In 2008, DC Comics released their DC Universe Holiday Special and in it, they feature the traditional poem/hymn “Good King Wenceslaus” a Christmas Carol written in 1853.
The primary artist was Dustin Nguyen and he expertly connected the revered saint to the DC Universe.
Can you see it?
The poem is based on the real-life figure of St. Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia in the 10th century.
Technically, Wenceslaus was never “king” in his lifetime. His official title was “Duke of Bohemia” and was viewed as a just ruler, who did what he could to take care of his people. A common legend that may have been inspired by his life, relates how Wenceslaus would go out every night to give alms to the poor. Cosmas of Prague in 1119 writes:
“But his deeds I think you know better than I could tell you; for, as is read in his Passion, no one doubts that, rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty, so much so that he was considered, not a prince, but the father of all the wretched” (Book I of the Chronica Boëmorum).
This is where the popular hymn, “Good King Wenceslaus,” gets its origin. Additionally, the Duke St. Wenceslaus, was posthumously given the title of “King” by Holy Roman Emperor Otto I.
To see all the pages, you can watch the following video, which places the story alongside Bing Crosby’s rendition of the hymn.
Philip Kosloski
Philip Kosloski is the founder of Voyage Comics & Publishing and the writer and creator of the comic book series, Finnian and the Seven Mountains.