Manga Claus: the Blade of Kringle
Published by: Razor Bill (Penguin)
Writer: Nathaniel Marunas
Artist: Erik Craddock

Hardcover, 84 pages.
Original Language: English
Orientation: Left to right
Vintage: September 2006
Publisher’s Rating: They don’t mention one, but I’m guessing “teen”.

Rating: 3 out of 5

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Premise: Santa… knows Kung Fu. Twin antique blades vs. Possessed Ninja Teddy Bears. Look at that cover: that’s not a bowlful of jelly; Nick is smuggling a six-pack of nitroglycerin. Let the Christmas beat-down commence.

Synopsis:

Santa vs. possessed ninja teddy bears. Oh, there’s a frame story, but it’s beside the point.

Review:

The artwork falls on the stylized, as opposed to the realistic end of things–but hey, cartoony is all we expect. If Rankin Bass had been allowed to go PG-13 for their holiday TV shows, something like Manga Claus is what we would get.

The book is presented in black & white & RED. Nice touch.

We know this is a Christmas novelty. We’re not expecting pathos or deep historical background. We want blood. (or at least, someone beating the stuffing out of teddy bears) And we get it. There is enough of a plot to keep things moving, but this is a one-shot, not the foundation for an ongoing series. Hell, if you bought this one just for the cover, that and pages 66 through 73 would probably be enough to cover your investment.