I’m determined to make an annual tradition out of doing a Dusting Off Christmas Special for as long as I can find Christmas-themed issues of comics to talk about – and with the number of the things out there, I can’t imagine running out any time soon. This year I’ve gone with a relatively recent issue – this Paul Dini story, “Slayride”, from Christmas 2006 (despite the cover date of Feb ‘07). Certainly one of the better Christmas-set superhero comics of recent years, it’s also one of the strongest issues of Dini’s run on the title (dating as it does from a time when just about every issue was a strong done-in-one tale), and holds the interesting position of being (to date) the last story to feature the “traditional” version of the Joker before his recent revamp – although it falls in a weird position chronologically, as it was published after Morrison had the villain shot in the face by a deranged cop but clearly needs to take place beforehand story-wise.

I also included the story in a list of “Best Joker Stories” I wrote for another site a little while back, and I’m still inclined to agree with that. In terms of the plot itself, it’s relatively straightforward – the Joker manages to fortuitously (although it’s never quite clear, despite his claim, how well-planned it is) kidnap Robin, and drives around the streets of Gotham in an SUV committing wanton murder and destruction while Tim, tied and gagged, is forced to watch, before an inevitable moment of quick-thinking leads to his escape. What really makes it, though, is the effortless manner in which Dini captures the grinning psychopath’s character – showing all the depth of understanding that helped drive Batman: The Animated Series towards being such a good adaptation.

It’s funny at the same time as being horrifying – it’s hard not to stifle a laugh when the Joker calls 911 to report a hit-and-run before carrying it out, or rambles confusingly at a drive-thru attendant before shooting the manager in a fit of pique, but it exemplifies a spirit of terrifying, unfettered chaos in much the same way as The Dark Knight’s version would later do. That said, there’s clearly much more of an element of the grotesque campery of the Animated version (itself inspired by the way the character was from around the late ’70s onwards) present, and indeed it feels like something of a last hurrah for that incarnation while still tipping the hat to the way the character would later go. Meanwhile, in essentially being a Robin rather than a Batman story, it offers a rare opportunity (outside of his solo title) for Tim Drake to shine on his own – and his internal monologue helps to show the sense of urgency in his attempt to escape, while he proves his mettle by taking on and defeating the worst possible foe. Even better, he does so by way of a Marx Brothers quotation.

Don Kramer’s art is some of the best he turned in during his on-and-off stint on the Dini run, too – the menace he imbues the Joker with is palpable, particularly in a truly terrifying moment as he looks Tim square in the eyes having revealed an escape plan to be a setup. It’s not exactly what you’d call “Christmassy” in its tone or message – really, the time of year happens to be a decorative visual to hang upon it, and an excuse for the punning of the title – but in proving to be a cracking little piece of Bat-lore, it certainly earns the designation of “special”.