The title may be Batman and the Outsiders, but, as the cover depicts, it’s Superman who does the heavy lifting this issue.

Batman and the Outsiders (1983) 19

Batman and the Outsiders premiered in the 200th – and final – issue of Brave and the Bold before receiving its own imprint in August 1983. Batman was mentor to team members Geo-Force, Katana, Halo and Looker with Black Lightning and Metamorpho appearing as non-cast members throughout the book’s run. Batman eventually left the title, by issue 32, which limped along until cancellation with issue 46.

At least the book was festive for the 1984 Christmas season with “Who’s Afraid of the Big Red S?”

The casual reader may find the book confusing as regulars make guest appearances to discuss current events in the title. Still, the snow and tinsel brings the Christmas season to the forefront. And, what says Christmas more than an attempted suicide plot device? Maybe Superman and Geo-Force slugging it out?

Well, maybe not. Let’s just go with the holiday cover.

At least the fight scene is good. Writer Mike W. Barr rigs the slugfest so Geo-Force appears to have a chance against the Big Blue Boy Scout.

Thanks to Batman’s detective skills the villain is brought to justice and all is well within the DC Universe for another Christmas season.

Marvel’s official Youtube channel recently shared their Holiday Story Top 10.  What do you think?  Agree or disagree?

Captain Marvel stuffs DC hero stockings before the big day.  DC’s 2003 holiday card featuring artwork by Jeff Smith.

As I’ve stated before, Batman and Christmas a fairly synonymous to me. Years of Batman comic books in my stockings, eight-inch likenesses courtesy of Mego wrapped and under the tree. It didn’t get any better back then.

Batman 309 never made it into my stocking. Cover dated March, 1979, this book was released for the 1978 holiday season. By then I was consumed by Star Wars. Action figures, comic books and anything else that sported the name or image.

Batman (1940) 309

When I finally did get around to the issue, it was a nice surprise. Len Wein and John Calnan had crafted a tidy tale told in 36 pages entitled “Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas!”

Wein makes no stabs at It’s a Wonderful Life, but drives the point home with a story of sacrifice and near suicide. Blockbuster plays the misunderstood angel. Readers are kept flipping the pages during a slugfest between the Caped Crusader and goliath.

Batman 309 hints at the Denny O’Neil/Neal Adams’ Christmas stories of earlier years. It’s close, but not quite there yet. Still, “Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas!” is a welcome addition to Batman’s trove of holiday stories.

The late Mr. Wein, who passed Sept. 10, 2017, stated in an interview on the Dark Justice BluRay that he was very sickly as a child. So much so at one point doctors had told his parents he would not last the night. Wein said he knew he had to stay alive long enough to see the premiere of the 1966 Batman television show.

He did.

Wein survived and became one of the comic book giants voted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008. Wein was part of the team who created Swamp Thing and Wolverine. He further helped create the new X-Men team of the 1970s and edited Alan Moore’s quintessential Watchman miniseries.

Thank you Mr. Wein. Batman 309 is another testament to your talent and part of a debt we comic book fans can never repay.

Marvel Holiday Special 1996

Not since Amazing Spider-Man 192 has there been as entertaining a face-off between J. Jonah Jameson and Spidey. Not a Creature Was Stirring is refreshing, fun and Mark Waid at his story-telling best, teasing the title characters and readers.

Jonah’s greed backfires while attempting to publicize his philanthropy. The end result has JJJ and Spidey pinned beneath warehouse roof rubble as snow mounds about their fast freezing bodies. Nothing ever ends well for the Bugle publisher and this story is no exception. Jonah’s pride falls victim after deciding to do what’s right.

Unto Others focuses on Kitty Pryde, her Jewish heritage and mutant birth rite. Hatred and ignorance form a common bond between Kitty and a young girl who only wishes to see her father’s face again. The history of Hanukah is tossed in for good measure.

Silver Surfer stars in Hark! The Herald! Galactus’ former minion faces a paradox only faith can solve.

Ambush at Angle Rock shakes the trail dust off the Rawhide Kid character for a western holiday and the only weak spot in the special.

Wolverine rounds out the book with Humbug. A walk around town and head full of thoughts brings little comfort to Logan at this time of year – though he wishes the spirit could touch him.

Wonder Woman holds her own with DC’s 2006 holiday card.  Artist unknown (let us know).

Walt Kelly’s Christmas Classics

Recommended by former Comics Buyer Guide Editor Maggie Thompson, “Christmas Comes to the Wood Land” and “The Adventures of Peter Wheat” were reprinted in this 1987 edition published by Eclipse Comics.

“Christmas Comes to the Wood Land” was originally printed in Santa Claus Funnies Four Color 91 in 1945. Peter Wheat’s adventure appeared as part of an ad campaign in the late 1940s. The 16-page give-away was free with the purchase of loaves of bread from various companies with names listed on the front page.

“Christmas Comes to the Wood Land” featured believers who had never heard of Santa Claus until they stumbled across a book of his exploits. This inspired young Bunson Bunny to invite Kris Kringle to a Christmas party. Fearful the young rabbit will be disappointed when Santa failed to show, friends and family cosplay only to be outdone by the man himself.

“The Adventures of Peter Wheat” is a more fanciful yarn complete with little folk and insects bent on ruining Christmas.

Kelly is best known for his southern spun Pogo comic strip.