Review - Klaus and the Crying Snowman #1 (@boomstudios)

"This is how it ends..."

Santa Claus is a busy man on Christmas Eve. Klaus is a busy man all the time. In Klaus and the Crying Snowman #1 from BOOM! Studios, the latter is on a mission to demonstrate the spirit of the former. The issue is written by Grant Morrison, illustrated by Dan Mora and lettered by Ed Dukeshire.

Klaus has to help an absentee dad-turned-snowman make amends before melting away for good. And probably before he's defeated by a pantheon of Norse Gods and their minions. All in a day's work for Santa Claus.

Morrison has done a consistently bang-up job with Klaus as an interesting character and Klaus and the Crying Snowman #1 is no exception. What transpires in this issue, however, is certainly cosmic and a completely wild ride that really takes the annual tradition to new heights. Morrison works elements of Norse mythology, cosmic travel and general holiday spirit into a deep and rich story that manages to hit all the right notes. The varying personalities of the main characters also play off of one another very well, providing plenty of entertaining dialogue. Working in the Crying Snowman is a nice touch that also contemporizes the story quite a bit, tapping into something of a Christmas Carol mentality as well.

Mora's artwork is stellar as always, offering the characters up with very slick presentation. Klaus in particular is rendered with very concise angles that gives him an imposing physical appearance and making it quite believable that he's every bit capable as a warrior. Mora's take on the Crying Snowman is very emotional in many ways as the gradual melting seems to physically represent his gradually souring mood at the reality of what's happening around him. Main characters aside, there's plenty of gorgeous full-page spreads throughout the issue that showcases some of the wild creatures the group encounters in their travels. The colors throughout the issue are rich and vibrant, giving the book a very good feel.

Klaus and the Crying Snowman #1 is a thoroughly enjoyable holiday tradition that reimagines many established characters. Klaus is always looking to do good wherever he can and his efforts in this issue are no exception. Morrison decided to team Klaus up with Father Frost and Master Yule-Goat in an effort against the Nightborn in a seemingly grandiose adventure that manages to work in a bit of holiday spirit along the way for good measure. Mora's illustrations are very slick and do a fantastic job showcasing all the interstellar action. Klaus and the Crying Snowman #1 is a lot of fun and the perfect book to read to get into the holiday spirit.

Klaus and the Crying Snowman #1 is available now.