7 Christmas Graphic Novels to Read This Holiday Season

The holiday season is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book, and graphic novels offer a unique blend of storytelling and art that can capture the magic of Christmas like no other medium. Whether you're looking for heartwarming tales, festive adventures, or stories that reflect the spirit of the season, these Christmas-themed graphic novels are sure to bring holiday cheer. Here's a curated list of the best Christmas graphic novels to enjoy this holiday season.

Batman: Noël by Lee Bermejo

Image: DC Comics

For fans of both The Dark Knight and Charles Dickens, Batman: Noël offers a beautifully illustrated reimagining of A Christmas Carol with Batman himself playing the role of Scrooge. Written and illustrated by Lee Bermejo, this graphic novel takes readers on a visually stunning journey through Batman's past, present, and potential future.

Bermejo's artwork is nothing short of breathtaking, with richly detailed panels that bring Gotham City to life in all its gritty, snow-covered glory. The story cleverly weaves Batman's rogues gallery and supporting cast into the classic Christmas story, creating a fresh blend of superheroes and the holiday spirit.

What makes Batman: Noël stand out is how it uses narrative of the Christmas Carol to uniquely explore new sides of Batman's character, questioning his methods and motivations asa superhero. It's a thoughtful and emotionally resonant story that reminds us of the importance of compassion and hope - themes that are at the heart of both Batman and the holiday season.

Klaus by Grant Morrison and Dan Mora

Image: BOOM Studios

If you've ever wondered about what the violent origins of Santa Claus are, Klaus offers a thrilling and imaginative take on the legend that rings throughout the holidays. Written by comic book genius Grant Morrison and illustrated by Dan Mora, this bold reimagining of Santa as a mythic fantasy hero is in the hands of some of the comics’ best creators.

The story follows Klaus, a solitary woodsman, as he becomes embroiled in a conflict between an oppressive regime and the downtrodden citizens of Grimsvig. As Klaus fights for justice and spreads joy through gift-giving, we see the familiar elements of the Santa Claus legend take shape in surprising and exciting ways. Klaus is more than just an origin story - it's an action-packed adventure that celebrates the spirit of generosity and wonder that defines Christmas.

Morrison's script is filled with his trademark blend of high-concept ideas and heartfelt storytelling, while Mora's artwork is expectedly stunning. Each page is a yuletide feast for the eyes, with dynamic action scenes and incredible character designs that bring the magical world to life.

Krampus by Brian Joines

Image: Image Comics

For those who prefer their Christmas stories with a darker edge, Krampus by Brian Joines delivers a wickedly fun adventure. This graphic novel takes the mythical Christmas demon and reimagines him as a reluctant hero fighting to reclaim his reputation in a chaotic holiday world.

Joines' story is a delightful mix of humor, horror, and action. The plot follows Krampus as he teams up with a ragtag group of forgotten Christmas spirits to take on an evil force that threatens to destroy the holiday season. Along the way, we get clever twists on familiar Christmas lore and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. From Krampus' fearsome visage to the comically incompetent elves, every page is filled with visual gags and details that reward close inspection.

Krampus is the perfect graphic novel for readers who like their Christmas stories with a bit of bite. It's a rollicking adventure that manages to capture the fun and excitement of the holiday season while poking gentle fun at some of its more commercial aspects.

Hellboy: A Christmas Underground by Mike Mignola

Image: Dark Horse Comics

Hellboy is comic book icon known for blending supernatural horror with dry humor and heart. Hellboy: A Christmas Underground epitomizes what makes the series so versetile as creator Mike Mignola delivers a short but impactful Christmas tale that also feels like a very classic Hellboy story.

The tale follows Hellboy as he investigates a series of disappearances linked to an old English manor. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters ghostly children, ancient curses, and a poignant reminder of the true spirit of Christmas. The snowy English countryside and gothic manor provide a perfect backdrop for this supernatural Christmas tale.

What sets A Christmas Underground apart is how it balances Hellboy's usual monster-fighting exploits with a genuinely touching meditation on loneliness and hope during the holiday season. It's a quick read, but one that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.

The Last Christmas by Brian Posehn, Gerry Duggan, and Rick Remender

Image: Image Comics

For those who like their holiday cheer with a heavy dose of post-apocalyptic action, The Last Christmas delivers in spades. Written by comedians Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan, with art by Rick Remender, this graphic novel imagines a world where Santa Claus must fight to save Christmas after civilization has collapsed.

The story follows a depressed and disillusioned Santa who has given up on Christmas after a nuclear war devastates the planet. But when a group of mutants threatens the last vestiges of humanity, Santa must whip out his guns and fight to keep the spirit of Christmas alive.

Remender's artwork perfectly captures the fun and violent world of the story, while still maintaining touches of holiday whimsy. The contrast between classic Christmas imagery and post-apocalyptic wasteland creates a visually striking and often darkly funny effect. The Last Christmas is definitely not your traditional holiday tale. But for readers who appreciate gallows humor and action-packed storytelling, it offers a uniquely twisted take on Christmas that's hard to forget.

Wraith by Joe Hill

Image: IDW Publishing

While not strictly a Christmas graphic novel, Joe Hill's Wraith is deeply intertwined with holiday themes, making it a perfect read for those who like their Christmas stories with a heavy dose of horror. Set in the sinister Christmasland–a nightmarish amusement park where it's always Christmas–Wraith serves as both a prequel and companion to Hill's novel NOS4A2.

The story follows Charlie Manx, the vampiric villain of NOS4A2, as he lures children to Christmasland with promises of eternal happiness. But as the story delves deeper into the park's twisted version of holiday cheer, it shows the terrifying truth behind Manx's promises.

The artwork in Wraith is suitably creepy, with distorted versions of familiar Christmas imagery creating an unsettling atmosphere. The juxtaposition of cheerful holiday decorations with scenes of horror makes for some truly memorable and chilling moments. It uses the trappings of Christmas to explore deeper themes of childhood, innocence, and the darker side of nostalgia. It's a graphic novel that will haunt you long after the Christmas lights have been packed away.

Archie: Christmas Classics

Image: Archie Comics

For a more lighthearted and nostalgic approach to Christmas comics, look no further than Archie: Christmas Classics. This collection brings together some of the best holiday-themed stories from Archie Comics' long history, offering a perfect blend of humor, heart, and seasonal cheer.

The stories in this collection span decades, showcasing how Archie and his friends have celebrated Christmas over the years. From holiday parties and gift-giving mishaps to winter sports adventures and heartwarming moments of generosity, these comics capture all the fun and warmth of the season.

What makes "Archie Christmas Classics" enduringly appealing is its ability to capture the timeless aspects of holiday celebrations - friendship, family, and the spirit of giving. The stories often touch on relatable holiday experiences, from last-minute shopping panics to the joy of reuniting with loved ones, making them resonate with readers across generations.

These Christmas graphic novels offer something for everyone—whether you're in the mood for horror, action, nostalgia, or a heartwarming tale. They capture the spirit of the season through stunning visuals and unforgettable stories, making them perfect companions for the holidays.

So, as the nights grow longer and the air gets colder, why not curl up with one of these graphic novels? They're sure to become cherished additions to your holiday reading traditions, offering new ways to experience the wonder, joy, and sometimes even the delightful darkness of the Christmas season. Whether you're a long-time comic fan or new to graphic novels, these Christmas stories are bound to captivate and inspire, reminding us all of the diverse ways we can celebrate and reflect on this magical time of year.