We’ve had a variety of Supermen, and almost as many Batmen as those who have played the Caped Crusader. Hallmark always finds a way to do something surprising and different with superheroes. Sometimes the ornaments are even holiday themed! Despite the title of this article, it won’t just be Batman here.
Hallmark also honors where superheroes came from. A couple of years ago, they started releasing classic comic book cover recreations with 3-dimensional sculptures. Of course they had Action Comics #1 and Amazing Fantasy #15. This year, we get two:
Of course the cinematic versions will be well represented. You can pit Shazam! up against Loki, though I wouldn’t trust the God of Mischief around the tree. He might form a conspiracy with the mistletoe. But as Shazam! arrives in July for part one of the Ornament Premiere, he’ll have plenty of time to plan his defenses, or determine a new superhero name. Captain Christmas?
Granted, Guardians of the Galaxy v.3 will open in May, but the photos of these ornaments will have to be enough until October 14. Both Rocket and Groot arrive at the second Ornament Premiere then. By then we’ll understand why Groot looks so… aggressive.
Make your tree go into the Multiverse with ornaments from the DC cinematic universes old and new. Though Michael Keaton’s version of Batman appears in this summer’s The Flash, Hallmark carefully identifies this ornament as “1989 Batman.” That may also be the way movie merchandise identifies him as well, but the presence of Wonder Woman in this year’s releases should not be taken as a spoiler that Gal Gadot will be in The Flash along Keaton and Ezra Miller. But maybe.
For several years, Hallmark did an incredible run of Batman ’66 ornaments — most of the villains, including two of the three Catwomen, all the vehicles, and the coup de grace: the Batcave that started with Bruce and Dick in the library answering Commissioner Gordon’s call, then sliding down the Batpole. That wrapped it up, or so we thought. Just when I think a collectibles run is over, there’s always Funko. This one lights up and plays Neal Hefti’s iconic theme. It also runs on batteries, so no extra cord needed.
But let’s be honest, as cool as that ornament is, it’s not the best Batman ornament Hallmark could possibly make. It doesn’t beat the Batcave. But one dark figure rising has a shot, even if it means they have to fudge history to make it work.
I’m talking about, of course… Wile E. Coyote as Batman. While he did indeed wear a Bat-Man suit as part of an ACME scheme to catch the Road Runner, it wasn’t accurate to the Caped Crusader. It took 70 years, but that oversight has been corrected.
A 2-piece set, Wile E. can be hung separately from the box the suit came in. Has Warner Bros. Discovery ever tried just selling the box? Because THAT would be amazing under the tree and keep guests wondering.
Proof that the excellent anime My Hero Academia has broken through to even Hallmark’s Kansas City headquarters, this year Deku appears. Like Spider-Man, he’s also in the holiday spirit.
While we’re on green, let’s take an oath: “On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, no evil shall be allowed to stay. Let those who keep the yuletide gay, let a power battery light the way.” And yes, it runs on batteries and lights up. Ryan Reynolds not included, but not specifically excluded, either.
As a reminder, you can browse further through the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Dream Book, and fill out your wish list now. Find a Hallmark store near you to make sure they’ve got your choices on hold. Most are owned and operated by individuals, so you get to fulfill your superhero dreams and support small businesses.
We are not affiliated with Hallmark; the Enchanted Geeky Room merely decorates extensively with their ornaments. I’m also rapidly reaching the point it may be a 3 tree house.
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