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Justice League #21 (Shazam! Spoilers)

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Punchy

Staff Writer

Postby Punchy » Fri Jun 28, 2013 7:43 am

Much like with this title’s Zero Issue, the story of Shazam takes centre-stage here for a pretty epic final instalment. From perusing the Outhouse and other forums, it seems like I’m the only one who’s been enjoying the Johns/Frank re-imagining of Captain Marvel, but I think it’s been a fun ride and a cool modernisation of a character, who, as much as I love him, has always been a bit cheesy and a bit out of place in the wider DC Universe. This issue featured a whole heap of cool moments and interesting updates of classic Captain Marvel concepts.

First off is the introduction of the new Marvel Family, in which Billy gives a portion of his power to the rest of his foster family. So not only do we get the return of Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr (although Freddy is calling himself King Shazam), but the rest of the kids also get Shazamified, Darla, Eugene, Pedro, all those guys. I like this, it’s a great return of the Family, and you can take it a bit more seriously because there isn’t a Bunny Rabbit in there or Uncle Marvel. I also liked how the various Marvel Family members had different abilities, so Eugene can control machinery and other stuff like that.

Of course, there is still room for some goofiness here, as Tawky Tawny gets involved. I think it’s interesting that Billy can’t empower everyone at once, that when he boosts up the Tiger, the rest of the family lose their powers. In the end, Black Adam is defeated, not through brute force, but by Billy making him revert to his human form, where he realises his mistakes and then does a Last Crusade and crumbles away. Considering how much Johns loves Black Adam (he loves him even more than Sinestro and Captain Cold probably), I doubt this is the last we’ll see of him. And in the end, Doctor Sivana stumbles across another classic Captain Marvel villain… Mister Mind! Oh yes, I love that evil little maggot.

Gary Frank’s art was once again fantastic, I loved the facial expressions of the various characters, and the action was just wonderful to look at. I think he may be my favourite superhero artist.

Overall, this was a strong ending to a story I’ve personally enjoyed, and I think if people re-read it, they will too. In this story, Billy Batson grew into the kind-hearted kid we know him to be, he may have started off as a jerk, but he grew and evolved, thanks to the power of Shazam. Which I think is more interesting than just being innately good. I wonder what’s next for the character? Will he join the Justice League? His own series? Hmm…
User avatar

Johnny Smith

rubber spoon

Postby Johnny Smith » Fri Jun 28, 2013 8:38 am

Yes, good job by Johns and Franks on this story. I'm satisfied that they modernized Shazam but kept the classic core of the character - Billy Batson learns what friendship and family means.

Tieing the bonds of family to Billy's powers is an interesting twist. I hope Johns and Franks get to do an ongoing monthly series to further explore how these powers work. :-D
User avatar

superfictious

Humuhumunukunukuapuaa

Postby superfictious » Fri Jun 28, 2013 8:50 am

Wow, it's as if they actually knew what they were doing by letting the character evolve instead of reacting of fanboy overreaction and just throwing Billy out as a finished product. :smt017

I'm shocked!

The Old Doctor

Postby The Old Doctor » Fri Jun 28, 2013 9:50 am

They still need to call them the Marvels, not Shazams. :smt011
User avatar

Punchy

Staff Writer

Postby Punchy » Fri Jun 28, 2013 9:51 am

Cat-Scratch wrote:They still need to call them the Marvels, not Shazams. :smt011


I don't think that's up to them.

The Old Doctor

Postby The Old Doctor » Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:02 am

Punchy wrote:
I don't think that's up to them.


Yeah, some dumb ass suit and Didio are responsible. :smt011

Now I want to know, what are they all going to be called? I'm really curious about the replacements to the 3 Lieutenant Marvels as they are not Lieutenants but family now. Dara Marvel sounds okay but the well will run dry fast with that scheme. Works with the girls, but not the guys I think. Though Dara could also be called Speed Marvel or Swift Marvel.
User avatar

superfictious

Humuhumunukunukuapuaa

Postby superfictious » Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:04 am

I do miss the Marvel name, but I can live with Shazam. I think we'd be getting this even without the company-wide reboot.

The Old Doctor

Postby The Old Doctor » Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:35 am

superfictious wrote:I do miss the Marvel name, but I can live with Shazam. I think we'd be getting this even without the company-wide reboot.


I'd rather they be called the Thunders as in Captain Thunder then Shazam. It's just stupid sounding. Also, it's just so damn stupid after decades to rename them now. :smt011

Now here's hoping they give us a series with the same creative team for at least 12 consecutive issues.
User avatar

IvCNuB4

Staff Writer

Postby IvCNuB4 » Fri Jun 28, 2013 11:24 am

CBR gave this issue 5 Stars and calls it "a gorgeous story with heart and emotion, Justice League #21 is a must-have book." :|
User avatar

HNutz

Rain Partier

Postby HNutz » Fri Jun 28, 2013 11:40 am

What would you guys prefer?

Flashpoint?

Image

Or post-Flashpoint?

Image

It was pretty obvious (to me, at least) that they would change the concept SOMEHOW...
User avatar

The Beast

Swedish Pinata of Death

Postby The Beast » Fri Jun 28, 2013 12:32 pm

Punchy wrote:Much like with this title’s Zero Issue, the story of Shazam takes centre-stage here for a pretty epic final instalment. From perusing the Outhouse and other forums, it seems like I’m the only one who’s been enjoying the Johns/Frank re-imagining of Captain Marvel, but I think it’s been a fun ride and a cool modernisation of a character, who, as much as I love him, has always been a bit cheesy and a bit out of place in the wider DC Universe. This issue featured a whole heap of cool moments and interesting updates of classic Captain Marvel concepts.

First off is the introduction of the new Marvel Family, in which Billy gives a portion of his power to the rest of his foster family. So not only do we get the return of Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr (although Freddy is calling himself King Shazam), but the rest of the kids also get Shazamified, Darla, Eugene, Pedro, all those guys. I like this, it’s a great return of the Family, and you can take it a bit more seriously because there isn’t a Bunny Rabbit in there or Uncle Marvel. I also liked how the various Marvel Family members had different abilities, so Eugene can control machinery and other stuff like that.

Of course, there is still room for some goofiness here, as Tawky Tawny gets involved. I think it’s interesting that Billy can’t empower everyone at once, that when he boosts up the Tiger, the rest of the family lose their powers. In the end, Black Adam is defeated, not through brute force, but by Billy making him revert to his human form, where he realises his mistakes and then does a Last Crusade and crumbles away. Considering how much Johns loves Black Adam (he loves him even more than Sinestro and Captain Cold probably), I doubt this is the last we’ll see of him. And in the end, Doctor Sivana stumbles across another classic Captain Marvel villain… Mister Mind! Oh yes, I love that evil little maggot.

Gary Frank’s art was once again fantastic, I loved the facial expressions of the various characters, and the action was just wonderful to look at. I think he may be my favourite superhero artist.

Overall, this was a strong ending to a story I’ve personally enjoyed, and I think if people re-read it, they will too. In this story, Billy Batson grew into the kind-hearted kid we know him to be, he may have started off as a jerk, but he grew and evolved, thanks to the power of Shazam. Which I think is more interesting than just being innately good. I wonder what’s next for the character? Will he join the Justice League? His own series? Hmm…


No, I'm with you Punchy, SHAZAM kicks so much ass I even stopped calling him Captain Marvel. I like how Billy is still a bit jaded, though and I really dig the new Family lineup.

I'm ready to pre-order that monthly, take mah money DC!

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