your life.

A NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION: Written in verse and meant to be read aloud, Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eve is a wonderful way to create a fun new Christmas tradition.

COMPLETE YOUR BATMAN COLLECTION: Complete your Batman library with Batman: The Official Coloring Book, Exploring Gotham City, How to Batman: A Gotham City Survival Guide, and Gotham City Cocktails, all available from Insight Editions.

Genres: Christmas, Comics, Graphic Novels

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2022

About the author

A writer of comic books, prose, and animation, Ivan Cohen is best known for introducing the character “Kid Quick” — a non-binary superhero who would later be established as the future inheritor of the Flash mantle — to the DC Comics universe in late 2020. In 2022, Cohen co-wrote Kid Quick's first starring vehicle, DC's MULTIVERSITY: TEEN JUSTICE.

Cohen’s body of work includes the bestselling Space Jam: A New Legacy graphic novel, the acclaimed THE BATMAN AND SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES comic book series, and the storybook-style BATMAN RETURNS: ONE DARK CHRISTMAS EVE – THE ILLUSTRATED HOLIDAY CLASSIC. He has also written comics featuring members of the Justice League and the Avengers.

Cohen lives in Manhattan with his wife and their son. He has been called “amazing” and “genius” by The New York Times, though some would argue that, since those were actually rankings in the newspaper’s “Spelling Bee” game, it would be misleading to use them here. The amazing genius humbly disagrees.

Reviews

[Jayson · Rating 3 out of 5]

(B+) 77% | Good
Notes: Pleasant style (faux-juvenile), a point-form movie recap, the rhymes are fun if roughly spun, a pure nostalgia rewrap.

*Progress update

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember if the movie was exactly like this book as I saw it ages ago but it's based on one of my favorite Batman movies. Loved the feel of a children's picture book. Would definitely want to read more books like this

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun

[Aaron (TheWeirdReader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know about you, Miss Kitty, but I feel so much yummier. . . I am Catwoman. Hear me roar.

—From the 1992 movie


Let me start off by saying I had to begin this review with a quote from this particular Selina Kyle for a reason. Which is that Michelle Pfeiffer portrayal is, and will, forever be the MOST iconic version of Catwoman. And she does it to purrr-fection.

the Bat the Cat the Penguin and the Holidays.

How could I not known about the existence of this wonderful b👀k. I still stand by my statement that both this movie, and it's original 1989 being the best Batman films. I stumbled upon Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eve and at the unexpected perfect time to being that it's Christmas eve also in relation to the title. I immediately needed to read this, and sinse I obviously didn't have a physical copy in front of me I searched to see if I could read it online NOW!

This isn't Christmas in just any city, this is Christmas in Gotham City. Instead of bright and cheerful, it's dark and gloomy. Instead of celebratory, it's macabre. This blackened December festivities story is told thru the eyes of course, leading character Bruce Wayne mainly from our two vengeful antagonist Selina Kyle, Oswald Cobblepot. But the actual villain is corrupt businessman Max Shreck and unlike Catwoman & Penguin who both have a deep trauma reason explaining why their the way they are. Max just chooses to be evil cause he can.

Now Gotham's City mayor rings in it's unique Christmas time. A winter wonderland despite the violence and crime.

What makes a Christmas movie

1. It must primarily be set during that holiday season
2. It must include traditional Christmas figures such as Santa Claus, Frosty, or perhaps Jesus (remember him?) etc, etc
3. It must feature some traditional Christmas themes

I watch Batman Returns along with certain other movies around this holiday time every year. One of my personal favorites of all the Batman films which brings up a particular question about it. Is Batman Returns a actual Christmas movie? YES. While it lacks all the usual feelings we associate with Christmas films or stories traditionally, meaning the uplifting energy of Christmas. But what about loneliness and Isolation themes, that are very focused throughout this film and they are just as important as joy and love with the December holiday

So they tossed him out like a week-old fish. Revenge would be that child's favorite dish.

Batman Returns shows the flip-side of that coin of what can happen to someone who doesn't have parents, a home, or lover during the holidays. and it's still a beautiful and fascinating film. But also a dark, grim, joyless affair that's why I think many people consider it to be a anti-christmas movie. Although, despite it's horror aspects . . . And toss them into a deep, dark, watery grave. —Penguin 1992 movie it doesn't feel scary like some other Christmas related films.

Tim Burton explores themes of Christmas that perfectly ties-in with the Dark Knight tale. And I'm not just saying that because Christmas is basically shown in every part of this movie. Speaking of, I always have to take a moment to appreciate (Burton's visual imagery brilliance) it's like the city of Gotham was almost a character itself.

As I was saying there is much Christmassy to be found here. For starters, there's a huge Christmas tree in center of town. There's plenty of gift giving, Christmas shopping, Christmas songs, also a Christmas party, and a mistletoe. That seem like alot of Christmas to me, for a movie having such a dark brooding nature. So I honestly think I've proved my point. The movie does meet the holiday requirements. Even a two outta three this would still be considered a Christmas movie.

But more than anything else, what really makes Batman Returns a Christmas movie is it's holiday season & Christmas themes play a important role in the plot. And aslo Max Shrek is Gotham's own archetype of a Scrooge. I wanted mentioned that to further add to my point of Batman Returns being very much a Christmas movie

Overall Final Thoughts: I really loved Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eve especially that it's written in verse and the fact it's a retelling, but still stays true to the original story. With wonderful fun illustrations that are a major part of the book's appeal, which also compliments the writing. I'm not familiar with it's creators, but the clever team of Ivan Cohen and J.J Harrison makes this book a most enjoyable fun reading experience. Not only for the Christmas season, but also DC fans as they successfully adapt "for all ages" one of the most underrated Batman movies.

Bruce Wayne suspects somethings wrong with Max and Oswald deal. Distracted by Selina charm, he asked her to a meal.

The cops, sure they'd lose the brutal fight, shine a bright light in the sky to summon the Dark Knight.

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman Returns One dark Christmas Eve by Ivan Cohen (script) and JJ Harrison (art) celebrates the 30th anniversary of Batman Returns with this tongue-in-cheek retelling of Tim Burton’s delightfully disturbing film. Reimagined into catchy verse and beautiful illustrations, this cautionary tale of identity, ambition, and the importance of work/life balance is guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Just as three wise men once conspired to honor a baby, three deranged villains in Gotham City have hatched a clever plan of their own. But rather than traveling to Bethlehem and offering gifts, these narcissistic ne’er-do-wells are going to seize control of Gotham City’s government and power supply instead. Once again, the Dark Knight Detective is the city’s only hope for salvation—but defeating the combined forces of the Penguin, Max Shreck, Catwoman, and unfettered capitalism is going to take a Christmas miracle! (And possibly a Bat-Plane.)

The rhymes were on the tune of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, so plenty of singing went on while I enjoyed this comic. Short but fun!

4.4 Stars

[Sandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a little girl, I loved Catwoman in this movie and would have loved to have that book read to me by my dad. This book presents some dark themes such as death/murder scenes almost as much as in the movie so I would only recommend to read this to a child if you are also okay for them to have seen the movie. Very beautiful illustrations too. You do need to have seen the movie at some point to be able to fill in the blanks; some information is missing and it could be a bit confusing to be introduced to this book first.

[Matthew Kresal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though Batman Returns is far from my favorite Batman film (never mind not qualifying as a Christmas film in my mind, but that's a whole other discussion!), it's hard not to be charmed by Ivan Cohen and J.J. Harrison's adaptation of the 1992 film. Written to the tune of God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman and with Harrison's illustrations done in classic Christmas storybook style, this is a delightful tongue-in-cheek read, perfect for a group of nerdy adults during the holiday season. Like the film, it's probably a bit much for younger Batman fans, but if you've got a spare half hour (or less), it's a fun little book and worth a few chuckles along the way.

[Jocelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was in the children’s section at B&N but, I don’t really think it should have been there. It is a pretty faithful re-telling of the movie. The illustrations were good.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars. The singable story aspect is kinda cute with the art appropriate for the story. This wasn't a favorite movie of mine, but I did enjoy the book more.

[Burton Olivier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute.