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/1.jpg "Shazam! #1")
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Shazam! #1
| Writer | Geoff Johns |
| Artist | Dale Eaglesham |
| Cover Price | $4.99 |
The superstar team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Dale Eaglesham reunite to launch the first all-new SHAZAM! monthly title set in the DC Universe in almost 20 years! (What took you guys so long?!)
Teenager turned super-hero Billy Batson struggles to balance school and superheroics! (Guess which one is more fun?) But when Shazam unlocks a shocking secret deep within the Rock of Eternity, it challenges everything he knows about the worlds of magic and his family's future as its champions! Also, witness the bizarre team-up of Dr. Sivana and Mr. Mind as they set off to build a society all their own! Don't miss the start of an epic run in t
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CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles
Dec 05, 2018This was an exciting and fun kickoff to a series that has a ton of potential with this creative team. Read Full Review
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10
Comic Book Corps - Tom Zimm
Dec 05, 2018This is a powerful and incredibly interesting start to this wonderful character. The power comes through the intimate portrayal of Billy Batson, how he obtained his powers, and how he gained a family. Johns is in his element as he lays the groundwork for numerous story-threads to be expanded on in upcoming issues. I highly recommend purchasing this book and getting onboard before the train gets too far down the track. Read Full Review
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10
Comicosity - Tevin Murphy
Dec 05, 2018There is a surprise at the end of the issue that I wont spoil for you, but I will say Im very interested in seeing where Johns takes it what he does with it. Read Full Review
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10
Infinite Earths - J.D. Jr.
Dec 05, 2018A magical adventure brimming with charm and childlike innocence! Read Full Review
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10
ComicBook.com - Russ Burlingame
Dec 05, 2018Geoff Johns returns to Shazam! for the second time in the last decade, and does so while teaming with artist Dale Eaglesham, who worked with Johns on his beloved JSA run. The result is a comic that works with mathematical precision, creating one emotionally resonant page after another, and delivering exactly the fun, zany adventure that fans are expecting after seeing the trailer for the forthcoming movie of the same name. Read Full Review
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10
DC Comics News - Derek McNeil
Dec 05, 2018Despite my reservations, I very much enjoyed this issue. Shazam! is off to a great start and I eagerly look forward to seeing what Johns has in store for Shazam and the Shazam family. Read Full Review
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10
Kabooooom - Marcus Hammond
Dec 05, 2018There is not a single wasted panel in Shazam! #1. Johns doesn't get stuck in an origin story to open this series and Eaglesham brings life and energy to every panel. Naito's art in the back up brings a very different visual element to the issue, but it all fits perfectly together. This issue is a well-developed, enticing drama that's funny, suspenseful and visually engaging and I can't wait to see where it goes. Read Full Review
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10
You Don't Read Comics - Rick Lopez
Jan 08, 2019Johns love and knowledge for these characters and this universe shine through with every work he puts out and this stands to be no different. This series acts as Johns true return to the ongoing side of DC comics as much as it acts as Shazams return as well. As per usual Johns is accompanied by a team of talented artists, bringing another beautiful work into readers hands for years to come. With the theatrical debut right around the corner, this series came right at the nick of time. Read Full Review
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9.8
Comicsverse - Aaron Berkowitz
Dec 05, 2018SHAZAM #1 is an absolute delight. It's a nice, light story which is incredibly reverent to the character. Geoff Johns clearly loves Shazam, and it shows. Dale Eaglesham evokes Norman Rockwell in his art to portray this touching story. It looks truly beautiful. Read Full Review
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9.7
Comic Watch - Cody White
Dec 06, 2018Johns, Eaglesham and company capture "lightning in a bottle" with the first issue ofSHAZAM!--a must read book for old fans and new ones alike! Read Full Review
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9.5
GWW - Thomas Polito
Dec 04, 2018Shazam#1 is one of DC's best comics in years, with Johns writing at his best and Eaglesham nailing the profound color and cheesiness that a book like this should have. Read Full Review
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9.5
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Dec 05, 2018For the first time since Jerry Ordway's The Power of Shazam, it feels like we have a creator who totally gets these characters. Read Full Review
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9.5
AIPT - Ritesh Babu
Dec 05, 2018Johns, Eaglesham and Sen have created a marvelous and magical experience that lives up to the joyous potential of Billy Batson and his family. Read Full Review
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9.5
Comics Bookcase - Zack Quaintance
Dec 06, 2018Shazam! #1 soars to impressive cuteness heights without ever tipping into self parody, doing so by embracing the two most prominent core tenants of an all-time great character: family and fantasy. Come for the childlike adventure and stay for the promise of much more to come. I have a hard time imagining that very many readers will dislike this comic. Read Full Review
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9.3
The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman
Dec 05, 2018Humorous, self-aware, and expertly crafted, Shazam! (2018-) #1 is stunning. Johns and Eaglesham have gotten this series off to a great start with an impressive debut issue that is sure to excite and interest a diverse audience of readers. Shazam! (2018-) is not to be missed. Read Full Review
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9.3
On Comics Ground - Ian Cameron
Dec 05, 2018This is a comic series Geoff Johns has been trying to get off the ground for half a decade, and with its fun characterization, wacky artwork & intriguing set-up for the first story-arc, I think it was worth the wait! This first issue is very promising, but it's too early to tell if, like Geoff Johns's relaunching of Justice Society of America or Green Lantern, if he's caught lightning in a bottle yet again. Read Full Review
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9.0
Weird Science - Eric Shea
Dec 05, 2018Leave your "Captain Marvel or nothing" hangups at the door and get on this series as soon as possible because it's just what the doctor ordered. The art and story came together perfectly and already I'm excited for what's to come next. If this issue is any indication of what's to come, I can definitely see this becoming my favorite title from DC Comics. The Magic Is Back. Read Full Review
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9.0
Newsarama - Justin Partridge
Dec 05, 2018With classic and more than a little heart, Shazam #1 brings Billy and the Shazam Family back to shelves in grand, old-school style. Geoff Johns brings back that grounded, emotional style that made his career in the first place, and teaming up with Dave Eaglesham, Mayo "SEN" Naito, and Mike Atiyeh, this creative team taps back into the magic of the title for a fun and beautiful first issue. Read Full Review
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9.0
411Mania - John Pumpernickel
Dec 06, 2018This book is an easy recommend and represents a high mark in the history of Shazam. Read Full Review
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9.0
CourtOfNerds - Kevin Carley
Dec 07, 2018I know it is early to judge the direction of this comic, but Im having a little bit of Deja vu to when Geoff Johns started his stint on Green Lantern. At the time, I didnt realize what a cosmic space opera it would all end up being and one of the only things left untouched when The New 52 came along. So get in on the ground floor of what Im confident will be a great series Hoppy is waiting for you. Read Full Review
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8.7
IGN - Jesse Schedeen
Dec 05, 2018Shazam! #1 is an excellent start to the series, and one that seamlessly merges classic and New 52 elements together. Read Full Review
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8.5
The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally
Dec 05, 2018Eaglesham's art in this issue is great and there are some really impressive and fun details in the panels. Read Full Review
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8.5
Sequential Planet - Ethan Maddux
Dec 05, 2018With witty dialogue and amazing art, Shazam is making its case for finally being a top book at DC. If you like the character, the creative team, or just fine storytelling in general, you owe it to yourself to give this one a shot. Read Full Review
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8.5
Multiversity Comics - Brian Salvatore
Dec 07, 2018A solid debut with a stunning backup, that promises a lot for the future. Read Full Review
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8.2
Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze
Dec 05, 2018What took so long indeed was the thought running through my head at the end of Shazam #1. This was one of the best debuts for a young hero this year. Obviously Shazam has it easier being an already established big hero, but that doesn't change the approach that should always be the same when you are dealing with kids who take on the responsibilities of a superhero. Read Full Review
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8.0
Black Nerd Problems - Ja-Quan Greene
Dec 05, 2018Issue #1 of Shazam is a comedic romp around Philadelphia as The Lightning League The Sparkly Friends The Thunder Squad they defend their home and win the hearts of Philly residents and world readers in the process. With the appropriate villain to spice things up, Shazam is looking like a comic on the rise. Read Full Review
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8.0
Comic Book Bin - Philip Schweier
Dec 07, 2018Dale Eaglesham's artwork is clearly a far cry from that of earlier Captain Marvel illustrators, such as C.C. Beck or Kurt Schaffenberger. It's closer to Jerry Ordway's, but seemingly with a touch of Neal Adams as well. It reinforces if you came looking for the original Captain Marvel, he aint here. And for the first time, I don't have a problem with that. Read Full Review
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8.0
Outright Geekery - Antonio Pedro
Dec 07, 2018Anyway, despite some small art problems, this is still the most fun I had with an issue all week and I highly recommend you go out and get it. Read Full Review
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8.0
Major Spoilers - Ingrid Lind-Jahn
Dec 08, 2018I think Shazam! #1 is a strong start for an issue. We get a small adventure, a full origin story, and a great hook for the future (as well as a big reveal which I did not disclose here). If I have any quibble with it, it is a $4.99 book. The main story is 21 pages, and there's a nice backup story about Mary's history which is another 8. It is a first issue, the art is great, the story and characters are engaging, but it's not a lot of pages. Read Full Review
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8.0
Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck
Dec 10, 2018As a big fan of the original Captain Marvel (Fawcett version), I have to admit I'm struggling a bit with the new version of that hero, who goes by the name Shazam! Read Full Review
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8.0
Impulse Gamer - Andrew Bistak
Dec 11, 2018Shazam #1 was a fun read and while long-term fans may be annoyed at the new approach to Captain Marvel, it was still a strong issue that really humanised these characters opposed to making them undefeatable heroes. Beautifully drawn, Dale art really complements the words of Geoff that at the end of the day, feels like a Golden Age tale made today… which might be what Geoff was trying to establish. Read Full Review
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8.0
Razorfine - Alan Rapp
Dec 18, 2018While offering a bit of a backstory for Mary, the main issue primarily focuses on Billy while introducing the idea for a magical road trip for the Marvel Family for the comic's first arc. I'll be curious to see where things go from here. Worth a look. Read Full Review
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7.6
Monkeys Fighting Robots - David DeCorte
Dec 05, 2018SHAZAM #1 is a welcome return for the world's mightiest mortal. It's a fun, all-ages book that dispenses with the origin stories and jumps right into the new adventures of the character and the extended Shazam family. Read Full Review
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7.0
Forces Of Geek - Atlee Greene
Dec 05, 2018Ultimately, Shazam is off to a decent start. Despite the five dollar price tag, it checks all of the boxes and has an exciting conclusion that will all but guarantee a second purchase with the next installment. Read Full Review
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7.0
Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes
Dec 06, 2018With the need to bring more younger readers into comic shops, and given that the trailer for the movie seems super kid friendly, I can see why there is a need for a book like this. That's not to say that it's a bad book, as it caters to both new and old fans alike. The problem for me is that I generally can take or leave SHAZAM or Captain Marvel or whichever he is going by this time. Of course, that is not Johns' or Eaglesham's fault in any shape way or form and it shouldn't detract from a well produced comic book. Read Full Review
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7.0
Epicstream - Nico Parungo
Dec 07, 2018Lastly, we got a bonus story written by Johns and drawn by Mayo “Sen” Naito, which details the backstory of Mary aka Mary Marvel (or is it Mary Shazam?). It’s a pretty strong story, even if it is a little bit cliche. Naito’s art really sells it though and we can only hope that more of it comes in future issues. Read Full Review
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6.0
Big Comic Page - Indiana “Indy” Marlow
Dec 05, 2018I for one am on board to see where the story goes and what will happen with the Shazam Family including whether or not they can all agree on a name! Read Full Review
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6.0
Graphic Policy - Brett
Dec 05, 2018There's nothing particularly bad about this first issue. There's also nothing that's all that exciting either. The series is going to rely on the interaction of the kids and how much Johns goes down the Harry Potter direction it feels like he's heading. Again, there's potential which has me interested in at least checking out more issues. Read Full Review
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5.0
Newsarama - Matthew Sibley
Dec 10, 2018After a few years of the character lying dormant, Geoff Johns finally gets around to writing that Shazam series" and it's hard not to wonder how many other creators would've been able to deliver a more interesting take. Read Full Review
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N/A
The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge
Dec 19, 2019The first issue is an oversized piece that has Johns also working on a short story at the end with Mayo Naito that focuses on Mary. It's a cute story that gives us something that's almost magical-girl like thanks to Naito's artwork in some places but it also looks like it sets up something to tap into later as well. With the main book, Johns definitely grabs all the things that made the film work and ensures that they still work in comic form. It may be a bit busier than I care for but it's what you'd expect with so many kids running around both as heroes and as regular kids in a foster home so it feels right. Eaglesham is a fantastic artist for something like this as he captures the presence and physicality of the heroes right but also the whimsy and silliness of it all as well. The combination hits all the right buttons and will definitely fill the void between the films for me easily, especially with all the new places it can go with such ease. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Awesome, fun first issue
+ Like • Comment• Likes (2) -
10
"I just want something i can say. How about Captain Marv--" hahahaha unfortunately you cant say that kiddo. Cause some guys think they own a common word. Oh well. So Shazam is finally getting some love and im loving it. What a way to start this ongoing series! A real kick on the door! With Geoff Johns writting and Dale Eagleshams amazing art, this is the book of this wednesday for me! Its so fun and funny, and family vibes are giving me life! I love how relatable Freddy is. Theyre all so cute! Great first issue! Cant wait for the next! And, of course, theres the mini story in the end. And the first one (i believe each character of the Shazam Family are going to get a mini story at the end of each issue) is about Mary. It was simple, more
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10
What a gorgeous and beatiful book :)
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10
This issue was a perfect introduction and perfect start to a series about kids being superheroes. We get introduced to the whole Shazam family with some action, intrigue, family bonding, sibling rivalry, and some quick back stories. And the Dale Eaglesham and Mike Atiyeh artwork is some of the best DC house style. Very dynamic posing and action, detailed backgrounds, vibrant colors, and a genuinely fun sensibility. I'm curious to follow the breadcrumbs left in this issue, and I feel there are a great many stories to be explored here. I also hope they continue with the back stories like the one on Mary at the end of this issue. Mayo Sen Naito did an excellent job laying out and drawing the few pages on Mary's path to the family, and it was a more
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9.5
Great art work on both stories! Quick read, great dialogue, and great interactions! That cliffhanger makes me hate the 5 weeks of waiting even more! This superhero family issue will make you smile all throughout the read! The second story is a cute backstory between two of the top two side characters that was not needed but glad it was in there!
+ Like • Comments (1)• Likes (1) -
9.5
Been looking for a comic to get me back "in" with the DC Universe and everything I've tried hasn't really hit the spot (I am just not a big Scott Snyder-style writing fan) but this was just what I wanted! Geoff Johns at his most playful! I've always liked his work, but this shows that he's continued honing his craft as there's just the right amount of humor/heartwarming moments/action/revisionism and it's capped off with one big old jaw-dropping cliffhanger and another softer/fluffier but equally fun cliffhanger. This is everything I wanted in a great DC Superhero Comic Book.
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9.5
Loved it. Finally, a fun book. This was a light hearted fun story about family and enjoying their powers. This book is what Rebirth was supposed to be all about. I can't wait for the next issue.
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9.5
There's so much to like from Geoff Johns and Dale Eaglesham's all new Shazam! - it's magical, adventurous, funny and action-packed, everything a comic book fan deserves. Art just brings the facial expressions and reactions right out of the characters while the writing is truly ingenious. Shazam family finds the Station (obviously ominous) inside the Rock of Eternity that leads to the Magiclands, where was it all this time? We see Billy's father standing at the front door looking for Billy, is he really who he claims himself to be? And I thought the little story at the end of the book about Mary was cute.
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9.0
It seems to follow the New52 reboot, but I think they attempt to rewrite once more Black Adam (Even if we don't see him) Billy this time seems less rebellious and I like him better than in the previous story. But I can't suffer Freddy. The story isn't very good on the first part but turn very interesting really quickly. It's a pleasure to read once more Mr Johns & it's clear he did this with with pleasure too. Even the second story on Mary interested me. Even if I'm not sure it was good to make her runaway. Ok that turn right for her, but It could have been worse. If you are a beaten kid call the autorités or a association or a parental figure (A teacher) ... Don't go on the street alone that can be dangerous. Cover - I choose the more
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9.0
This was such a feel-good book, we need something like this now that Supes is a darker title.
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9.0
This was cute. I like where they're going with the this, especially the stuff with the kids.
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8.5
Johns still got this! After debacle that is Doomsday Clock, I expected nothing, but I got pretty good 1 issue! Characters a lot more likeable, than in Johns first story, but the Idea that it only 1 year is laughtable. But it's nothing that i care. Also story at the end was really good.
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8.5
VIDEO REVIEW: https://youtu.be/Jlsr8UnkcRc Thought this was a fun revisit to the Shazam Family. Good debut issue. Excited to see the rest of this run. 8.5/10
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8.5
Great story and art. All ages can enjoy this.
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8.5
Gorgeous and very fun, especially in the occasionally overly-dark context of today's comic books.
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8.0
"SHAZAM!" Geoff Johns double feature today and in two completely different tones. I don't know if the reason for this book's existence is the upcoming movie or an actual need to tell a story. Honestly, I don't care. It's just so good to see Billy again. And this time around he is bringing his family with him. This comic book is really lighthearted, with lot's of heart and great chemistry between the siblings. Despite that, Geoff Johns manages to put a few more serious notes in (short story about Mary) and one or two surprises. I would rate the issue higher, but the art didn't work for me all the time. Couple of Dale Eaglesham's faces looked odd and the style in the short story isn't exactly my cup of tea. It did work for the stor more
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8.0
Nothing more that I could want from a Shazam series than was presented in this issue. I cannot express how happy I am that Geoff is back, and I hope that he stays for good on this series (and doesn't leave after 5 issues). Enjoyed the back-up, but I really hope they keep Billy and Mary as twins. Best scenes were the return of >>>[SPOILER]<<< CC Batson and the teasing of Hoppy. Definitely reading issue two. Great work Geoff!
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8.0
Here's the thing: I really don't care about Shazam. Never really have. (Black Adam is cool though.) So this issue had a lot to do to get me interested. The main story is pretty good. The kids don't feel like adults trying to write kids. None of the characters are particularly one dimensional. But not much happens. It feels very much like a quick introduction to the characters and their slice of the DCU. So nothing hooked me. The second story about Mary was a lot more compelling, I thought. But I'm definitely a sucker for that type of story. So overall, it's just a solid issue. Nothing compared to Doomsday Clock. It's not supposed to be.
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8.0
If Shazam was a video game I would have started with a full life bar and ended at about 80% by the end of the issue. That's not to say the comic was bad by any stretch of the imagination but my interest drained as the issue went on. I'm new to the Shazam mythos and have no history with the character outside of cameos and basic working knowledge of the character and his abilities. I was excited to see that the comics begins in a similar fashion to the movie trailer and felt familiar. I was totally onboard. I was then immediately annoyed when it turns out that Shazam will more than likely be a team book (Didn't see that one coming did ya?) The team aspect actually works and the story is well told. All of the art and character design more
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7.5
There was no reason for Johns to write everything he once wrote for the second time, thus this issue is really fast paced, and no time is wasted on unnecessary exposition. Here's Shazam, here are his powers, here's the new mystery awaiting him. If you've never read anything with the character, you may find this comic a bit confusing, or too fast to proceed everything form it. This is why I would recommend a brand new reader to pick up his New-52 series first - at least the vol. 1 trade paperback to get somewhat familiar with the protagonist, his mythology and cast of side characters. Sure, the second story at the end, focusing on Mary, aims to clarify few things and show what kind of a person she is, but it'll take more than one issue t more
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7.5
Average. By the numbers. Safe. The ending was kind of special.
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7.5
I believe this would have been better if I was more of a Captain Marvel / Shazam fan. It's really well written, which is to be expected when its by Johns, but it feels rather small scale compared to what I'm used to reading from him. Dale Eagelesham is a very consistent artist and a fantastic choice for this subject matter. This will probably be a fun series to revisit as soon as it is released in trade.
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7.5
THE GOOD: -Dan Eaglesham's art was pretty great. It was youthful and nostalgic. I really enjoyed it. -I really liked the portrayal of the Shazam family in this issue. They really do feel like, well, a family. -Despite some lines that were a bit too goofy, I laughed quite a bit in this issue. -I really liked the look of the headquarters in this issue. Especially in those two page splashes. -I am looking forward to the next issue. I can't wait to see how !SPOILER! comes into the plot. -I thought the backup story was deep, emotional, funny and sweet, with an ending I hope to see more of. THE BAD: -There was some cheesy dialogue. This series feels like it is more geared towards kids, which I appreciate, but there w more
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7.5
Good, but loses a star due to the absurd price.
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7.5
It's hard for me to write a review since it's been so long since Captain Marvel was on the stands and I haven't been pleased with how DC has been treating him and the Marvel Family. Doing my best to put all of that aside, this is solid. A nice, soft reboot of the earlier Johns' work. There are some fun meta references to the whole naming controversy and nods to both the Fawcett era and Jerry Ordway's work. The backup feature is something I wish more titles would do and I hope it will be a fairly regular occurrence. I was pleasantly surprised and I'm excited to see where this one goes.
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7.5
Pretty basic set-up issue for new readers
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7.0
Admittedly, I'm not a Shazam fan, but I am a Geoff Johns fan, so I checked this out. It's pretty goofy, but not bad. I think I liked the backup story more than the main plot, to be honest.
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6.0
I liked the second story way more than I liked the main.
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2025 In Review:
