‘Tis the Season for Bat-Banter: DC’s Festive Anthology Kicks Off With a Jingle
“Jingle Bells! Batman smells! Robin laid an egg! The Batmobile lost a wheel and The Joker got away! Hey!” This cheeky schoolyard twist on a holiday classic has puzzled the masses for years. Still, it somehow became the anthem of playful holiday chaos, ubiquitous in its humor. Recognizing its cultural imprint, DC Comics has embraced the parody. They’ve immortalized it as the theme for their gleeful new collection: DC’s Batman Smells, Robin Laid an Egg #1.
Ringing In the Holidays with Heroics
The anthology opens with “Santa’s Oath?”, penned by Dorado Quick and illustrated by M.L. Sanapo. Here, we see John Stewart facing a question. Despite his cosmic excursions as Green Lantern, why hasn’t he ever spotted Santa Claus? His contemplations are quickly interrupted, however. Toyman zooms past, having committed a sleigh-heist like no other. Stewart is taken aback as he witnesses the driver. Though familiar, they’re not who they seem.
Comedic Chapters Spice Up the Collection
DC’s Batman Smells, Robin Laid an Egg #1 delivers a delightful blend across its stories. "Ghosts of Christmas Present" throws John Constantine into a romantic comedy. It’s a world where he needs to save Abigail from demonic Christmas closure. When Superman starts to actually glow in “Oh Glowy Night,” he must identify which villain is behind the mischief.
Humor reins supreme, yet the anthology doesn’t shy away from depth. A touching Deadman piece by Marv Wolfman and Paul Pelletier shows Boston Brand ensuring that a trapped group of miners witness a true Christmas miracle. Though our titular jingle teases us, the Joker doesn’t escape because of any foul odors. Instead, a cleverly crafted story depicts his nonexistence on an alternate Earth, conjuring up echoes of It’s A Wonderful Life.
Mark Your Calendars for December 4th
From drama to comedy, DC’s latest anthology proves it’s possible to juggle festive antics with compelling storytelling. With its release slated for December 4, 2024, Batman Smells, Robin Laid an Egg #1 promises to be an enticing stocking-stuffer for comic enthusiasts. The halls are decked with dynamic characters and unexpected twists, ensuring readers will enjoy this holiday treat.
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