Holidaze 12/2/20

In 1990, graphic artist Michael Ploog, best known for his work at Marvel Comics on titles like Werewolf by Night, Monster of Frankenstein and Ghost Rider, adapted a story written by L. Frank Baum, widely acclaimed for his Oz stories.

Here, though, Baum tackles a much more broadly known character: Santa Claus.

The story is much different than what you may think you know about Ol' St. Nick. There's action. Adventure. Romance. Even death. But it all ends up where you'd expect it to: With a large man with a white beard in a red suit.

It's an exciting, refreshing read--highly recommended, if you can track down a copy. (Mine came from eBay. Your mileage may vary.)

This Week's Travel Reading (Yellow Brick Road Edition)

According to the ever-helpful Wikipedia, L. Frank Baum wrote 14 novels based around the magical land of Oz, where Scarecrows talk, Tin Woodsmen dance and Lions are cowardly, until they're not.

Pictured above is the first in the series, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. (The title has been cut short for this edition; apparently, "Wonderful" wasn't so, well, wonderful.) It's brisk, easy reading--something I need on my train trips these days.