BRONZE AGE MINUTE: Limited Collectors’ Edition #C-34
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Cover by Nick Cardy
Title: “Silent Night, Deadly Night!”
Synopsis: Batman tracks down a perp who has been mugging Santa Clauses, then needs a Christmas miracle to make things right.
Writer: Denny O’Neil
Penciler: Irv Novick
Inker: Dick Giordano
Review: These tabloid Christmas editions were always a seasonal treat. This lead story, from Batman #239, is good fun, provided the reader can be gracious with suspension of disbelief for the holidays. Irv Novick’s journeyman art is elevated by Dick Giordano’s excellent inking. This collection is off to a good start.
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Title: “Billy Batson’s Xmas”
Synopsis: Captain Marvel helps out at the local department store, then exchanges gifts with the Marvel family – and himself.
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Uncredited
Review: This reprint from Captain Marvel Adventures #69 is a clear reminder of comics’ tonal shift since the Golden Age.
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Title: “The $500,000 Doll Caper!”
Synopsis: Angel and Sam get pulled into Mr. Stooge’s villainous plot, but get some help from Santa.
Writer: John Albano
Penciler: Bob Oksner
Inker: Wally Wood
Review: This new Angel and the Ape story is madcap insanity. It makes little sense but features some nice cartooning.
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Title: “A Swingin’ Christmas Carol”
Synopsis: Mr. Scrounge is mixed up in some shady business, but has a Christmas change of heart thanks to the Titans.
Writer: Bob Haney
Artist: Nick Cardy
Review: A “Christmas Carol” riff from Teen Titans #13 featuring villains guilty of … recycling? A silly story but masterful cartooning.
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Title: “Christmastown, U.S.A.”
Synopsis: Lois and Clark are assigned to write a feature on Christmastown, but a flood and amnesia threaten the seasonal fun.
Writer: Uncredited
Penciler: Uncredited
Review: This ridiculous reprint from Action Comics #117 sees Superman more interested in Christmas trappings than helping stop a flood.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Second opinion: “This is what a holiday-themed special should be. … 4 out of 4 stars.” – Brett Frankenhoff, Comics Buyer’s Guide #1673 (January 2011)
Cool factor: Who wouldn’t want this tabloid special sticking out of their stocking?
Notable: This issue also includes a 1975 superhero calendar, Christmas quizzes, activity pages, and other filler features.
Character quotable: “If you find the creep, sock ’im one for old Santa!” – a charity bell ringer, demonstrating the ol’ Christmas spirit
Copyright ©2022 Off the Wahl Productions, all rights reserved. Each week, T. Andrew Wahl offers up a Bronze Age Minute. For more reviews like this one, check out Wahl’s website, offthewahl.com.
