Shazam! #8

Waid has done a great job with this run combining the characters of the modern version with the style of the more iconic Silver Age version. I wish he had more time to explore this worldthe ending hints at one more big, wacky adventure before Waid departsbut there's no question that this was the Shazam version that got the most right since well before the New 52. Read Full Review

Shazam! #8 concludes its second arc with deep and profound character moments that promise to get built upon in the story down the road. Read Full Review

Is this the most substantial issue of the run? No, but it's lighthearted goofy fun. And sometimes that's more than enough for a good read. Read Full Review

The penultimate issue of Waid's Shazam! run takes another engaging turn, pushed by his Dawn of DC campaign to play fast and lose with pre-Crisis sensibilities and concepts, and puts the central character's characterization back in the right place. Read Full Review

Final ThoughtsShazam #8 successfully delivers a balance of entertaining storytelling, character development, and visually appealing artwork. The issue remains true to the essence of Shazam's character while introducing new challenges and maintaining a sense of anticipation for future developments. Read Full Review

Sudzuka delivers some fun art in the issue and the visual style perfectly captures the tone of the story. Read Full Review

Shazam! #8 continues to slow the series' pacing and style in the second part of "The Captain vs. Black Adam." Both of the problems presented in Shazam! #7the return of paperwork-obsessed alien dinosaurs and Black Adam's battle at the Batson householdare resolved in its follow up, but in an entirely unsatisfying fashion. Read Full Review

Shazam! #8 brings the space dinosaur arc to a close with heartwarming silliness, lessons learned, and seeds planted for future problems. That said, the writing and art lack the wit, charm, and fun of the previous issues. Read Full Review

superstan52

Feb 07, 2024

Genuinely funny, great characterization, original, strong art, and even heart-warming.

Aussie Dad

Mar 10, 2024

Absolutely nails the whimsical fun that makes Shazam (Captain Marvel in the old Fawcett days) such an enduring character and concept.

Screaming Enigma

Mar 29, 2024

I might change my mind on this score at some point, but I really enjoyed this one. The humor was really good here, and I liked the more serious moments as well. Waid being able to balance these tones well is something I’ve mentioned multiple times before with this run. Additionally, Sudžuka continues to do a really solid job with his art. I’m really liking this book right now, which really makes it a shame that Waid is leaving this series after the next issue.

sawright20

Feb 10, 2024

The humor and characterization remains top notch, and this issue gave us a nice end to a short but fun story arc.

ResearchReader

Feb 17, 2024

What is the most deadly force to a group of bureaucratic dinos? A girl of infinite 'whys'. If you have a kid you will get it. The loop is unending and without mercy. As for the story, I think having a Dino auditor pal is a great addition to Shazam's odd team. Good puns overall. Story was a touch weaker than previous issues. Still great but not amazing... if that makes sense? I think losing Mora on the art really hurt it. Some of the puns and such would have landed better with his style. Still an excellent fun read.

daspidaboy

Feb 07, 2024

art may not be good, but the story makes up for it

BatSledge

Feb 09, 2024

Great fun, poignant, and some nice characterization of Black Adam!