“A Most Magical Holiday To You All”
Writer: Jeff Parker
Artists: Lukas Ketner and Michele Bandini
Artist for Epilogue: Bernard Chang
Color Artist: Marcelo Maiolo
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Review By: Kendra Smart
Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #5 is here and with it the close to this Christmas time arc. The main cover, done by Bernard Chang and Marcelo Maiolo, is a wonderful feature image of the united heroes taking on the Silent Knight. All of the twisting pathways are conjoined into one and it is time for the battle! Our narrator cues us back into where we left things in Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #4. The time for the decision of the fates is nigh.
Epic Tattoo Removal
Seven heroes delivering battle to the army outside the castle walls. While inside the halls, seven other heroes heed the call for answers. Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #5 pulls no punches as the battle flows forward on two fronts. Outside, a team works to fend off those marked by the Silent Knight and the undead army motivated by him. Inside, A team is trying to work their way through the different defenses the castle has to thwart those unwanted. The Melancholy Courtyard is known for driving beings mad.
The effects on those inside are helping the Silent Knight and his army outside. Batman and Santa do their best to help their friends as the tensions and emotions mount. Fighting with Nubia outside, Robotman and the others soon get help themselves, as the tidings of the battle is changing. Will Santa’s theory about defeating the Silent Knight righting everything be true? Can everyone have a Merry Christmas? Will Christmas come at all?
Game Changer
There are so many wonderful moments in Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #5. Jeff Parker has written a really cool story with this series. This ending issue really showcases a way to close one door while leaving room for many, many ripples across the space of those characters touched. Artists Lukas Ketner, Michele Bandini, and Bernard Chang work with colorist Marcelo Maiolo and letterer Pat Brosseau to take readers on a ride, not just through the climax, but through many stopping points.
It gave me the same rush I feel at the end of Lord of the Rings when our heroes are in the midst of battle and they look to see The White Wizard. The pacing and spotlights feel the same here when the lights are shown on emotional moments. One of my favorites happens in the The Melancholy Courtyard as we watch each hero struggle against their sadness. Thunderheart is probably one of the hardest for obvious reasons. But, there is also a really bittersweet moment for Superman and Santa Claus too.
Conclusion
Batman and Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #5 is an excellent ending and gift to readers this season. It hits on many points and I look forward to seeing what part, if any, s payed out in the after season events to happen in the respective character’s worlds.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you friends. I will see you next time.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.