MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Art by Fred Ray
By PETER BOSCH
What better way to celebrate Christmas Day than to remember the true spirit of the holiday in this heartwarming – and sometimes heartbreaking – tale originally published in Superman’s Christmas Adventure (1940) as a giveaway and distributed through various merchants, including Macy’s. (It has been reprinted only three times since then: in 1944, in DC’s Limited Collectors’ Edition #C-43 in 1976, and in A DC Universe Christmas in 2000.) There was also a 1941 record adaptation with Bud Collyer, radio’s Superman.
As Superman says so eloquently in the last panel of the comic story, “I hope all you readers will remember to be generous to those less fortunate than yourselves! – And now — Merry Christmas to you – and a Happy New Year!”
The story is by Jerry Siegel and the artwork is by Jack Burnley.
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MORE
— ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS — Golden Age Comics Style. Click here.
— NEAL ADAMS’ Complete SILENT NIGHT OF THE BATMAN — in All Its ORIGINAL ART Glory. Click here.
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13th Dimension contributor-at-large PETER BOSCH’s first book, American TV Comic Books: 1940s-1980s – From the Small Screen to the Printed Page, was published by TwoMorrows. A sequel, about movie comics, is coming in 2025. Peter has written articles and conducted celebrity interviews for various magazines and newspapers. He lives in Hollywood.
December 25, 2024
After all that build up, they didn’t end with Billy getting a Christmas gift. Oops. But what a fun story for the kids.
December 25, 2024
Hi Peter!
Thanks for this—it was quite fun, especially as it recalled childhood memories (or just barely adolescent memories). As you recalled the history of this story’s publication, I will note I acquired this story from the 1976 Limited Collectors’ Edition. Not sure what ever happened to it.
But thanks for the timely posting. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and all at 13th Dimension!