“The Holiday Party”
Writer: Jeff Parker
Artists: Lukas Ketner and Michele Bandini
Color Artist: Marcelo Maiolo
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Review by Kendra Smart
Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #2 is upon us and boy was I ready. We jumped right into the action last time as the League was trapped and some marked by this “Silent Knight”. Creating their version of the world by powering their empire with human lives, and superhuman power. Meanwhile Damian and Santa had paired up to protect Gotham City while Zatanna is researching the Arcane magicks. Let’s rejoin them to see what awaits our heroes next.
He Carstomped Tickle Monster
We rejoin Klaus and Damian in Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #2 as they are doing their part to keep Gotham safe. Zatanna meets up with them to discuss her findings about the symbol, as well as to discuss a certain Solstice party invite. A party at which the guests might have information about the Knight which may prove helpful. And what a party it is at the Baron Winters home. Truly mystical guests and a special story-time that all magic users are sure to love.
Meanwhile, those locked in the Silent Knight’s realm of control are facing their own knowledge finding missions. Each of the marked are having to temper their speed or strength so as not to blow their reserves or to feed the Silent Knight too much of their power. But it won’t be their power the Knight gains this night!
Can I Get In The Basket?
There are so many things about Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #2 that just stand out. The artwork by Lukas Ketner and Michele Bandini pair well with Marcelo Maiolo’s color work to tell a truly magical story visually. The double page spread for the title shot is so wonderful and is probably one of my favorite scenes I have seen in a while. You feel the warmth in the room as well as the magic that holds steady at Christmas time in those warm moments that we hold dear.
Jeff Parker has done such an amazing job of giving a cohesive story with beloved characters and hints and snippets from last year’s story. Seeing Krampus as Faust’s wish was absolutely priceless. The joy made me giggle. This series is something truly special, though I must say I can not wait to see what happens next. I mean Camelot? At this point Jeff Parker can really do no wrong for me. Not the way this series is going. Delicious.
Conclusion
With the action revving up as more information becomes known about this Silent Knight, next issue promises to be something special. Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #2 was a wonderful read and really captures the whimsy and essence of Christmas time in a visual vocabulary. Stunning.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.