Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1 – Silent Knight … Spooky Knight

Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1 sets the table for this second installment of the DC holiday adventure heading the return of Santa Claus to the DC Universe following last year’s Batman / Santa Claus: The Silent Knight. Parker wastes no time in setting up and continuing to build the mythos that began in last year’s story. The Silent Knight makes an appearance in the first few pages, showing his powers and that he is a force to be reckoned with going forward as the story builds over the next four issues.

Like last year Zatanna is positioned to be a key player this time after being taken off the board early on last year. The issue is a bit exposition-heavy as Robin seeks out Zee after the Justice League members who confronted the Silent Knight, are transported to another dimension and Santa Claus explains the events from last year and how it plays into what he learns from talking with Damian. Parker embraces the DC All-In vibe as the team that confronts the Silent Knight consists of Superman, Batman, John Stewart, Nubia, Mera, and Thunderheart (Wally West; ‘s daughter, Iris).

The design of the Silent Knight is very similar to Brian Kent, the DC Comics medieval hero created by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick who first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #1 (August 1955), and has been implied to be a past incarnation of Cater Hall and ancestor of Jonathan Kent, Superman’s adoptive father. This connection is further teased as the heroes in the other dimension find The Silent Knight’s castle, so it will be interesting to see how things play out over the next issues.

Lukas Ketner’s art is strong and hits the mark as he recreates the iconic scene of Batman and Robin swinging across the city with Santa and Robin and his full-page spread of Santa appearing out of Zee’s fireplace.