Geoff Johns’ Shazam

Released: June 3rd, 2014

Published by: DC Comics

Geoff John’s new origin story for Shazam is one of the best comic stories I have ever read. It infuses the decades old superhero with a new found gusto as well as retaining precious links to the character’s core nature. The character was originally revolutionary because children didn’t have to hope to grow up to become him, they just had to utter that fantastic phrase and BOOM lightening would turn them into one of the greatest super heroes ever written. John’s intelligently changes Billy Batson into a bit of a rougher street smart orphan. His only connection to his family is a tiger he visits regularly, and boy does that come into play in an emotionally amazing way! I don’t want to spoil the story too much but the origin sets up a potential rebirth for one of the greatest super heroes ever created. The overall tone of the tale is reminiscent of Harry Potter, and that works extremely well for the magic oriented story.On top of all of that, the art work by Gary Frank is incredibly crisp. It captures the child like sense of wonder that surrounds the story perfectly. If this is any indication of what to expect from the upcoming Shazam movie, then viewers will be in for a treat.We here at C.M.G. certainly hope the rumors that Johns’ will be penning a monthly Shazam title are true because the world needs more of this amazing story! If he doesn’t get an ongoing title, Shazam will always have a place as our Character of the Month for February 2014.