Merrick here...

I've always been partial to freaky Santa stories; I love nearly everything to do with Christmas...but I'm also a total sucker for goofing on Santa. Twisting the mythos, exploring alternate takes, and whatnot.

I saw a fascinating documentary on the history of Christmas & the development of the Santa myth - CHECK IT OUT if you get a chance. The link above is to Amazon, although I suspect the piece will be repeated on History Channel closer to the holidays.

What does any of this have to do with "cool news"? Consider...THE LAST CHRISTMAS, a graphic novel by Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn. It's been targeted for a movie adaptation by some of the folks behind 300.

I've never read it, but it looks cool. And, it sounds cool...

The story follows Santa Claus as he withdraws from normal life and turns his back on Christmas. When he emerges from seclusion, he has to find a way to save the world, and Christmas, from being overrun by demons, zombies and other bad guys.

...says THIS ARTICLE in Hollywood Reporter.

This may be the most awesome thing since SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS!!

Although, nothing will ever equal the Martians...who've come to kidnap Santa & drag his ass back to Mars...observing our world from afar, perplexed because there's a Santa on every street corner.

That's some sublime entertainment right there.