Finally, a chance to plug Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur on the site.

I did not start with issue one. Nor issue two, three, four, etc. I didn’t come on board until much later when I found a back issue bin and a sizable chunk for a buck each. The title and covers intrigued me. Plus, the minor characters don’t bow to most current crossover events, yet allow readers to keep a toe in the Marvel Universe.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur 37

After the first couple issues I was hooked.

With a few holes to fill, I scrambled to finish the series to its current point. Then sat down to read ‘em all again. Much like Impulse and Young Justice, they were as satisfying the second reading.

To bring the uninitiated to speed, Moon Girl is Lunella Lafayette, a nine-year old who just happens to be – purportedly – the smartest person in the Marvel Universe.

She and Devil Dinosaur, formerly of Moon Boy and Devil Dinosaur, a Jack Kirby creation from 1978, teamed and bonded courtesy of Amy Reeder, Brandon Nontclare and Natcha Bustos.

For issue 37, Lunella and Devil Dinosaur face down Frosty Jack who attempts to thwart Christmas. Yancy Street is saved – as is the rest of New York and the world – with a paraphrased “Twas the Night Before Christmas” narration and tight dialog.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is one of those all-ages books that actually works. On all levels. It’s affirming for children of all ages, genders and creeds. There’s a hint of Calvin and Hobbes mixed with Inspector Gadget and fisticuffs.

Behold, Galactus, Cracker of Worlds.  Artwork by Mike del Mundo.

Marvel’s Giant Superhero Holiday Grab Bag hit newsstands Nov. 25, 1975 on the heels of DC’s Limited Edition (C-43) Christmas With the Super-Heroes.

This second tabloid-sized special featured a collection of already told tales from the Bullpen’s fertile imagination. Having mined the few holiday stories the House of Ideas had floating around the previous year, this second book proved more Christmas in cover and theme than interior stories.

Marvel Treasury Edition 8 (1975)

Nick Fury opens the book with “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” taken from Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. issue 10 published in 1969. Nick’s night with surprise guest Laura is interrupted by a call to save the free world from the Hate Monger. Any seasonal spirit is forgotten as Fury does his best 007 impression to foil world domination. He’s rewarded for his efforts with his blond bombshell waiting for him at his apartment to watch the sun rise on Christmas morning.

There’s as much holiday spirt in the story “Spider-Man Goes Mad!” as there is in the name. Pulled from Amazing Spider-Man issue 24, the reprint marks the first time the story saw print since it was originally published.

“Jingle Bombs” uses a snowy backdrop and a few Christmas decorations to give the impression of the holidays for Luke Cage.

An abbreviated reprint of Incredible Hulk 147 is next. Entitled “Heaven is a Very Small Place,” the Hulk believes in a mirage where even he is accepted.

Dr. Strange battles Nightmare on New Year’s Eve in “Eternity, Eternity” reprinted from Dr. Strange 180.

From Batman #285.  Pencils by Romeo Tanghal with inks by Frank Springer.

Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series (1970) 171

“Mr. Wilson and His Gang at Christmas,” as the book is subtitled, focuses on the curmudgeonly neighbor showing some holiday spirit in two tales.

“Jolly George” is a more religious outing focusing on the “the reason for the season.” Dennis and the gang learn the meaning of a nativity while Mr. Wilson learns the importance of those around him.

“Generous George????” is a more secular story, but no less expansive with the emotional ending. Mrs. Wilson facilitates her husband’s good will with a nudge to help Dennis and the other children. Mr. Wilson finds his efforts are reward enough in the end.

Archie pushes his Christmas wares in this late ’70s house ad.  To this day, Archie Comics continues to be a prolific publisher of holiday themed stories.

Marvel Holiday Special 2011

Marvel dusted off previously released material offered through Comixology in digital format for the 2011 Christmas Special offering a mixed bag of holiday cheer.

Spider-Man stars in “Cold Hearted Christmas.” Family is missed the most when gone from the holidays. Justice and compassion do work in unison, though.

“Logan’s Lost Lesson” is pretty much what the title suggests. Wolverine doffs his work clothes to teach hockey and a lesson to the naughty at Xavier’s School for Gifted Students.

“Ol’ Saint Nick” is Nick Fury handing out a Christmas pummeling to the agents of Hydra while on an important mission to show a man his future.

“Chinese Food for Christmas” has a meeting of the non-Gentiles of the Marvel Universe. Together they prove there’s more than one way to celebrate Christmas.

Replete with the character’s trademark wit and blue sense of humor, Ryan Reynold’s silver screen Deadpool has proven a hit with comic book fans.  Leading up to the original film’s 2016 release, a Christmas themed trailer teaser trailer (yes, that’s right – a trailer teaser trailer – because these are a thing now) was released in late 2015.  Enjoy.

Indicia dated 1963, this 80-page tome was available for the 1962 holiday season back in a time when Christmas was still identified as such.

Gold Key published Walt Disney’s Christmas Parade from 1963 to 1972. For a quarter readers were immersed in 80-pages, including front and back inside covers, of seasonal stories – for the most part. Factoring inflation, that quarter translates to $2.05 in today’s funds. Whether these are reprints or not is unclear, but they appear to be.

Carl Bark’s Duck family is heavily featured in the book. Of the 11 shorts, six are Donald or Uncle Scrooge-centric. This includes the untitled opening tale. Donald and nephews attempt to provide there miserly uncle with a Christmas gift he’s never had:  the spirit of the season.

Mickey and Goofy pair to stop ne’er do wells as they fleece motorists on their way for vacation.

Walt Disney’s Christmas Parade (1963) 1

Not a Disney mainstay, but part of the stable, Li’l Bad Wolf and dad are the stars of the next story. The wee wolf helps his father and saves Christmas for one of the three little pigs.

Brer Rabbit is a “Hoodwinked Helper” as the wicked witch attempts to steal the joy of a white Christmas from the woodland folk. Next up, Ludwig Von Drake foils a diamond heist in the “Cuckoo Clock-Caper.”

Donald and Daisy are up next with another adventure. Duckburg Square is in need of the annual Christmas Tree. Scrooge has “untold acres” of firs, but is reluctant to part with any for fear of income lost in donated timber.

Chip and Dale “Share and Share Alike” when Donald chops down there new home.

Not a Christmas story, but tossed in for good measure, “Adventure in Gluey Woods” showcases Donald and the nephews.

Not to be short changed, Mickey and his nephews are up next with “The Early Christmas.”

Gyro Gearloose unleashes a sequel to Them when Huey, Duey and Luey try to get out of chores.

Finally, the Duck nephews and nieces combine forces to help Scrooge stop the Beagle Boys from stealing all the Christmas trees in the “Flying Firs.”

Oh, and Ludwig Van Duck makes an appearance in another Uncle Scrooge short.

Marvel’s 1972 holiday card featuring artwork by Herb Trimpe.