Superman/Shazam: First Thunder # 2

DC Comics
Superman/Shazam: First Thunder # 2
By Koppy McFad
October 8, 2005 - 05:13

DC Comics
Writer(s): Judd Winick
Penciller(s): Joshua Middleton
Cover Artist(s): Joshua Middleton

Continuing the tale of the first meeting between Superman and Captain Marvel, our two caped heroes defeat a pair of monsters and then simply talk to each other about their similarities and differences. Meanwhile, however Luthor and Sivana are collaborating on how to defeat their respective foes while two new villains are emerging. This story is entertaining and even a little touching but it also goes rather slowly for what should be a major event. We are already halfway through and some of the antagonists are only now making their first appearances. The first Sivana-Luthor meeting is also a disappointment. Aside from some bitter exchanges, the two bald geniuses don't sound like the high-powered tycoons that Winick intends them to be. The art is rather unusual, especially the take on Captain Marvel with his open collar. But it is eye-catching and original. Perhaps what irks most is how incomplete the story seems to be. As though this were all just a prequel to some storyline that Winick will be using in the pages of OUTSIDERS or a future Shazam title.