Shazam! has had a bit of a weird time since his return to the DC Universe years ago. While there’s been some solid runs and stories, the character has never really stood out on his own. He’s felt like an also ran, not enough to really set the character apart from other heroes. Shazam! #1 plants a flag with a new creative team and a clear vision as to what the series’ voice is.

Written by Mark Waid with art by Dan Mora, Shazam! #1 embraces the character’s rather campy past. Walking works, mad scientists, atomic robots, alien worlds, that’s the type of villains and struggles Billy Batson and his alter-ego battles. The debut issue goes neck deep with talking alien dinosaurs, giant cups of tea, and overall, a rather fun, campy, and positive attitude.

Shazam! #1 is the bright spotlight in the rather dour superhero world. There’s something that’s just fun and goofy about the read that delivers pulp entertainment that entertains. It also catches readers up as to the status of the character after Lazarus Planet and teases the struggles to come. It does a great job as a first issue and invites readers to come back for more.

Part of the exciting, positive nature of it all is Mora’s art with color by Alejandro Sánchez. There’s something that’s both modern and classic about it all with colors that pop. The cheery disposition of the story is reflected in the art, you can almost feel the fun and smiles in the art. There’s also lots of detail in the panels and pages that will tease readers and long time fans will enjoy. It all works so well and helps put a punch on the ending which is emphasized even further with Troy Peteri‘s lettering.

There’s a positive and fun aspect of Shazam! #1. It’s just a great read that entertains and hearkens back to the silly pulp comics of the past. The creative team both celebrates the past and sets the series on a new path. It’s a mix of old and new that finally stands out from the pack. It’s a great comic that’ll put a smile on your face.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Dan Mora
Color: Alejandro Sánchez Letterer: Troy Peteri
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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