Reading Recommendations: Holly Jolly Comics
A new month means another batch of reading recommendations! This month’s theme is Holly Jolly Comics! It’s that festive time of the year which means I love to read all things holiday-themed. Here are some holiday themed graphic novels/comics I’ve enjoyed and recommend to you.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Of all the gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve, only one captures Marie Stahlbaum’s heart: a humble nutcracker.
He’s a curious little man, with kind eyes, sweet red cheeks, and a friendly appearance.
And as midnight nears, he comes to life, revealing a fairy-tale world of magic and wonder, wicked princesses and fierce battles . . . and an ancient curse that can only be broken with the help of a true friend.
With the evil Mouse King looming and her dream world threatened, Marie will have to find the strength to stand up for her nutcracker—no matter what it takes.
This graphic novel is one of my favorite adaptations of a Christmas classic! Andrewson’s colorful illustrations and whimsical drawing style makes for a magical reading experience. Though it’s geared towards a younger audience I think this is an enjoyable read for older kids and adults alike. If you only know the ballet, it’s only a small part of this graphic novel as this version includes Hoffman’s backstory of how the Nutcracker came to be and why the Mouse King comes to battle the Nutcracker. A very festive read indeed!
Merry Unbalance Christmas
Saving up for an extravagant dessert treat is not a sin. Well, neither is getting into an argument with some extremely rich guy just because he snatched your long-awaited dessert… However, things are about to go into a spiraling twist of events when that guy pops up the next day saying, “Become my woman!”
A quick one-shot manga, this shojo romance follows the formulaic opposites attract trope, but is still enjoyable nonetheless. The main character, Tsumare, has her hopes crushed after finding out her extravagant pastry reservation has been canceled (yes, you read that right). Running into the arrogant Sousuke proves to be a nuisance at first as he showers her with expensive gifts in order to apologize. But this chance meeting leads to a greater experience for the two. This story gave me A Christmas Carol vibe as it follows the theme of “money doesn’t automatically buy happiness”. It reminds us that we should cherish the small things in life.
Sweet Rein
Sad at the thought of spending Christmas alone, Kurumi Sagara goes out for a walk. While she’s crossing the street, a boy bumps into her, and a rein suddenly appears that binds them together. The overjoyed boy tells her she’s his master and that she’s a Santa Claus. Kurumi dismisses him as a crazy person, but then he transforms into a reindeer?!
Part shojo romance and part fantasy, Sweet Rein has a very unique concept, unlike other Christmas stories I’ve read before. I enjoyed how the author Tsukaba has traditional holiday elements in her story and gives them a new creative spin. In this story, the main character Kurumi is trying to learn how to be the best Santa she can be with the help of her reindeer, Kaito. The story has a strong adventurous spirit as each new chapter brings a new journey for Kurumi, from fulfilling Christmas wishes to learning how to use Claus magic. While the story starts out at Christmas, it takes place throughout the four seasons (in each volume).
Krampus: A Yuletide Adventure
When the Secret Society of Santa Clauses are robbed of their holiday magic and rendered powerless by an unknown force, they have no choice but to enlist the infamous yuletide terror known as the Krampus to journey from the North Pole to recapture their magic in time to save the day. Oh, SURE — besting a malevolent gang of Sugar Plum Fairies, a holiday-themed gun for hire, and Krampus’s own hatred for the Society (and all of society in general) sounds like a cake walk, but when a dark secret from the Santas’ past comes to light, the Krampus is put to the ultimate test.
This graphic novel was so creative to me as the author along with the fantastic artwork from Dean Kotz and Ron Riley. I thought it was interesting that Joines took the concept of a supervillain comic and meshed it with Krampus. There are so many familiar characters in this story from Jack Frost to Sugar Plum Fairies except they are very different from the versions you grew up with. The story has elements of a grand adventure and watching Krampus battle it out with Nutcrackers and more to get to the core of the mystery was exciting. It is constantly action-packed with an overall fast pace.
Chocolate Christmas
Chocolate Christmas is about a DJ named Choco, a girl named Ryouko, her friend Makiko, and an annoying boy named Keiki. Ever nostalgic, beautifully crafted, and sweet; it’s funny story with a few quirks here and there.
Ryouko has fallen in love with the radio DJ Choco. Upon sending him a cake for Christmas she finds herself as a substitute in the radio show. Will she be able to get closer to Choco? But then there is also her annoying school mate, Keiki…
When I found out the creator of Sailor Moon has a Christmas-themed manga, I knew I had to read it. This seasonal tale drawn in Takeuchi’s signature style follows the main character Ryoko who is unlucky in love but loves to be a matchmaker for others at her school. Ryoko is trying to navigate her feelings surrounding being alone for the holidays while also developing feelings of first love. Though a short story this story feels nostalgic and I loved the fun banter between Ryoko and her love interest, the mysterious DJ Choco (who she has had a huge crush on). It’s a school-themed shojo romance that is funny, wholesome, and sweet.
That concludes my reading recommendations for Holly Jolly Comics! What books do you recommend or what are your favorites? Comment below!
