DC Universe Holiday Special: 2017 #1

7.7Critic Rating
7.4User Rating

DC Comics' finest talents have assembled to bring you a holiday special like you've never seen before! Join Superman, Wonder Woman and the Flash as they deliver powerful messages of hope like only The Worlds Greatest Super-Heroes can! Plus: Sgt. Rock fights the Nazis on Hanukah, the Teen Titans take on the literal ghost of Christmas past, and Swamp Thing battles that creeping feeling of existential dread! And don't miss the legendary Denny O'Neil's return to comics with an all-new Batman story!
RATED T

  • 10
    Newsarama - Richard Gray Dec 6, 2017

    While a mix like this is typically difficult to sustain, and some of the characters might seem like complete non sequiturs if you're not familiar with their ongoing series, the Christmas theme makes this an excellent collection overall. It's a whirlwind tour through the DC Universe that highlights the core strengths of these heroes, wrapped up in an accessible and entertaining package. Which is what DC should be doing more of, and its unquestionably one of the best stocking stuffers for any self-respecting comic book readers this Christmas. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Dec 6, 2017

    All in all, it's just as strong a package as last year's holiday special " a little more bizarre in places, but not a weak story in the bunch. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comic Book Bin - Deejay Dayton Jan 16, 2018

    The issues closes out with a great reprint, the Neal Adams Batman story that sees him spend Christmas singing carols with the Gotham police. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    AIPT - David Brooke Dec 6, 2017

    Four of the 11 stories resonated with me strongly, but you may have even more. Overall these stories are solid entertainment. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    CourtOfNerds - Kevin Carley Dec 6, 2017

    Taken separately, each story is pretty good on it's own as a brief holiday short. Compiled together to further a story, not so much. I'm not saying that the book isn't worth buying, though at $9.99 you might want to rethink your other purchases. While I'm not convinced that everything is going to be okay (we don't have real superheroes after-all), I was reminded that caring for others is important... even if they are sparkly fingered layabouts like Constantine. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Derek McNeil Dec 6, 2017

    On the whole, the stories are good, and the book does deliver a healthy dose of holiday cheer to get readers in the mood for the festive season. It also gives readers a unique chance to see a wide selection of characters from several different creative teams in a single title. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joe Glass Dec 8, 2017

    Ultimately, the DC Holiday Special 2017 makes for a strong annual or festive tales for those looking for a little bit of hope and cheer in a dark and troubled year. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Batman-News - Elena Carrillo Dec 7, 2017

    There's something for everyone in this DC special that is surprisingly free of Harley Quinn or really any kind of emphasis on the villainy of this universe (though I suppose featuring Deathstroke and a Nazi skirts the line). With several Bat-related stories, this has some fun stuff for the Batfan, but also great unexpected tales of Swamp Thing, the Atomic Knights, and even Sergeant Rock (in spire of the aforementioned Nazi). If you want a fun pick-me up book, this will make for a nice holiday travel read: something to throw in your backpack for that trip by plane or train. Appearances by Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, and more will keep you in the spirit of the season! Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    GWW - D. Ivester Dec 5, 2017

    The holiday special this year has some high points and definitely some low points. I do find that there is enough here to get some enjoyment out of it, especially if you want a break from world threatening stories. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - Matthew Sibley Dec 8, 2017

    Like a stocking, anthologies are stuffed with all manner of miniature gifts " thankfully, DC has packed 11 tales that move at a pace merry enough to not get bogged down by the duds. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes Dec 6, 2017

    One year, back when I was eightor so, I wrote a Star Wars Christmas story, in which Princess Leia decided to send Darth Vader a tin of polish for Christmas. It's the sort of nonsense Christmas story that only makes sense when you are a certain age, at the most wonderful time of the year. For a lot or reasons, this books reminds me of that story. The kid in me smiled at parts of this book, where the adult I am now would balk at the cover price. Still,the book has enough about it, with stellar creators providing stories that will appeal across the age ranges. Just a thought DC, next year, to make it truly special, why not make this a charity book, with the sales going to a national charity of choice. That way, people may not mind dropping the $9.99 on Christmas whimsy. Read Full Review

  • 6.3
    IGN - Blair Marnell Dec 7, 2017

    This special is very skippable, unless you really want a reprint of that story where Batman sang Christmas carols with the GCPD. Not kidding, that's the bonus feature. And it's still not worth it. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Bastards - Jonathan Edwards Dec 6, 2017

    It was something of a mixed bag, but it was still a treat to read and review. In some ways, I think I might've enjoyed it more because of how much of a mixed back it was. And because of that, I'm going to recommend it. It's not a hard recommendation, mainly because it's difficult to justify ten bucks for a single issue of any book that isn't a collector's item. However, if you can spare it, I encourage you to get into the spirit of the season and partake in this bittersweet holiday treat. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Weird Science - Reggie Hemingway Dec 6, 2017

    A strange collection of stories, most related to the holiday season only tangentially. Some of the tales are downright morbid. Which, come to think of it, reflects Christmas at my house pretty well. The price point is prohibitive. Read Full Review

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