Walt Kelly’s Christmas Classics

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.