Well the wait is over. We have a new Shazam! That's what I said...Shazam. Apparently it's official, we no longer call the sayer of the magic word Captain Marvel!? I'm certain that members of the Fawcett Appreciation Society or whatever they are called are in an uproar.
Honestly I don't know what to make of the finale. I loved this series, but i think it kindo of fell flat on it's face. The ending/wrap-up was really anticlimatic and, although the Marvel Family status quo is in upheavel, an opportunity to really rock the apple cart was missed! What would have happened if the powers were remained split? The Sabina character was fantastic and took the idea that was Black Adam to an all new level...probably what was meant to be done to Mary Marvel in Countdown...still waiting to see how that plays out....
Instead she is gone (but perhaps with a possible return?) and we see Zeus give Freedy all the powers because he was willing to destroy himself and Sabina so that she didn't recieve the power. Come on, let her have it. If we are going to really change the paradigm, then do it DC. As things are left, we have Billy as the wizard, Freedy as Shazam....because he is called that twice...NO mention as him being Captain, etc. and Mary is still being evil. Oh, and we get a Merlin (?) suddenly as the bad guy fronting Sabina?!?!?
Overall, despite the delays (two-years in the making), the series was good. Not great. The status quo is diffferent, but unusable in my opinion. DC is probably banking on the new Johhny DC series Billy Batson and the Power of Shazam to appeal to the kiddies and the Fawcett Lovers, I guess....
Story: 2 - Average
Art: 4 - Very Good
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This was a kick ass issue. It was excellent all around; art, story and the final resolution. This was an exciting and status quo changing series, so I forgave that release schedule. Still better then the Ultimates'.
Posted by MarkS on 04/08/08 at 08:46 PM