Review by Frank Plowright

Grant Morrison isn’t the first to tell the origin of Santa Claus, but is probably the first to consider recasting him as an action hero in his earlier days. Aren’t some things best left alone?

That thought isn’t going to be dismissed by an opening scene of a huntsman seeing bullying and cruelty toward children in a town with a malevolent ruler. All that prevents it being stock fantasy is the remarkable colour illustration of Dan Mora, whose efforts earned award nominations. Subsequent first chapter scenes set in the forest, a dark castle, and featuring a hallucinogenic experience only underline the arrival of a significant talent.

Yuletide is already established, but the inequalities of society mean gifts for all children aren’t on the agenda, and when Klaus distributes some that have been magically manifested they’re rapidly confiscated. It seems more than generosity is going to be needed if people are to be happy again.

Morrison freely mixes elements from fantasy, fairy tales and folklore. There are even hints of Conan the Barbarian. Klaus is a big lad, yet brain as well as brawn ensures he can see off even bigger threats. However, all fairy tales are warnings and tragedy generally precedes victory, and that’s the path Morrison follows. The more interesting ideas, such as the Northern Lights illuminating spirits skating on the ice, are snapped in service of a too often predictable fantasy outing taking a hellish dark turn.

It should be noted there’s no cynicism here, no dark perversion of Christmas myths despite the late manifestation of the true threat. Klaus is well intentioned, but ultimately it’s ordinary and it’s only the art you’ll remember.

Klaus, though, proved persistent and improved, next seen in The New Adventures, or all adventures are collected in Klaus: The Complete Deluxe Edition.