With many years of classic Christmas stories it is refreshing to get a unique take like in AfterShock Comics’ Naughty List.
I had a family once. A wife who loved me…a child we loved together. That’s all gone now, been gone for hundreds of years. All because of that damn star. My name? It depends on where you live. Some call me Kris Kringle, others Papa No l, but my real name is Nicholas Sinterklass, and this is the story of what happens when you steal my Naughty List.
Up on the housetop click, click, click! Down through the chimney with old Saint Nick!
From the mind of Nick Santora (The Sopranos, The Fugitive, Prison Break) and illustrated by Lee Ferguson (Sympathy for No Devils, Sam and his Talking Gun) comes the Santa Claus origin story were sure you’ve never heard before.
Traditionally we see Santa Claus as this jolly old person with a wonderful life at the North Pole. He is Mrs. Claus surrounded by happy elves and giving joy to those around the world. However, in Naughty List things are described a bit more down-to-earth. Being overworked, stressed, anxious and depressed with having to make toys and deliver them to boys and girls.
Santora and Ferguson star the series off with a nice explanation on how Nick became the big man, how he got to know his elves and what being Santa is really like. The easy-to-read story with a fun holiday twist is perfect for this time of year. Ferguson brings nice clean and crisp lines with simple artwork to allow for a great story to be told.
Francesco Francavilla adds some tremendous covers to the fold as well.
We won’t spoil the story here, but know this isn’t a simple Santa is here to save Christmas type story. Nick will have to attempt to save something, but we will allow you to find out for yourselves in the trade paperback sold wherever books are sold.
Naughty List on Screen
One could see Naughty List making its way to the big or small screen in years to come. It could be a nice version of the classic story to tell in the vein of Fatman a few years back.
It is difficult for a Christmas movie to become one of the movies of the year as they are usually not considered. Same would have to be said about holiday themed comic books. However, Naughty List has a chance to be on our list in 2022. Guess you’ll have to find out on Episode 74 of the Capes and Tights Podcast.
