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captwinghead's review
3.0
The whole thing gets a 3.5 but Superman & Batman in "The Last Minute" gets 5 stars.
These were enjoyable. Not gonna lie, I read this mostly (ok entirely) for the Jon and Damian story which is the one I gave 5 stars. It was incredibly cute! You get such a great feel for the relationship between Damian and Jon and how that's progressed. There's an adorable Jingle All the Way esque subplot with Clark trying to buy the toy Jon really wants on Christmas Eve. He can't get it because Damian buys the last one and gives it to Jon. So incredibly cute! Also, there's also an adorable moment where Clark asks Bruce if he would like to play. Loved this!
The others weren't memorable enough to really like or dislike. "For The Dog Who Has Everything" was clearly a metaphor for Jon maybe feeling distant from his Kryptonian heritage. It was okay but nothing that really moved me.
Batman &a Detective Chimp "The Night We Saved Christmas" did absolutely nothing for me.
Wonder Woman &a Constantine in "Dreaming of a White Christmas" was pretty good. Not a lot was done with Diana. There's a interlude where she talks about the holiday traditions on Themyscira and that was great! I wish I could've gotten more of that.
Flash "A Flash Christmas Carol" reads like a typical storyline I would expect from the Christmas filler ep on the CW show. I'm surprised no one said "God bless us everyone one" at the end.
New Super-Man in "Day of Returning" was intriguing. I definitely want to check that character out.
Batwoman "Light In Dark", the writing for Kate felt stilted which made me sad because I was actually interested in the plot.
The Titans "What a Year For a New Year" was pretty okay. Roy talking about his addiction was moving.
Batgirl & Nightwing "I Don't Wanna Be Late" was cute but literally a footnote. Not sure why they even bothered including it.
Green Lanterns "The Epiphany" was Simon and Jessica going through trials to prove they can be Green Lanterns. Full confession, I've never been interested in Green Lantern stories. No matter who's holding the ring, I'm just not that interested. That being said, I'm sure there's something here for people who are interested in the Green Lantern.
These were enjoyable. Not gonna lie, I read this mostly (ok entirely) for the Jon and Damian story which is the one I gave 5 stars. It was incredibly cute! You get such a great feel for the relationship between Damian and Jon and how that's progressed. There's an adorable Jingle All the Way esque subplot with Clark trying to buy the toy Jon really wants on Christmas Eve. He can't get it because Damian buys the last one and gives it to Jon. So incredibly cute! Also, there's also an adorable moment where Clark asks Bruce if he would like to play. Loved this!
The others weren't memorable enough to really like or dislike. "For The Dog Who Has Everything" was clearly a metaphor for Jon maybe feeling distant from his Kryptonian heritage. It was okay but nothing that really moved me.
Batman &a Detective Chimp "The Night We Saved Christmas" did absolutely nothing for me.
Wonder Woman &a Constantine in "Dreaming of a White Christmas" was pretty good. Not a lot was done with Diana. There's a interlude where she talks about the holiday traditions on Themyscira and that was great! I wish I could've gotten more of that.
Flash "A Flash Christmas Carol" reads like a typical storyline I would expect from the Christmas filler ep on the CW show. I'm surprised no one said "God bless us everyone one" at the end.
New Super-Man in "Day of Returning" was intriguing. I definitely want to check that character out.
Batwoman "Light In Dark", the writing for Kate felt stilted which made me sad because I was actually interested in the plot.
The Titans "What a Year For a New Year" was pretty okay. Roy talking about his addiction was moving.
Batgirl & Nightwing "I Don't Wanna Be Late" was cute but literally a footnote. Not sure why they even bothered including it.
Green Lanterns "The Epiphany" was Simon and Jessica going through trials to prove they can be Green Lanterns. Full confession, I've never been interested in Green Lantern stories. No matter who's holding the ring, I'm just not that interested. That being said, I'm sure there's something here for people who are interested in the Green Lantern.
foiltheplot's review
4.0
With 10 short stories in all, the DC Rebirth Holiday Special is a feel-good compendium of holiday adventures with some of our favourite DC heroes. The collection is narrated by Harley Quinn, who I thought was a great choice because she anchors the book with both humour and heart. They do a really good job of making her segments the connective tissue, sort of in a variety show gone wrong kind of way.
I will admit, the first half of the anthology is the stronger of the two, but what all these stories have in common is tight storytelling that embraces the holiday spirit in a natural and sweet way. The artwork is consistent and vibrant, as one comes to expect from DC. At 88 pages, this is definitely a fun addition to add to your collection if you're willing to pay the steep price for some stellar hits and near misses.
I will admit, the first half of the anthology is the stronger of the two, but what all these stories have in common is tight storytelling that embraces the holiday spirit in a natural and sweet way. The artwork is consistent and vibrant, as one comes to expect from DC. At 88 pages, this is definitely a fun addition to add to your collection if you're willing to pay the steep price for some stellar hits and near misses.
clockworkp's review
4.0
3.75
Aunque hubo muchas historias cortas que no me interesaban, la manera en que están hiladas es genial, parece tal cual un show navideño típico.
Mi historia favorita por supuesto, los super sons.
Aunque hubo muchas historias cortas que no me interesaban, la manera en que están hiladas es genial, parece tal cual un show navideño típico.
Mi historia favorita por supuesto, los super sons.
capesandcovers's review
4.0
I love holiday specials, I always have, so when DC announced that they were doing one for Rebirth I knew I had to read it. There are 10 stories overall, one of which (Harley's) takes places throughout the anthology, since the whole thing is narrated by Harley Quinn. This special was pretty diverse in the holidays celebrated and there was quite an array of diverse characters in between the usual ones. I think there was more Superman and Batman/Batfamily stories than there were in the past, but then again that's the market DC has been actively trying to reach.
I broke down the anthology to give a mini review of each separate story.
A Very Harley Holiday by [a:Paul Dini|61935|Paul Dini|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1294337447p2/61935.jpg] and [a:Elsa Charretier|9085236|Elsa Charretier|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
This was a weird story, partially because of how it needed to be written around the others, but also because of how Harley and other villains were just chilling at this superhero holiday party (in the Watchtower?). Ignoring that, the story itself wasn't anything special, just the usual New 52-esque Harley flitting about without pants (please give her clothes for fucks sake )and making somewhat rude comments in an attempt to be humorous. It is mentioned that Harley is actually Jewish, but rather than sticking to just that they seemed to have change things so she now celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas.
The part with Wonder Woman's holiday traditions was just bizarre, and was written in the violent OOC behavior Azzarello and Johns had written her in at the beginning of the New 52. Please, stop writing her this way DC, you have other characters you can do this with. The Raven and Beast Boy part was kind of weird and random, but it felt like the current Teen Titans Go cartoon so I'm assuming that's why it was in there.
Honestly, the only parts of this I liked were the brief Task Force X panels because of Deadshot, and the idea of Black Canary and Zatanna singing together. The art style was nice and minimalistic, and so was the coloring. 1/5 stars.
Superman & Batman: The Last Minute by [a:Tim Seely|15364855|Tim Seely|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] & [a:Ian Churchill|161083|Ian Churchill|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png]
As someone who hasn't been acitvely keeping up with New 52 and Rebirth Superman this one was somewhat confusing. It was nice seeing Clark, Bruce and Lois together for the holidays, though the Jon thing still weirds me out. It was nice to see Damian with a friend though, and he had such nice hair. The art was so nice that the rating gets boosted from 1/5 stars to 2/5.
Superboy & Krypto: For the Dog Who Has Everything by [a:Eric Esquivel|4941959|Eric Esquivel|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], [a:Dan Jurgens|2688|Dan Jurgens|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1361141047p2/2688.jpg] & [a:Norm Rapmund|665051|Norm Rapmund|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png]
This felt out of place and held literally no meaning to me since I don't know or care about Jon or like kids. N/A or 1/5 stars.
Batman & Detective Chimp: The Night We Saved Christmas by Heath Carson, Gustavo Duarte
This is that weird story out of the group, which makes one of the many reasons why I love holiday specials. It has great layout and the art has a great cartoon style without veering off into childish. The coloring was mostly solid block and it just worked so well with everything, The story itself seems to be an out of continuity team-up between Batman and Bobo, which makes it even better. 5/5 stars
Wonder Woman and Constantine: Dreaming of a White Christmas by Mariko Tomaki and [a:Matías Bergara|3190115|Matías Bergara|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
Other than the complaint that Diana has a little too much of a rude attitude (I swear I'm not THAT picky), I did really enjoy this one. Constantine has some great lines as per usual, and the art was okay. The color palette was such a great mood setter. 4/5 stars
The Flash: A Flash Christmas Carol by [a:James Tynion IV|6852949|James Tynion IV|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png] and [a:Robbi Rodriguez|28324|Robbi Rodriguez|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
I have no clue who Malcolm is, but this was classic holiday special material. This was such a Flash story, and I love when the relationships he has with The Rogues come into plot. The art didn't really do anything for me, but it wasn't bad either. This was truly one of those stories I live for. 10/5 stars.
New Super-Man: Day of Returning by [a:Gene Luen Yang|68959|Gene Luen Yang|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1415919636p2/68959.jpg] and [a:Andrea Mutti|694397|Andrea Mutti|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1267981157p2/694397.jpg]
This story held 0 meaning to me, since as stated before I haven't been keeping up with recent Superman comics. From what I could tell not much was really happening other than the New Super-Man being rude and some costumes that hurt my eyes. N/A or 0/5 stars
Batwoman: Light in the Dark by [a:K. Perkins|2105721|K. Perkins|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1438862525p2/2105721.jpg] and [a:Paolo Pantalena|2914512|Paolo Pantalena|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
I had some issues with the art for this one, I wanted to like it, but some of it was just too sexed up. Other than that, it was a mediocre story, I'm not sure who the Catlady/Oracle wannabe was, but she was interesting enough that I'd read something else with her in it. I've missed reading Kate. 3/5 stars
The Titans: What a Year For a New Year by [a:James Asmus|2933191|James Asmus|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1442501191p2/2933191.jpg], [a:Reilly Brown|286838|Reilly Brown|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and [a:Scott Hanna|286007|Scott Hanna|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png]
This was really reminiscent of the original Teen Titans cartoon in some ways, but in others it was similar to the old Titans runs too. Roy was kind of weird and OOC, and Ding Dong Daddy was the villain which has some nice tie-backs to it being a Roy-centric story. Overall nothing very special, the last page was the most interesting part. 2/5 stars
Batgirl and Nightwing: I Don't Wanna Be Late by [a:Bill Freiberger|13630136|Bill Freiberger|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and Thomas Patilli
I loved the idea of the formatting, and it actually worked out quite nicely. This was cute, and I enjoyed it despite my hatred for Batgirl of Burnside. In all honesty, if you ignore the costumes it could have easily been pre-reboot Batgirl Barbara. 3/5
Green Lanterns: The Epiphany by [a:Steve Orlando|7214373|Steve Orlando|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1490717931p2/7214373.jpg], [a:Vita Ayala|16130337|Vita Ayala|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], V. Ken Marion and [a:Mick Gray|187093|Mick Gray|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
I haven't been actively keeping up with the Green Lanterns run, but I poke around and have a basic idea of what's been happening with Baz and Jessica. I don't think I actually needed to know about it though for this story. The plot itself is a bit questionable, but it reminded me of other older plots and made me nostalgic. 4/5 stars
I broke down the anthology to give a mini review of each separate story.
A Very Harley Holiday by [a:Paul Dini|61935|Paul Dini|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1294337447p2/61935.jpg] and [a:Elsa Charretier|9085236|Elsa Charretier|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
This was a weird story, partially because of how it needed to be written around the others, but also because of how Harley and other villains were just chilling at this superhero holiday party (in the Watchtower?). Ignoring that, the story itself wasn't anything special, just the usual New 52-esque Harley flitting about without pants (please give her clothes for fucks sake )and making somewhat rude comments in an attempt to be humorous. It is mentioned that Harley is actually Jewish, but rather than sticking to just that they seemed to have change things so she now celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas.
The part with Wonder Woman's holiday traditions was just bizarre, and was written in the violent OOC behavior Azzarello and Johns had written her in at the beginning of the New 52. Please, stop writing her this way DC, you have other characters you can do this with. The Raven and Beast Boy part was kind of weird and random, but it felt like the current Teen Titans Go cartoon so I'm assuming that's why it was in there.
Honestly, the only parts of this I liked were the brief Task Force X panels because of Deadshot, and the idea of Black Canary and Zatanna singing together. The art style was nice and minimalistic, and so was the coloring. 1/5 stars.
Superman & Batman: The Last Minute by [a:Tim Seely|15364855|Tim Seely|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] & [a:Ian Churchill|161083|Ian Churchill|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png]
As someone who hasn't been acitvely keeping up with New 52 and Rebirth Superman this one was somewhat confusing. It was nice seeing Clark, Bruce and Lois together for the holidays, though the Jon thing still weirds me out. It was nice to see Damian with a friend though, and he had such nice hair. The art was so nice that the rating gets boosted from 1/5 stars to 2/5.
Superboy & Krypto: For the Dog Who Has Everything by [a:Eric Esquivel|4941959|Eric Esquivel|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], [a:Dan Jurgens|2688|Dan Jurgens|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1361141047p2/2688.jpg] & [a:Norm Rapmund|665051|Norm Rapmund|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png]
This felt out of place and held literally no meaning to me since I don't know or care about Jon or like kids. N/A or 1/5 stars.
Batman & Detective Chimp: The Night We Saved Christmas by Heath Carson, Gustavo Duarte
This is that weird story out of the group, which makes one of the many reasons why I love holiday specials. It has great layout and the art has a great cartoon style without veering off into childish. The coloring was mostly solid block and it just worked so well with everything, The story itself seems to be an out of continuity team-up between Batman and Bobo, which makes it even better. 5/5 stars
Wonder Woman and Constantine: Dreaming of a White Christmas by Mariko Tomaki and [a:Matías Bergara|3190115|Matías Bergara|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
Other than the complaint that Diana has a little too much of a rude attitude (I swear I'm not THAT picky), I did really enjoy this one. Constantine has some great lines as per usual, and the art was okay. The color palette was such a great mood setter. 4/5 stars
The Flash: A Flash Christmas Carol by [a:James Tynion IV|6852949|James Tynion IV|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png] and [a:Robbi Rodriguez|28324|Robbi Rodriguez|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
I have no clue who Malcolm is, but this was classic holiday special material. This was such a Flash story, and I love when the relationships he has with The Rogues come into plot. The art didn't really do anything for me, but it wasn't bad either. This was truly one of those stories I live for. 10/5 stars.
New Super-Man: Day of Returning by [a:Gene Luen Yang|68959|Gene Luen Yang|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1415919636p2/68959.jpg] and [a:Andrea Mutti|694397|Andrea Mutti|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1267981157p2/694397.jpg]
This story held 0 meaning to me, since as stated before I haven't been keeping up with recent Superman comics. From what I could tell not much was really happening other than the New Super-Man being rude and some costumes that hurt my eyes. N/A or 0/5 stars
Batwoman: Light in the Dark by [a:K. Perkins|2105721|K. Perkins|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1438862525p2/2105721.jpg] and [a:Paolo Pantalena|2914512|Paolo Pantalena|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
I had some issues with the art for this one, I wanted to like it, but some of it was just too sexed up. Other than that, it was a mediocre story, I'm not sure who the Catlady/Oracle wannabe was, but she was interesting enough that I'd read something else with her in it. I've missed reading Kate. 3/5 stars
The Titans: What a Year For a New Year by [a:James Asmus|2933191|James Asmus|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1442501191p2/2933191.jpg], [a:Reilly Brown|286838|Reilly Brown|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and [a:Scott Hanna|286007|Scott Hanna|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png]
This was really reminiscent of the original Teen Titans cartoon in some ways, but in others it was similar to the old Titans runs too. Roy was kind of weird and OOC, and Ding Dong Daddy was the villain which has some nice tie-backs to it being a Roy-centric story. Overall nothing very special, the last page was the most interesting part. 2/5 stars
Batgirl and Nightwing: I Don't Wanna Be Late by [a:Bill Freiberger|13630136|Bill Freiberger|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and Thomas Patilli
I loved the idea of the formatting, and it actually worked out quite nicely. This was cute, and I enjoyed it despite my hatred for Batgirl of Burnside. In all honesty, if you ignore the costumes it could have easily been pre-reboot Batgirl Barbara. 3/5
Green Lanterns: The Epiphany by [a:Steve Orlando|7214373|Steve Orlando|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1490717931p2/7214373.jpg], [a:Vita Ayala|16130337|Vita Ayala|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], V. Ken Marion and [a:Mick Gray|187093|Mick Gray|http://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
I haven't been actively keeping up with the Green Lanterns run, but I poke around and have a basic idea of what's been happening with Baz and Jessica. I don't think I actually needed to know about it though for this story. The plot itself is a bit questionable, but it reminded me of other older plots and made me nostalgic. 4/5 stars
standardman's review
4.0
There's a couple of dud, leaden stories here but it's mostly good. The framing sequences are light and the Night We Saved Christmas story with Batman and Detective Chump was a joy.
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