Simpsons Comics #52 (2000) - Part 2

The "A Springfield Christmas Carol" from 2000's "Simpsons Comics" #52 is another quick, wacky take on Charles Dickens's venerable story.

I think this is the closest the Simpsons franchise has ever come to a straight-up parody of the story, but it quickly goes off the rails!

I like how the framing story goes back to "The Front," which was the 19th episode of the fourth season of the TV series back in 1993. That was seven years before this comic book story and the series at the time was already in its twelfth season and that was 20 years ago! Kind of mind-boggling!

That memorable episode had Grampa Simpson taking credit for an "Itchy & Scratchy" cartoon that was actually written by Bart and Lisa.

Rather than Marley's Ghost, C. Montgomery Scrooge is visited by Homer's little pal Ozmodiar, the Great Gazoo homage(?) first seen in episode 24 from the eighth season, "The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase" from 1997.

And Ozmodiar squares off against Smilin' Joe Fission, who first appeared way back in "Homer's Odyssey," the third episode of Season One! I see him as a take-off on the Reddy Kilowatts of the world.

The back cover of the comic book features a spot-on take-off of the ubiquitous Evel Kneivel toy ads from the 1970s featuring Lance Murdock from "Bart the Daredevil" (Season 2, Episode 8):

Lots of fun for Simpsons fans!

Next up: The best Simpsons/Scrooge mash-up!

Simpsons Comics #52 (2000) - Part 1

"A Springfield Christmas Carol"
Simpsons Comics #52 (2000)
Bongo Comics
Script: Paul Dini
Art: Phil Ortiz
Surrogate Scrooge: C. Montgomery Burns

Next we take a look at another Simpsonized take on "A Christmas Carol" with 2000's "A Springfield Christmas Carol" from issue number 52 of "Simpsons Comics."

Take a look:

Fun!

Collectibles Corner: Mr. Burns' Scrooge (Gemmy 2003)

While in the midst of our Simpsons Scrooge-athon, we take a look at this interesting collectible: "Mr. Burns's Scrooge, a singing figurine/ornament from 2003:

I don't remember this when it was first released, but they pop up every now and again. I'll get my mitts in one someday if I see it at he right price. I'd settle for that $19.99!

I admit, though, that the jaunt streetlight pose gives me a Sinatra vibe:

Here's a video (not by me) that shows him in action:

As Mr. Burns himself would say: "Excellent..."

More Simpsons!

As mentioned previously, the "Mr. Burns" character from "The Simpsons" TV series is very Scroogey. And the series has been on for 30-plus years and has had many Christmas episodes. What this all means is that there are lots of references to "A Christmas Carol" sprinkled throughout the series!

In fact, the very first episode of the series in December 1989 was a Christmas episode - "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" - and Bart namedrops Tiny Tim!

Here are a few others:

Season 11, Episode 9 - "Grift of the Magi":

At the end of the episode, Mr. Burns brings a basket of money to the Simpsons'' Christmas dinner after being visited y three ghosts the night before!

Season 17, Episode 9 - "Simpsons Christmas Stories":

During the "Nutcracker Sweet" segment, a Scroogey Mr. Burns meets the Ghost of Christmas Past, which he quickly eliminates with the aid of a dust buster!

Season 22, Episode 8 - "The Flight Before Christmas":

Mr. Burns is Scrooge and Smithers is Marley's Ghost during the opening montage!

Season 23, Episode 9 - "Holidays of Future Passed":

A quick "Bah Humbug" from Mr. Burns on a billboard during the opening.

Season 25, Episode 8 - "White Christmas Blues":

A way more inspired billboard during the opening! Mr. Teeny as Tiny Tim? Brilliant!

And Scrooge meets a grisly end at the hands of "Frosty the Hit Man" in the video game of the same title!

And a wacky video! Adam Sandler tells us these three celebrate Hanukkah, however!

Season 28, Episode 10 - "The Nightmare after Krustmas":

A terrific couch gag! Scrooge-Burns unleashes the Christmas hounds!

Lots of fun! And you can watch all of these episodes on Disney Plus!

There's one other episode that fits our theme, but it deserves its own post!

The Simpsons Winter Wingding #6 (2011) - Part 2

So, "Grampa's Christmas Origins: Christmas Cards" from 2011 comic book "The Simpsons Winter Winding" #6 is only two pages long, but I have plenty to say about it!

Homer Simpson's boss at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, one C. Montgomery Burns, is so Scroogey already that he easily slips into the "Burnseneezer Scrooge" part.

I also think it's fun that they have Sideshow Bob as Bob Cratchit, since he's already named Bob. Interesting that he's not called "Sideshow Bob Cratchit," though!

The framing story with Bart and Lisa attempting to mail Christmas cards has a major gaffe: Bart says his scarf trick "from watching old Christmas cartoons on TV" (as seen at the top of the page).

But... Linus does that trick with his blanket while mailing a letter to the Great Pumpkin! Oh, Bart...

Still, some wacky Simpsons fun!

Next: Ample amounts of more Simpsons homages!

The Simpsons Winter Wingding #6 (2011) - Part 1

"Grampa's Christmas Origins: Christmas Cards"
The Simpsons Winter Wingding #6 (2011)
Bongo Comics
Script: Eric Rogers
Art: John Costanza
Surrogate Scrooge: C. Montgomery Burns

We now check out another wacky comic book take on "A Christmas Carol," this one from the 2011 edition of "The Simpsons Winter Wingding."

It's a "Grampa's Christmas Origins story, this time dealing with Christmas Cards.

Take a look:

Funny stuff!