DC's Very Merry Multiverse #1 Review

As I write this review, I have a Holiday Jazz station playing in the background and am sipping on apple cider ripe with cinnamon and maple syrup. Usually this is how I'll spend my nights during the month of December as I'm accompanied by a good book. One of the best companions I've had so far into this month has been DC's Very Merry Multiverse. I'm a sap for holiday specials and this book hit all the right notes for me. This is one hefty collection of holiday-themed tales that makes for an excellent gift this season.

DC’s Very Merry Multiverse has the essence of a variety hour and not just because one of the stories in this issue is literally a holiday special. Each story is unique, but blend notes from stories most will be familiar with at this time of year. My personal favorites in this selection have to be “Christmas by Gaslight”, “Twas the Night” and “Night of the Magi”. Most of the stories have some humorous and heartfelt moments, though I feel a few would have more of an emotional punch if they were just a tad longer. “Holidays Beyond” is one particular tale I wish had had more pages. It was a lovely story, but I think it would have benefited greatly from a few more pages to add to Terry tracking down the perfect gift for Bruce.

One major highlight from his collection is how different each story is visually, “Night of the Magi” holds a leg up in my favor as an unexpected, but welcome tale. Its gruesome and chaotic visuals have a stark contrast to that of the cartoonish designs of “Bizarro Love Holiday”. Though there are differences to each story, they blend together well and are easy to follow. This collection also does a great job of exploring the many corners of the DC Multiverse, both in terms of tone and design. Bizarro is one of my favorite characters in DC Comics and I'm glad to see him get some love in this issue.

I plan to pick up some copies of this issue to have as stocking stuffers for the DC readers in my family. If you’re one to get into the holiday spirit definitely give this issue a read and let us know which of the stories were your favorites in the comments.