“Shazam and the Seven Magiclands” continues as Billy Batson and the other foster kids are lost in the dangerous Wildlands! A realm where animals walk like humans…and where humans live in zoos! When Freddie and Darla are captured and paraded around like oddities, it’s up to Billy and the others to rescue them from the greedy Crocodile Men! Plus, the shocking ending to issue #1 could up end Billy’s new family…or make it stronger than ever.

The only reason I read Shazam #4 was to see how easy it would be to pick up the newest issue of the comic after having recently seen the movie (on an advanced screening, not through nefarious means). Having only read the back up stories in the New 52 Justice League series, my familiarity with the character relies primarily on the movie. And, having no intention of reading the first three issues in the series… I was curious how easy it would be for me (and by extension any other readers turned on to the comic from the movie) to dive right in.

Obviously, starting a story on the fourth issue with no recap beyond the first paragraph above isn’t ideal, but the comic was easy enough to follow, and more than enjoyable. Following Billy Batson and his siblings as they’re separated across various different lands, we get introduced to a handful of the seven Magiclands.

Geoff Johns crafts a tale in this issue that’s essentially a fish out of water situation featuring superheroes, which will assist any newcomers like myself. That the comic looks fantastic doesn’t hurt things either; the lightning effect is almost electrifying (though that may have been the static electricity that got me earlier).

Shazam #4 isn’t a must read comic, but it’s a damn fun one that serves as a decent introduction to the series for new readers.

Story: Geoff Johns
Art: Dale Eaglesham & Marco Santucci
Colors: Mike Atiyeh Letterer: Rob Leigh
Story: 8.6 Art: 8.9 Overall: 8.7 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.