'Twas The Night Before Krampus: A Tale Of St. Nicholas
Story and Art by: Tim Baron
Script by: Ben Avery
Reviewed by: Robert McClelland
Summary: You've heard the legend of "jolly ol' St. Nicholas," but do you know the truth? St. Nick is real. And he ain't jolly. An endless cosmic brawl between Nicholas and his vile Holiday counterpart, Krampus, will come to a cataclysmic head this snowy Christmas Eve. But this year, only one will emerge victorious. Can St. Nicholas save Christmas Day? Or will this Eve forever be known as "The Night Before Krampus." Black and White, 68 Pages
Review: When I first saw this in my weekly email for the Submit titles from ComiXology, I just knew I had to check this out. And quite frankly folks, I am happy I did give it a chance. Yes, it is slightly silly in some ways, but in others its also pretty serious in some aspects. Tim and Ben did a superb job on this from start to finish. Though I did find myself wondering why ol' St. Nicholas wasn't using better transportation at the start of this. But I guess the walking does wonders either way. Even if there is a ton of snow laying around. And if you're a fan of black and white comics, you'll also find yourself happy with that as this is all done up nicely with no coloring.
Aside from the front cover anyway, which I think is awesome getting to see the not so jolly man looking kinda worn out and looking like he's been through a fight or two. And considering who he has to deal with every Christmas aside from the delivering of presents, I can see why he looks the way he does! One of the sillier aspects as I mentioned earlier is the use of sound effects you likely wouldn't really see too much in a comic.
At least I found it to be a silly aspect, others may not necessarily see things in that way. I'm also pretty curious on how many St. Nicholas' there has been in this particular story's universe since our main present deliverer makes a mention of the first Santa. I'd love to see Tim and Ben re-visit this world again one day and perhaps take it back to when things originally started so that we'd get to see why Krampus has become such a bad guy. And while I found his design to be kind of goofy looking and far from scary. I can see how little ones would still find him frightening. Especially if a kid just happens to turn on a light and ol' Krampus is right there! Scream city right there I imagine!
I like that the creative team decided to use Krampus in this story. Makes for more exposure and a chance for some to learn more about him. Like myself for example when someone sent me a Wikipedia link about the creature a few days ago. One of the serious aspects of this is the way the battle of good versus evil is represented here. Even with all the sound effects the fight happens to have!
Good being Nicholas and Evil being Krampus. One might could think of them as frenemies even! Ones that go at it once a year anyway. Which is a nice way to highten up the anticipation of the battle! Hope and Courage can certainly go a long way. Even if you are facing some bad odds. And if you happen to get a little extra help, whether its in the form of Elves in some interesting vehicles or a kid who is around at the time. So be it! I found the little kid to possibly be one of the best parts about this story. Because he helps our not so jolly man out in more then just one way. So folks, if there's just one Christmas related story you read this December, make sure its this one! As it could leave you with a smile! Perhaps more than one if you check out the gallery this title has!
5 Seasons Greetings out of 5
Editor's Note: For 1.99 this particular title can be yours when you head over to ComiXology!
Story and Art by: Tim Baron
Script by: Ben Avery
Reviewed by: Robert McClelland
Summary: You've heard the legend of "jolly ol' St. Nicholas," but do you know the truth? St. Nick is real. And he ain't jolly. An endless cosmic brawl between Nicholas and his vile Holiday counterpart, Krampus, will come to a cataclysmic head this snowy Christmas Eve. But this year, only one will emerge victorious. Can St. Nicholas save Christmas Day? Or will this Eve forever be known as "The Night Before Krampus." Black and White, 68 Pages
Review: When I first saw this in my weekly email for the Submit titles from ComiXology, I just knew I had to check this out. And quite frankly folks, I am happy I did give it a chance. Yes, it is slightly silly in some ways, but in others its also pretty serious in some aspects. Tim and Ben did a superb job on this from start to finish. Though I did find myself wondering why ol' St. Nicholas wasn't using better transportation at the start of this. But I guess the walking does wonders either way. Even if there is a ton of snow laying around. And if you're a fan of black and white comics, you'll also find yourself happy with that as this is all done up nicely with no coloring.
Aside from the front cover anyway, which I think is awesome getting to see the not so jolly man looking kinda worn out and looking like he's been through a fight or two. And considering who he has to deal with every Christmas aside from the delivering of presents, I can see why he looks the way he does! One of the sillier aspects as I mentioned earlier is the use of sound effects you likely wouldn't really see too much in a comic.
At least I found it to be a silly aspect, others may not necessarily see things in that way. I'm also pretty curious on how many St. Nicholas' there has been in this particular story's universe since our main present deliverer makes a mention of the first Santa. I'd love to see Tim and Ben re-visit this world again one day and perhaps take it back to when things originally started so that we'd get to see why Krampus has become such a bad guy. And while I found his design to be kind of goofy looking and far from scary. I can see how little ones would still find him frightening. Especially if a kid just happens to turn on a light and ol' Krampus is right there! Scream city right there I imagine!
I like that the creative team decided to use Krampus in this story. Makes for more exposure and a chance for some to learn more about him. Like myself for example when someone sent me a Wikipedia link about the creature a few days ago. One of the serious aspects of this is the way the battle of good versus evil is represented here. Even with all the sound effects the fight happens to have!
Good being Nicholas and Evil being Krampus. One might could think of them as frenemies even! Ones that go at it once a year anyway. Which is a nice way to highten up the anticipation of the battle! Hope and Courage can certainly go a long way. Even if you are facing some bad odds. And if you happen to get a little extra help, whether its in the form of Elves in some interesting vehicles or a kid who is around at the time. So be it! I found the little kid to possibly be one of the best parts about this story. Because he helps our not so jolly man out in more then just one way. So folks, if there's just one Christmas related story you read this December, make sure its this one! As it could leave you with a smile! Perhaps more than one if you check out the gallery this title has!
5 Seasons Greetings out of 5
Editor's Note: For 1.99 this particular title can be yours when you head over to ComiXology!