Some thoughts about DC's Very Merry Multiverse #1

How does the Multiverse handle the Holidays?

Different Earths celebrate this season in many different ways with all of them trying to find the joy in it in their own manner.

Another Holidays special is here but the premise is a bit different this time since we're focusing on the Multiverse now which makes sense considering the whole Death Metal stuff that is going on currently (Thankfully, this doesn't have the repetititve dark theme) and is pretty fun at what it accomplish.

We open with a Harley Quinn story written by Paul Scheer and Nick Giovanetti parodying the classic Christmas tale It's a Wonderful Life with the typical Harley violent humour. The writer handles the character pretty well and there are a few connections to the bigger DCU like how the angel is one of the Wonder Twins siblings. Steve Lieber's art is clean, expressive and precise.

Another homage is here written by John Layman this time about the Elseworlds story Gotham by Ghaslight focusing on both Batman and Plastic Man delivering heartwarming moments based on the characters and the scenario. Dani's artwork fits the grim tone of the universe perfectly.

There's a story written by Ivan Cohen about an universe full of teen versions of the classic DCU heroes and is fun if anything for the multiple different incarnations that appear here. Eleanora Carlini's art delivers the energetic vibe that a tale like this deserves.

David Walker offers a segment about President Superman of Earth 23 (a favorite of mine) which is told in told in the format of a classic kid Christmas tale, the appearance of Bizarro makes things more fun. Gustavo Duarte's cartoony pencils fit the tone perfectly.

Batman Beyond also gets the spotlight in a story written by Derek Fridolfs which is centered around Bruce remembering Alfred during the season and Terry helping him to do so in the best way possible, is pretty charming for both characters and pays the universe good respect. Dustin Nguyen's artwork is equally solid and appropriate for the characters.

Sholly Fisch handles a tale about a version of the Shadowpact/Justice League Dark which probably is the darkest segment of the entire special but is decently written. Vanesa Del Rey's pencils are bizarre but they're a nice suit for the plot.

Speaking of bizarre, there's yet another Bizarro tale this time written by Tom Sniegoski focusing on the Bizarro Earth no less which allows for a lot of entertaining scenarios with the multiple twisted versions of the DCU characters. Justin Mason's art is pretty detailed and creates many fun moments.

Brittany Holzherr delivers a Booster Gold segment where the now out of shape hero tries to make the Holidays a bit happier for both his customers and friends, playing with the classic noble traits of the hero and a bit of his more selfish side, is satisfying overall. Todd Nauck has that classic 80s style that is perfect for Booster.

Prez also surprisingly gets a part in a story handled by Jay Baruchel which... doesn't exploit the idea of a kid President that much as it plays with the idea of Holiday shows, don't see the point. Dominike Stanton's art is pretty flexible and detailed though.

Finally, Tom King of all people brings a story about Lobo trying to save his beloved dolphins and it implements the classic pretentious writing that is expected from the writer which at times work, but for Lobo it just feels out of place, King can do no fun. Scott Koblish's style is quite adequate for the character though thanks to the rough finishes.

Overall, a pretty decent special, can't think of a bad story here even though a few were not my taste.