DC Comics
Reviewed by Albert Avilla
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Gary Frank
The Shazam back-up story has been introducing us to the character of Billy Batson. We know that he is no goody two-shoes. He is a tough street kid who has a good heart, but the world he lives in has made him compromise his true nature to survive. Finally, the moment we have been anticipating: Billy meets the wizard. Through the conversation Billy has with the wizard, we learn Billy's philosophy on life. The duality of human nature is exposed in Billy. The wizard is at the end of his time and out of options, and he sees enough good in Billy to grant him the power of Shazam.
Of course, Billy gets the warnings and life advice, which he ignores. We get to see a kid on a joyride in a super human body. With great power comes great irresponsibility. When the moment that a hero is needed arrives, Billy naturally rises to the occasion. The story alludes to the magical nature of Shazam; this should not be glossed over because it signals that what we have is not a Superman clone. Magic should be the cornerstone of the character, giving him a uniqueness all his own – the powerhouse wizard. Give Shazam his own book. Johns is taking the character in an electric direction.
The art was good comic book art; it was not the strong point of the book. The cover and the Shazam splash page were great; the electricity and the Jack Kirby-like energy flowing from the lightning bolt on Shazam's chest gave Shazam a magical appearance. I liked the hoodie, too.
I rate Justice League #0 Buy Your Own Copy.
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