SHAZAM! Volume 1 Review

Shazam! Volume 1 is the New 52 retelling of the origin of earth’s mightiest mortal, formally known as Captain Marvel, written by Geoff Johns with art by Gary Frank. Shazam began appearing as part of backup stories of DC Comics New 52 flagship title Justice League, and collects the arc from issues; #7-11, 0, 14-16 and 18-21. I was a huge fan of their previous collaborations; Superman: Secret Origin and Batman: Earth One Volume 1.

First appearing in Whiz Comics #2 (Feb. 1940) and later bought by DC, Captain Marvel was once even more popular than Superman and Batman. Young Billy Batson could speak the magic word; “SHAZAM!” and transform into the powerful hero with powers to rival Superman’s. He is sometimes referred to as “The Big Red Cheese”, a lighter take on the Man of Steel whose powers are derived from Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury, bestowed onto him by a powerful wizard. In an era when comics were predominately most popular with children, it served to young readers providing a kind of wish fulfillment, the same reason why Robin was introduced as Batman’s teen sidekick. Whiz Comics created the idea of young boy saying the magic word and becoming a superhero. Readers and fans latched onto the concept and even Elvis paid homage to the hero with his stage costume. Times have changed but Captain Marvel endured, remaining in the main stream where other magical based heroes were re-imagined during in the Silver Age of comics. Captain Marvel will always be a lasting reminder of a simpler time.

DC Comics have officially renamed Captain Marvel as Shazam as part of their 2011 relaunch; The New 52. For decades, science has ruled the world, but now magic is returning. Beginning from the back up stories of Justice League #7, we are introduced to a teenage Billy Batson, a foster child struggling to remain in a home. It’s a character trait that would garner sympathy for the teen but we quickly learn that he’s obnoxious, arrogant and a little bit troubled. In this revised origin he’s not very likable, which is easier to accept as a conventional type of kid that would be in an adventure story such as this opposed to the rather than the wise beyond his year’s radio personality of past iterations. Billy struggles adjusting to his new life, his new home, his foster parents, school and his foster siblings although he begins to become more likable and endearing. The story purposely takes its time developing Billy’s character. Most of his early interactions are with his new siblings, they've always played an important part in the character’s history. It places more emphasis on the new family dynamic between Billy and the others as well as effectively overhauling the mythology of the character.

Two of Captain Marvel’s best know villains are introduced. Dr. Sivana, a mad scientist type of character now depicted as a respected scientist desperate to save his family from an unknown plight. With science having failed him, he turns to magic and specifically the legend of Black Adam, the ancient but evil predecessor to Captain Marvel, the first to be endowed powers by the wizard but corrupted by them. Their connection takes inspiration from Shazam! #28 (1977) in which, Dr. Sivana is directly responsible for the resurrection of Black Adam. In true action adventure story telling style the big villain makes his debut before our hero prompting the wizard to bestow young Billy Batson with similar powers to help stop Black Adam.

After Billy is transformed into the wizard’s champion, he’s not quite sure what to do with his newly acquired abilities and doesn't fully understand or heed the Wizard’s warnings. Instead the self centered man child sets off doing what anyone in his situation would do in this modern day story. He concocts a money making scheme, pulls pranks and wishing to buy beer. It’s all short lived as he intervenes in crime after crime which was slightly unbelievable but, the moment I felt that way it was quickly resolved as the characters in the story even made the same point with a swift resolution. One of my favorite aspects of the character is that he’s a boy in a man’s body. He’s naive and when a young woman wants to repay for her rescue her real intentions go right over his head and asks for cash instead. It’s a fun and exciting story full of great moments. Despite the method that this story was originally presented it flows greatly and you don’t sense the start and end moments as you would in most graphic novels/trade paperbacks. It’s a lighthearted take, in a world full of superheroes getting darker, serious and more grounded in reality where their origins are that of circumstance and tragedy. Shazam! fully embraces its magical elements of the character and its world. Justice League #21 was a full issue given to the finale of this incredible story. Black Adam is a fascinating character with a complex but darker origin of his heroic counterpart and there final battle does provide enough action but the end satisfyingly leans more towards an emotionally-driven finale than an action oriented one, fully embracing the concept of family and the idea that it's "not what it should be, but what it can be." A theme that’s underlying throughout, that provides one of the best and most memorable moments of the entire story.

A new beginning for a classic character in this one shot stand alone origin tale before Shazam joined the ranks of the Justice League. Backup stories can be hit or miss and a lot of the time they are an unwanted addition, but it’s not the case here as the story is so good that it’s worthy to get collected in a single edition turned into seamless storytelling of a fantastic story, proving to be one of the best since the New 52 began. It’s a fun and exciting, a real change and variation from the adult superheroes we’re used to reading. It’s not afraid to be a little bit silly and slightly goofy. Embrace this lighthearted and fun story that’s rooted in fantasy and magic making it a vastly enjoyable story of the young boy imbued with great powers that’s both modern and contemporary that I’m keen to read again soon, it’s excellent. SHAZAM!

Forever Evil Graphic Novel Review

Forever Evil is the first big event of The New 52. Earth is under the rule of the Crime Syndicate, evil counter parts of the Justice League. Earth's heroes have disappeared while villains join the syndicates Secret Society, and for those that don't, join earth's unlikely savior; Lex Luthor. The seven issue mini series is written by Geoff Johns with art by David Finch. For a story about villains Finch was a good choice of artist with his dark visuals of both characters and scenes.

Earth is under rule of the Crime Syndicate, they've taken the world's greatest heroes by surprise. They weren't prepared and the Justice League is gone. In place of the worlds protectors stands a tyrannical cabal of killers whose powers and personalities are an evil reflection of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and more. Their simple goal of ruling the world was instantaneous with their army of Earth's worst villains joining there cause. Lex Luthor is the one man who can stand against their rule, forming an allegiance with a crew of criminals as well as one legendary crime fighter making way for a confrontation where no matter the outcome, evil wins.

This is DC Comics and Geoff Johns' first big event of The New 52. It is pretty much a self-contained story spinning out of The Trinity War crossover. The event had building to ever since the series began, pitting the three leagues against one another and setting the stage for Forever Evil.

At the conclusion of the "Trinity War" a gateway was opened to Earth-3 allowing the Crime Syndicate to travel to our earth. Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Johnny Quick and Deathstrom. The leader of Secret Society of Super Villains was revealed to be the Alfred Pennyworth of Earth-3 who arrived prior to the Syndicate to prepare for their arrival along with their mysterious hooded prisoner. It was also revealed that The Atom was actually Atomica from Earth-3, who was an agent for the syndicate who had been infiltrating both A.R.G.U.S and the Justice League. Meanwhile Cyborg's body rejected his human half as a sentiment computer virus had taken over robotic parts coalescing into a robot named Grid. Our heroes were easily defeated and the Crime Syndicate claim that the earth is now theirs. Having read and enjoyed Justice League Vol. 5 Forever Heroes, a tie in to the Forever Evil event, depicting events that run parallel to this huge story. The issue cover images in the companion book mirror some of the events that happen within Forever Evil. The fight between Ultraman and Black Adam that began in the pages Justice League # 24 concludes here. Unlike the last two Justice League books, this isn't a story of crossovers or building to something else. This is a spin off from the Justice League series, it is the main event and was a thrilling event that exhibits that evil is relative.

Neither Forever Evil or Justice League Vol. 5 directly follow up on the events that transpired on the Syndicate's arrival, instead this mini series takes places a short time after when they have began to conquer our world. It leaves it accessible to new readers and merely alludes to the fate of the Justice League's, helping the series to start off on its own distinct note keeping it a straightforward in regard to events that preceded it.

The first act is to catch readers up with the apparent "hero" of this event, Lex Luthor. When the threat is realized that the world is in danger and there is no Superman here to save it. Luthor views this as the realization of how he always felt about the over reliance on superheroes. With no one left to save them, he makes steps necessary to take them out. This conflict may be enough to force even the world's most self-absorbed man to act for the greater good. He has always proclaimed he would have done such good if Superman had not been here, he has a vague notion of heroism. Luthor leads a pack of villains that disagree with the syndicates rule. It is an engaging read as it showcases characters usually viewed as antagonists in a light not seen before, while playing to John's strengths making villains more interesting and complex. As the story progresses you find yourself rooting for Luthor's Injustice League.

It’s an interesting and unique premise, most superhero graphic novels pit the good guys against the bad. Forever Evil’s unique approach puts the bad guys against a villainous group of world conquering tyrants. It is a great story and one of the best since The New 52 began that that dives straight into DC's super villain community depicting a war between the world's villains and the invading Crime Syndicate of Earth-3. Geoff Johns continues the trend of villains growing more complex and interesting. Forever Evil is an exceptional big Justice League style of story but without the worlds greatest heroes being featured making Lex Luthor the “Hero” as earth's saviour. Johns continues to do what he does best and brings the standard of large scale stories back to its former glory that hasn't been seen since Justice League Throne of Atlantis feature.

Issue #1 launches the Forever Evil event and even though it and the book cover features a large assembly of villains its story is not overloaded with them throughout. I was concerned that the story would filled with villains that I wasn't familiar with, but luckily we get a well known handful featured in Luthor's squad while others appear in there own roles in the many tie ins of the Forever Evil event. Bizarro makes his New 52 debut in this fresh approach that far exceeds his usual role as a brainless, comedic villain. Batman plays a secondary role and does his best to control Luthor’s squad. His main objective is a rescue mission for an close alley that the syndicate has already made an example out of.

The story ends as it began with Lex Luthor, he develops and possibly finds a new role in for himself going forward in the DC Universe, but do we buy that Luthor has turned a new leaf? No matter what it changes the dynamic for future stories. It is an epic read and has such a grand finale feel to it, as if it was the end of the series or writer Geoff Johns run on the Justice League comics, fortunately it is not. The mini series is a spin off from the Justice League series but is told in a way that is not heavily necessary or dependent on having read the previous releases as it stands well on its own.The New 52 debut of the Crime Syndicate is a fresh and novel approach, rather than facing off against their heroic counterparts the Syndicate clash a with a band of earth's villains. It's one of the biggest threats the world has seen since the formation of the League in Justice League Vol.1 Origin. Heroes fall, but villains rise taking on the role of earth's heroes. Johns tells an epic story and continues to do what he does best. It feels pivotal if you read the John's current Justice League comics as the upcoming graphic novel release in the series looks to have shaken things up with the outcome of Forever Evil, but again it works well as a stand alone epic tale.