Superman/Shazam: First Thunder # 1

DC Comics
Superman/Shazam: First Thunder # 1
By Koppy McFad
September 10, 2005 - 05:00

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

The first in-continuity, post-Crisis meeting of Superman and Captain Marvel is recounted in this miniseries, set in the early years of the two heroes' careers. Superman and Captain Marvel are still rather green and this can be seen all throughout the comic. Both are still surprised by bizarre phenomenon that is now almost standard to superheroism. Both are still a little overconfident about their abilities while eager to prove themselves. Winick wisely plays down the gore and vulgarities that have marred some of his other works so this story actually looks like something out of the Silver Age. It is disappointing to see that the characters don't even meet until the very end of the end. Instead, we get Superman in Metropolis battling a supernatural monster while Captain Marvel dukes it out with giant robots who are attacking Fawcett City. Sivana and Luthor are both still respected-- if secretly corrupt-- businessmen and there are the beginnings of both a rivalry and a partnership between the two bald-headed geniuses in going after their respective arch-foes. But for the most part, this issue just sets up the plot. The art is pleasing to the eye, capturing the grandeur of the characters while still being easy to follow. Aside from an overemphasis on chins, both Supes and the big red cheese are looking pretty good. The biggest thing lacking in this story is a sense of how special the occasion is. It seems like just another team-up without much of the historical background that colors the ties between Superman and Captain Marvel.