Comic Review: Shazam! (2018-) #1

Shazam! (2018-) #1

DC Comics

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: Dale Eaglesham

I know Geoff Johns has written books here and there since Green Lantern ended, but none of them since then have had quite the same feeling behind them. Shazam is here to rectify that. With his movie coming out next year it seems like now is the time for Billy to get the character-defining run he’s been needing since his creation. I don’t think a better creative team exists for this book, as it’s evident that this is what we all want both from Geoff Johns and from Shazam. Throw in the ex-JSA artist, Dale Eaglesham, and you have a recipe for success.

The first thing that stood out to me about Shazam is that it’s an all-ages book. I don’t mean that in a negative way, but it’s just simple enough in terms of plot that kids can follow it, but adults won’t be bored by it. That’s a tough balance to strike, but it’s executed perfectly. I appreciate when modern comics attempt to reach audiences outside of the usual, as the tone tends to feel more unique. That tone is a large part of why this issue is so fun. It’s wholesome, positive, and delightfully cheesy. Almost every page has at least one character smiling, and you’ll find yourself doing the same by the end.

The book also serves as a reboot, essentially detaching itself from the larger DC universe and previous Shazam continuity. It requires no prior knowledge and presents a simple plot to engage you with the characters rather than impress you with all its twists and turns. Johns appears fully aware of where he needs to keep the focus to keep readers engaged.

The character-work is very solid, though there are so many main characters that you don’t get to spend much time with any one of them, including Billy. There are about three of the main six who get a decent amount of attention, but that leaves a fair chunk of them feeling a bit tacked on. While I’m certain there will be time to flesh them out as individuals later, it was still something I noticed even early on. Despite the lack of spotlight on them individually, the characters work together very well as an ensemble and play off each other nicely both in combat and out. Their banter is snappy and mostly feels natural, it just seems that at the moment I’m having trouble determining if some of them have any discernible personality traits yet.

Dale Eaglesham’s pencils are better than you’re remembering. I honestly can’t tell if he’s gotten better, or if I just couldn’t fully appreciate his skill back when I was reading JSA. Either way, he is equally responsible for the book’s success as Johns. His facial acting is on par with the likes of Kevin Maguire, who, as you know, is the king of facial acting. His pencils are just as important, if not more, to the storytelling as Johns’ dialogue, and he adds real heart that you don’t often see from artists with such a traditional style. Throw in some effective layouts and you’ve got one of the best-looking books at DC right now.

Shazam takes a simple premise and almost flawlessly executes it. It places a heavy focus on characterization over plot and leans on character banter to hook you instead of some high concept gibberish. With witty dialogue and amazing art, Shazam is making its case for being a top book at DC. If you like the character, the creative team, or just fine storytelling in general, you owe it to yourself to give this one a shot.