I Saw Santa #1 Is Definitely Not on the Naughty List (Early Review)

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We all know Santa Claus keeps a list of children, checking it twice to see who’s been naughty or nice. Good kids get presents, while those who misbehave get coal. But have you ever wondered how dealing with all those naughty children affects Santa himself, especially the ones who never seem to improve? And what happens if a particularly bad child reacts strongly to receiving only coal?

The new comic I Saw Santa, coming from Image Comics on November 26th, offers a unique holiday story. ComicBook has an early review of this title, which takes place in the Spawn Universe and is created by Chris Killian and Andrew Sanders, with art by Thomas Nachlik. We won’t spoil the story, but we can say it’s a special blend of horror, mystery, and heartwarming moments – and you don’t need to be familiar with Spawn to love it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

PROS CONS
Intriguing original take on Santa Some of the dialogue is a little tedious
Incredible art

I Saw Santa Shows The Holiday Icon In a Surprising New Light

Let’s start with a quick note: this book is written by one of our own, Chris Killian, and his brother, Andrew Sanders. But regardless of that, it’s a strong story on its own. I Saw Santa begins on Christmas Eve with Detectives Sam and Twitch investigating a shocking murder – an entire family has been killed. It’s a truly disturbing scene, especially during the holidays, and it raises some unsettling questions – including whether Santa Claus might be involved. The story then delves into the history of Father Christmas, exploring his centuries-old role and the darker side of his work – and ultimately, what responsibility he bears for protecting good children from those who are bad.

The story in I Saw Santa is strong and works effectively. While fans of Spawn will enjoy numerous references to the larger universe, the comic doesn’t require prior knowledge to be appreciated. Killian and Sanders have crafted a self-contained narrative that’s easy to jump into, even for newcomers. The pacing is also excellent – the story quickly moves from a crime scene to Santa’s reaction and provides just enough backstory, while hinting at darker events to come.

A Gory Take With Glorious Art

What really struck me about this story is how it makes Santa feel…real. It’s not just about gifts and reindeer; we get a glimpse into what it feels like to be Santa – the pure joy of making children happy, but also the genuine heartbreak when things go wrong. It’s a side of the character we rarely consider, but it makes perfect sense that someone who knows every child on Earth would have deep feelings about their lives. Killian and Sanders haven’t just given us a holiday slasher; they’ve created something surprisingly personal and emotionally resonant. It’s not perfect – the opening conversation between Sam and Twitch drags a little – but the heart of the story is absolutely spot-on.

The artwork perfectly complements the story. Even with its violent and disturbing elements, Nachlik has crafted stunning visuals. The murder scene, surprisingly, feels peaceful, and Santa’s facial expressions are both unsettling and deeply sad. All of these elements combine to create a cohesive and powerful work that makes the story’s darker parts a little more bearable.

Overall, I Saw Santa #1 is a compelling book that offers a fresh perspective on a Christmas story. While it includes horror and supernatural elements, the story is emotionally resonant and encourages readers to think differently about the holiday, the concept of being ‘naughty or nice,’ and Santa’s true influence. It’s a fantastic beginning, and readers will be eager to see how the story unfolds.

I Saw Santa #1 goes on sale November 26th.

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2025-11-12 17:13