Once DC introduced their new Rebirth series it was only a matter of time before we saw a fantastic special. What better way to get all our favorites together for a feel-good time than a Holiday Issue? Mixed within Harley Quinn’s “Big, Splashy Holiday Special” there are 10 separate stories ready to entertain your celebratory spirits. Huntress, Wonder Woman, Batman, and one very perceptive chimp along with many others share their tales of friends, culture and conflict.
You have to love when enemies can get together to focus on what’s really important: presents!
DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1 (DC Comics)
I have to say, they definitely found the best hostess for the DC Rebirth Holiday Special: Harley Quinn puts on a great show for the DC family as she connects each story together and she does so in fun, seamless fashion. If all else fails you should grab this issue for her commentary and interaction with the rest of the supporting cast alone. Paul Dini did a fabulous job weaving each story together.
“The Last Minute” brings Batman and Superman together with their families for the holidays. The premise is pretty much leaving that one last Christmas present for the last minute and what you have to go through to get it. It’s pretty silly but entertaining. The issue focuses a lot on each character’s kids so don’t expect too many battles.
Krypto is just so freaking adorable so I was really happy to see an entire story just for him. The idea that he doesn’t really understand he’s not a normal dog never really occurred to me. So, what do you get a Kryptonian dog for Christmas? This one got me in the feels, adorable and heart felt. At this point Batman has gotten everyone a present- yeah, it’s pretty great.
And speaking of Batman, one of his LA friends gets the spotlight in DC Rebirth Holiday Special; Detective Chimp makes an appearance with one of the most entertaining stories of the bunch. I’m not going to say much, you need to read this one.
The Wonder Woman and Constantine team up is okay. The story itself was a bit slower than the others. Much more of a read and a little less holiday cheer. The best part to me is the last panel: “Tell Santa what you want for Christmas.”
At this point, the eggnog has been altered-so the Holiday extravaganza is still raging on. Have I mentioned that the segue sections are my favorite?
So if you don’t know, now you know- I LOVE FLASH! So I’m happy to say he makes an appearance in this issue. Bonus to this is that Captain Cold, Trickster and a few more of my favorite villains are here too. With Barry Allen you always know it’s going to be a feel good story.
There’s a short section with The New Superman but it’s only a page, not bad but not much to it.
The Batgirl story, however, wasn’t my cup of tea. It’s a tech story. Someone stole something and then Batgirl has to get it back before something bad happens. Very recognizable story line.
Energy and action describe the Titans’ involvement in the special. It was a bit wild and crazy but it did have its humorous points. You really have to love the underrated superheroes. There’s also a cute little afterthought section with Batgirl and Nightwing. I love a good love story.
There’s no segue into the Green Lantern section so it jumps right into the story. This was probably my least favorite section. I just did not get into it. I’m not really a fan anyway but the story itself read like a cheap knock off of A Christmas Carol.
Is It Good?
I will say this, there are definitely more pros than cons when it comes to the special. I think DC did a great job getting all these writers and artists together. This will totally get you pumped for the holidays and not just Christmas either.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.