I Saw Ma Hunkel Kissing Santa Claus. Holiday Fun!
Happy Holidays! We’ve got quite a few to get through so I hope you guys have the holiday spirit
“Up on the Rooftops” Not everyone’s Christmas involves a ton of presents or a tree, sometimes it involves fighting crime. It’s a sweet story of a former Cyclone Kid sharing her story. ⭐️Overall rating: 4/5
“Cuffing Season” Billy Batson winds up on a double date for a school dance, only problem is he is both dates. He tries so hard to keep up Shazam and Billy, but in the end he can’t hurt his crush (for her mom). It pays off. ⭐️Overall rating: 4/5
“The Holiday Getaway” Harley struggles to have a happy holiday after leaving the Joker for good to be with Ivy. Obviously this sours the mood, but you can always fight your way through it. That’s the real holiday spirit. ⭐️Overall rating: 3/5
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Animal Man feels a little pointless after a pretty boring night of crime fighting. The Phantom Stranger shows up to make things worse. ⭐️Overall rating: 5/5
“Shine in the Silence” Light and Atom are brilliant when it comes to machines and pranking a certain annoying green lantern, but they’re not as smart with their own feelings. ⭐️Overall rating: 4/5
“I’ll be Home for Hanukkah” Galaxy is eager to be a part of the Justice League and wants to help wherever she can, but she lives in Metropolis. There’s always something before sundown. Including evil exes. Taylor is so cute trying to celebrate with her girlfriend, she has so many chances. ⭐️Overall rating: 5/5
“Holiday Woes” Yeah holidays aren’t easy for Kara. We all know this. Her adult baby cousin setting her up on a date isn’t helping, but I loved seeing her have a good time. Even better knowing it’s brainy. ⭐️Overall rating: 5/5
“A Martian on 34th Street” J’onn investigates Christmas and compares it to a Martian holiday and finds a ton of differences. Mostly greedy children. It puts a damper on things, but he’s able to find the Christmas spirit after all. ⭐️Overall rating: 4/5
What was your favorite story in this anthology?
The DC Comics anthology "I Saw Ma Hunkel Kissing Santa Claus" offers a delightful collection of holiday-themed stories that blend humor, romance, and heroism against a festive backdrop. These tales reveal a wonderful mix of characters coping with the challenges and joys of the holiday season in creative ways. One particularly endearing element is how the anthology highlights different perspectives on what the holidays mean. For instance, "Up on the Rooftops" deviates from typical Christmas traditions by focusing on crime fighting instead of presents or decorations, showcasing the former Cyclone Kid’s efforts during the season. Meanwhile, "Cuffing Season" humorously captures Billy Batson’s awkward school dance double date where he struggles to juggle his identity as Shazam and his crush, culminating in a heartfelt moment under the mistletoe. The story "The Holiday Getaway" explores the complexities of relationships during the holidays, particularly Harley Quinn’s transition away from the Joker toward Ivy, showing that holiday spirit sometimes involves overcoming emotional struggles. In contrast, "It’s a Wonderful Life" featuring Animal Man delves into the more introspective and sometimes challenging aspects of the season, emphasizing hope despite setbacks. Stories like "Shine in the Silence" playfully spotlight Light and Atom’s mischievous antics in pranking a green lantern, adding levity and camaraderie to the festivities. The Hanukkah-themed tale, "I’ll be Home for Hanukkah," touches on cultural celebration and romance, emphasizing inclusivity and the desire to belong even when far from home. Other narratives, such as "Holiday Woes," offer relatable holiday hardships, like social pressures and awkward dates, humanizing beloved characters like Kara. Lastly, "A Martian on 34th Street" presents a unique viewpoint by having Martian Manhunter investigate Christmas traditions, juxtaposing his alien perspective with human customs, particularly critiquing the materialism found in greedy children but ultimately embracing the true spirit of Christmas. Overall, these heartwarming and amusing stories provide an engaging exploration of holiday themes through the lens of iconic DC characters. The mix of humor, drama, and festive cheer resonates with readers and brings a fresh take on familiar heroes during the most wonderful time of the year. For fans of both comics and holiday tales, this anthology is a must-read that captures the complexity and joy of the season in a truly unique way.
