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.

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

Okay, Marvel phoned this one in.  But, it’s still worth the original $3.99 price tag if for no other reason than “Fin Fang Foom saves Christmas.”  It’s even the title of his tale so no spoilers there.

Marvel Holiday Special 2007

“A.I.M. Lang Syne” is told in stages.  Readers meet Joel and Peggy as New Year’s Eve unfolds during the annual A.I.M. end of year party.  Peggy is employed by the evil agency and an unsuspecting Joel is her plus one.  To say he’s a bit overwhelmed by the festivities would be an understatement.

Following their one-page introduction, “How Fin Fang Foom Saved Christmas” unfolds.  This imaginative romp features Dr. Strange’s faithful servant Wong as he meets the legendary lizard of old.  Wong learns wisdom does come with age and contemplates the loneliness of the last of a species.

“A.I.M. Lang Syne” picks up a few hours after our initial meeting with Peggy and Joel and is interrupted by the Thing and Annihilus sharing a knock down over the ABC’s of battle – literally.

Another brief interlude with Peggy and Joel before the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe entry for Santa Claus. Then, back to the young couple as they share a kiss amid a Hulk rampage.

The final panel promises the romance will be continued the following year. Marvel lied.

Ralph Macchio adds a final note thanking all who bought the book which closes with reprints of covers from previous holiday specials.

Riding high on the speculator market soon to go bust – the company would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy a year later – Marvel released its 1995 Holiday Special trade paperback.

Flagship character Spider-Man carried the book with three stories beginning with A Spider-Man Christmas Carol. The Web Head saves a hospital ward full of sick children with a little help from Daily Bugle Publisher J. Jonah Jameson.

A Miracle a Few Blocks down from 34th Street showcases the X-Men in the oft reprinted Christmas tale outing Santa as the world’s most powerful mutant.

Spider-Man returns in another seasonal fan favorite, Down and Out in Forest Hills. The story is miss-billed as Star Of the Show that appears later in the book.

Marvel Holiday Special 1995 TPB

Down and Out features Peter and Mary Jane as they are ousted from their condominium on Christmas Eve. Uncle Ben is the Ghost of Christmas Past who provides wisdom in Peter’s decision to return to his roots. The story originally appeared in Amazing Spider-Man 314.

Zounds of Silence is a textless tale featuring Wolverine – of sorts – in an imaginative dream of consumerism during the holidays.

Hopes and Fears sees the return of Spider-Man in a test of faith against Mephisto.

Free Will is lifted from Peter David’s run on The Incredible Hulk. Banner Hulk questions the holidays and choices.

Star of the Show finally appears as a one-page, textless story with the jolly, fat one making a guest appearance.

The Punisher is shoehorned into the book with customary bullets flying and body count in The Spirit of the Season.

Finally, The Big X-Mas Black Out brings Spidey back for an encore appearance as he dukes it out with Electro using Rockefeller Square as a backdrop.

Slap an $8.95 price tag on the title and Marvel made itself and readers a little merrier in ’95.

Marvel’s holiday card, circa 2010.

A personal favorite, you’ll find this festive Hulk & Rulk composition gracing the cover of Marvel Holiday Spectacular (2009). It’s also the basis for no less than three Hulk (2008) #9 variants. By Ed McGuinness.

Marie Severin didn’t date this pin-up, but I’d put it somewhere between 1970 and 1972 based on the characters in evidence. This may be the only time Conan experienced Christmas.

No idea where this came from (contact us), but thought it would be appropriate for the site.  C’mon, Santa, the Grinch and Hulk. Where else can you find this holiday triumvirate? Just goes to prove what a magical time of year Christmas really is.

For me How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the premiere holiday animation as Boris Karloff purrs through Dr. Seuss’ prose.

Update:  Artwork by Michael Delmundo!  – Jeff

Jack “King” Kirby does the art chores for an early Marvel Christmas card.