First Look Review of Shazam! #1

My main knowledge of Shazam comes from the 1970s TV show that featured the hero driving around in a motor home looking for bad guys and I have to admit, I don’t remember much. Primarily I recall Billy yelling Shazam! and then turning into a Superman-like hero to save the day. Since that time I have learned that the hero is kinda like Superman in strength and flying abilities but he derives his powers from magic. Beyond that, I’m hoping this new series fills in the holes in my knowledge.

Shazam! And the Seven Magiclands by Geoff Johns, Dale Eaglesham, and Mike Atiyeh. Published by DC Comics, 2018.

The issue starts in the Rock of Eternity where Billy Batson encounters the last great wizard who sealed off magic from the world until a new champion was needed. Just as the wizard dies he grants Billy the power of Shazam and makes him the Champion of Magic.

With that origin story outta the way we land in Philadelphia where Billy and his classmates are on a field trip to the museum when some bad guys show up to steal the artifacts and everyone’s wallets. Too bad for the masked bad guys (they were wearing Justice League Halloween masks by the way) though, they picked the wrong time for their caper as Billy turns into Shazam to save the day. But not only do we get one superhero, but 6. Somehow Billy’s been able to share his powers among his fellow foster kids.

Back at the Vasquez foster home, the kids rush through dinner so they can race upstairs to head to the Rock of Eternity. They’ve been exploring the Rock for months and made it into a headquarters for their band of superheroes, but today they find a new area. Eugene discovered a huge dome under which a train station appears to be situated and the map showing the destinations is only labeled as The Magiclands. This definitely looks like a cool place but but there’s no time to search around as someone arrives at the front door of the foster home. Someone claiming to be Billy’s father.

On the whole, I enjoyed the issue. For a first issue this gives a pretty quick origin story and while it might be sufficient for readers who know the Shazam tale, it might be good, but I would have liked more. On the other hand there is a good set up for plenty of story telling in the future. The father that shows up, the train station, the Magiclands destinations all seem like they are full of stories that I’m looking forward to hearing, and more specifically – seeing.

The art in this issue is great! Eaglesham and Atiyeh do a wonderful job portraying the kids and their super powered alter-egos. And the depiction of the Rock of Eternity and The Station are really well done. If nothing else, I’d come back for the art, but the story provided quite a bit of mystery that I’m eager to dive into.

My original rating was a B- after my first reading but then I figured I should read it again since I wasn’t feeling well and I wanted to give it a full chance. On second reading, the story grew on me and I’ve upped my rating.

I give this issue a First Look Rating of a B+.

This comic can be found on Comixology or at your local comic book shop.

Comic Corner | First Look Review of Shazam! #1