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Review: Shazam #4

By Philip Schweier
March 27, 2019 - 05:07

So, last issue we were in a land where children rule and adults are forbidden. And this issue we find ourselves in a land where animals rule and humans are forbidden. I sense a theme developing.

 

I am uncertain how long the Magic Lands story arc will continue, but I’m pleased to see a visit to the Earth Lands. Billy’s adopted parents have called in the police in the belief that Billy & Co have simply runaway. With all the kids trapped in the Magic Lands, it leaves no one (well, almost) to come in and rescue them – someone with greater knowledge of what they have wandered into.

 

With the Shazam! movie on the verge of release, I find it no small coincidence (if indeed it is a coincidence) that DC Comics co-publisher contributed the variant cover to this month’s issue. Honestly, I’d be fine if DC did away with variant covers all together. I don’t see how they serve a purpose, other than to add another artist – and paycheck – to the overall cost of producing a comic book.

 

The artwork by Eaglesham is terrific, reminiscent of Neal Adams in his heyday. He anthropomorphizes animals well enough, which is always a challenge to no over-think. How do snakes have arms and legs? What about when animals triple-jointed legs bend the other way? Hopefully, it won’t be a concern much longer, as I hope the story arc wraps up soon, and the original Captain Marvel Shazam can get back to battling the likes of Dr. Sivana.

 

Rating: 5/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12