It’s that magical time of year when specials celebrating the holidays abound. This is particularly true in the comic book industry, where every year sees new comics where your favorite superheroes team up with Santa. Thankfully, Holiday Tales to Astonish #1 is less superficial than most, presenting three holiday stories featuring Marvel Comics‘ heroes.
“Twas the Fight Before Christmas” by Gerry Duggan and Phil Noto opens Holiday Tales to Astonish #1. It finds the Fantastic Four hosting a holiday party on Christmas Eve, which is also the first night of Hanukkah that year. However, the festivities are put on hold after the team learns that Doctor Doom is apparently stealing toys around Manhattan.
The plot is rather predictable and most readers can probably guess the twist from this synopsis. Additionally, it seems a bit odd that the Fantastic Four all abandon their own party without inviting the other heroes. However, Duggan’s take on the characters is otherwise solid, and Noto’s art is fantastic.
A Festival of Fights
The middle story of Holiday Tales to Astonish #1, “A Festival of Fights,” centers upon the X-Men. Written by Daniel Kibblesmith, with art by Pat Olliffe, the story finds Kitty Pryde stressing over gifts for her teammates. She hopes to find some time to shop for everyone during Hanukkah. Unfortunately, nightly supervillain attacks throughout the festival spoil her plans.
Kibblesmith anchors this tale around the classic Uncanny X-Men #143, showing the rest of Kitty’s first Hanukkah away from home. The story is cute, with some honestly funny moments. Olliffe, for his part, does a fair job of emulating John Byrne to make the story match the inspiration visually.
With Great Power, comes Great Resolution
The final story of Holiday Tales to Astonish #1, “Resolutions,” is by Gene Luen Yang and Dylan Burnett. This time the focus shifts to Miles Morales as he tries to plan the perfect New Year’s Eve. Even after his girlfriend gets sick, the promise of a new friendship makes the night worthwhile. Unfortunately, a chance encounter with Peter Parker fighting Hydro-Man stands to ruin more than Miles’ fun.
Gene Luen Yang’s script draws upon the recent Spectacular Spider-Men series to deliver a truly touching tale. The bromance between Peter Parker and Miles Morales has rarely been written this well. Dylan Burnett delivers on the artwork, with some truly inventive fight choreography.
Holiday comics can be hit or miss and are an acquired taste even when done right. Holiday Tales to Astonish #1 does it right. If you’re a fan of Fantastic Four, X-Men, or Spider-Man, you’ll be happy to have this stuffed in your stocking or placed on your pull list.
Grade: 7/10
Holiday Tales to Astonish #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
