Spawn (1992) 39

It’s a case of mistaken identity that gives a little boy his best Christmas ever.

Spawn 39 is lacking in the title character, but that’s what makes “Noel” a seasonal story. Christmas Eve is a waiting game for most children. It’s a toss-up as to whether the evening is longer waiting on Santa to arrive or for the night to pass to morning.

Five-year old Gregory is passing Christmas Eve 1995 alone. Mom, Phyllis, is trying to make ends meet and sis, Nadine, has snuck out hoping to meet a man. Gregory is left with the Christmas classic Rudolph to babysit him.

As the time draws near Gregory hears commotion on the rooftop of the apartment building where he lives. Creator and writer Todd McFarlane and penciler Greg Capullo alternate the action to show what is happening with what Gregory believes is happening.

A careless crook drops some of the ill-gotten booty which Gregory finds and gifts to his mother believing Santa had left it for her.

By story’s end, all are happy by the hearth, but the titular character who remembers what his life used to be.