A Merry Marvel Christmas!

Written by Zeke Perez Jr.

It’s the jolliest time of the year and our caped crusading companions are getting in the holiday spirit, too! Around this time of year, Marvel and DC release holiday specials and themed comics. To get in the festive spirit, I decided to read and review a few of them, new and old. For this go-around, I picked up three Marvel issues: a Marvel holiday special from this year, a Power Man and Iron Fist comic from 2016, and an Iron Man issue from 1990. If visions of holiday comics dance in your head and you want something to read while nestled snug in your bed, consider checking these out. And from myself and the rest of the Nerds That Geek crew, I’d sincerely like to wish you a happy holiday season!
 
Marvel Season’s Beatings #1 (December 2018)
Based on the title, can you guess which Marvel anti-hero hosts this comic? If you guessed anyone but Deadpool, you get coal in your stocking. The comic features three different holiday tales, interwoven with a story about Deadpool and the X-Force signing autographs at a mall. The short stories have different meaningful messages (take care of yourself and do good for others) that are always nice to hear this time of year.
 
The first tale focuses on Miles Morales and an over-burdened Peter Parker (great timing for showcasing that duo as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in theaters). The second is a fun, Grinch-style story about Doctor Doom and Squirrel Girl. The third is a mall Santa crime mystery with Quentin Quire and the Kate Bishop iteration of Hawkeye taking on the investigation. Jason Latour’s writing makes for a fun and lighthearted read. I feel like it was written just for me, as it featured references to Die Hard, Back to the Future, and Childish Gambino, which I now consider the gold standard for a comic book reference trifecta. This one is on shelves now and is definitely worth picking up. Check it out!
 
Power Man and Iron Fist Annual #1: ‘Sweet Christmas’ (December 2016)
This comic was a hit right from the title – the use of Luke Cage’s ‘Sweet Christmas’ catchphrase for a holiday tale is everything I’ve ever needed. The cover art is whimsical, as Power Man, Iron Fist, and Santa celebrate thwarting a masked robber. But like they say, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover… because the action inside is EVEN BETTER! The villain that needs to be taken down is the evil Krampus. The duo vanquishes the foe to the delight of the most badass and heroic version of good ol’ Saint Nick that I have ever seen. 

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​Scott Hepburn’s art and Matt Milla’s colors are phenomenal. David F. Walker’s writing is full of Christmas joy. The rapport between Cage’s daughter and her ‘uncle’ Iron Fist is adorable, especially as they bond over their love for the characters from the year’s hottest toy. Like Transformers, though, those toys are more than meets the eye. Some other special guests make appearances and add to the mix. If you’re looking to spend time with The Heroes for Hire over your holiday break, this issue is worth digging through back issues to find.
 
Iron Man #254 (March 1990)
I stumbled upon this issue in a dollar bin at my local comic book shop. I was immediately drawn in by the incredible cover. How do you not have your attention grabbed and put in a chokehold by Santa Claus blasting a laser-gun at Iron Man, with a ‘Ho-Ho-Homicide’ headline written across the bottom? I didn’t have the chance to buy it the first time I saw it but, through a Christmas miracle, it was still there when I returned for it.
 
The story is a strangely satisfying mix of heartfelt morals and intense action. In the story, Taskmaster hosts a deadly Hunger Games-eque competition to find a new Spymaster (very violent and grim). The winner of the tournament must break into the Stark Industries’ Christmas party, through high levels of security, and steal the ornament on top of the Christmas tree in order to fully graduate (very non-violent and adorable). In the end, Tony Stark spares some destruction by letting Spymaster take the ornament, stating that even a menace like Spymaster deserves some good will at Christmastime.  
 
Iron Man #254 is the ‘is Die Hard a Christmas movie?’ of comics. Despite being released in March, the story is set around Christmas and takes place in a winter-simulating inflatable dome built across the street from Stark’s office (the dome allows for a wintery office Christmas party in an otherwise hot and sunny Southern California). It includes some great Christmas puns and Spymaster dressed as Santa, although I could’ve used more scenes of Santa fighting Iron Man as shown on the cover. Instead, early into his infiltration, Spymaster (hilariously) removes his Santa mask suit to reveal a full Spymaster suit underneath. Another very fun and very 1990 specific treat is that the issue includes a Nintendo Power Glove reference. This issue was a great blast from Christmas past and I’m glad I found it. 

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