Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #5

Recap
Santa comes to the aid of the DCU heroes in the crossover-event sequel you wished for! And you must have been extra good because a wintry mix of DC’s wildest characters arrive this time to face a powerful foe…the Silent
Comic Watchers Review:
- Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1 – Silent Knight … Spooky Knight
- Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #2 & 3 – All’s Not Calm, All’s Not Bright
At year's end, every choice made will affect lives around the world. Seven heroes stand before the monstrous hordes of the Silent Knight. Seven heroes enter the mysterious castle hold of the Hollow Kingdom to face a test of true spirit and will. Ask yourself: Which team would you be on? What skill, power, or knowledge would make the difference against this existential threat? What does solstice mean, anyway? Did this series maybe just go a bit harder than you expected from your holiday special? Good. Whatever the yule brings, please have a happy New Year from the DC Universe!
Review
Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #5 is the final issue in the 2024 Holiday event that finds Santa returning to help the heroes of the DCU as The Silent Knight attacks during the holiday season.
Writing / Storyline:
Issue 4 and 5 of the series seal the deal for the series in part due to the use of the storytelling narrative used, akin to A Christmas Carol, leaves space for the art to be spotlighted while giving the feeling that events are reaching a palpable level of tension. In issue 5, as the heroes enter The Silent Knight’s castle and are forced to face things that make them fear being alone and afraid is one of the standout parts of the issue. Thunderheart learning that her dad has been possibly killed was handled great and showed a maturity in Damian that would not be expected years ago and gives Klause a chance to show his compassionate side. Parker doesn’t give everything away in this moment as Batman reveals that he was affected to but by what is unknown.
The series, as a whole, is an exciting romp that is well-paced and character-driven story that continues the adventure that Parker began last year. Parker really digs in and goes with the All-In era concept of featuring not only Batman and Superman, but also gives newer characters such as Thunderheart a chan,ce to shine and develop as characters. The epilogue is also a great palette cleanser Superman and Batman make Santa an official member of the new Justice League which seems to be a possible hook for another installment in 2025 and a possible homage to Mark Waid’s JLA #60
The inclusion of Robot Man, Metamorpho, and other B and C-List characters is a nice touch and Parker grasps the personalities of the characters. Also, bringing the mythos of the Silver Age character The Silent Knight into the new era was another nice touch of the series.
Art / Color:
The art and colorwork throughout the series is solid and really brings the story to life
Final Thoughts
Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #5 concludes the DC Universe holiday event in a satisfying way that will bring cheer and good tidings to readers with the hope that stories featuring Santa Claus will become an ongoing tradition in the DCU for years to come.
Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #5
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10