by Joe Iconic, Reporter

Set in a dark fantastic past of myth and magic, Klaus tells the story of how Santa Claus really came to be. Where did he begin? What was he like when he was young? And what happens when he faces his greatest challenge? Drawing on Santa Claus’ wilder roots in Viking lore and Siberian shamanism—taking in the creepier side of Christmas, and characters like the sinister Krampus—Klaus is “Santa Claus: Year One.”

Klaus #1 is a yuletide pull list must!   This story is perfect fantasy reading, and not the cuddly unicorn variety.  Fans of Red Sonja, Pathfinder, and Conan need to add the latest from Grant Morrison and Dan Mora to top of their reading list.  In a month packed with so many good titles, Klaus #1 stills stands out.

As the above solicit indicates, Klaus #1 is not of the same funny and lite fare than last year’s Krampus from Image Comics.  Both are inspired, entertaining, and rich in yuletide lore.  Klaus #1 is Conan meets Christmas.

To say Grant Morrison tells a fantastic story is an overwhelming understatement, and Morrison demonstrates his story telling ability in fine fashion once more in Klaus #1.  The art by Dan Mora is more than spectacular.  Each panel is hang-on-the-wall picture worthy.  Seriously, my ideal Christmas list would include a Comixology-based screensaver, going from panel to panel.

Klaus #1 uses Viking and Shamanistic inspirations to elements familiar to those who remember the Christmas classic Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  The 1970 stop motion television special includes a mean Burgermeister Meisterburger, who outlaws all toys in Sombertown.   In Klaus #1, Baron Magnus provide the same tyranny over Grimsvig.  Elements of protecting children and making toys falls quickly into place, but with a realistic edge.  The mystic elements are brought on the brilliantly colored psychedelic mushroom soup vision quest.

Grant Morrison has talked about his own experiences with mushrooms as an mind-expanding experiment, and it is interesting to see those elements included as such a central point to Klaus #1. The juxtaposition of shades of Sombertown, Christmas Conan and psychedelic trips makes the perfect holiday gift.

Another fan base who should read Klaus #1 are role-play gamers.  If you roll a 20-sided die, this series can easily provide inspiration for your next time around the gaming table.

Klaus #1 wins on all levels.  Fill your stocking with it, and then remember your friends.

Rating:

ComicsOnline gives Klaus #1 5 Christmas Conans out of 5 Christmas Conans

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