KRAMPUS! Brings the Yuletide Cheer in December

Unconventional hero saves Christmas in Image Comics graphic novel

He’s the Krampus, yuletide wielder of birch switches and punisher of wicked children, long locked up so that his particular brand of outdated discipline won’t ruin yet another Christmas. And he’s the unexpected hero of the Image Comics graphic novel KRAMPUS!, a jolly holiday romp by Brian Joines (Imagine Agents) and Dean Kotz (Charmed, Mask of the Red Panda).

Scheming Sugar Plum Fairies have stolen the Secret Society of Santa Clauses’ power, and the only one cunning enough to get it back is the Krampus. With his flying wolf Stutgaard, the Krampus sets out on a world-crossing mission, encountering other mythical figures of winter lore and uncovering a sinister scheme to topple the Santas. If it succeeds, it will change Christmas forever — and if Krampus succeeds in stopping it, so will he.

“I grew up with a kind of jaded, dark sense of humor and I love the idea of anything that punches holes in the bright and shiny ‘sacred cows’ of childhood and innocence, like Christmas,” said Joines in an interview at What’cha Reading?. “I think the Krampus is a figure that represents a rebellion against the false elements. In a lot of ways, it’s kind of cathartic.”

With raucous, action-packed art by Kotz and belly-laugh gags, KRAMPUS! arrives just in time for holiday cheer, in comic book stores on December 3 and bookstores on December 16. It is available for pre-order now.

KRAMPUS! by Brian Joines and Dean Kotz, colors by Ron Riley

• ISBN 978-1-63215-182-7
• Diamond Comic order code SEP140624
• 136 pages, paperback, full color
• $12.99
• In comic book stores December 3, bookstores December 16
• Rated Teen Plus
• Collects KRAMPUS! #1-5
• Retailers, librarians, and reviewers may request a PDF galley from Jennifer de Guzman, Director of Trade Book Sales, jenniferdeguzman@imagecomics.com

Praise for KRAMPUS!:

“Modern day Christmas stories often lack the spark and creativity of tried and true classics, but Joines and Kotz have touched on an overlooked aspect of the holidays. While the concept is mostly played for laughs, the plot and characters remain engaging. Krampus! tells a solid story on its own merits, in spite of its Christmas trappings, which should help it remain a worthwhile read, even after the New Year has rung.” –Zach Wilkerson, Multiversity Comics

“Krampus! #1 is a fun holiday romp that is an unexpected gem that you should jump at the chance to get your hands on. Joines and Kotz have a really fun book on their hands that kicks off with a bang. Not many comics can make me laugh, and this one did…many times. Do the holidays right. Do them with Krampus!.” –Aaron Long, Comicosity

“Packed with as much excitement and zaniness as your crazy intoxicated uncles on Christmas Eve, Krampus! #1 is one heck of an entertaining story. Joines’ brings so much energy and life to his characters, you can’t help but to enjoy this mystical adventure. Adding to the book’s humor is the fantastic artwork of Dean Kotz and Ron Riley. Their pages are popping with suspense; just check out the toyshop brawl between the elves. Yeah, that’s right, the book features a toyshop melee with the Santas’ elves throwing down.” –Chris Romero, Geeks Unleashed