In this episode, Curt and Kevin wrap up their series on comics’ Captains Marvel (and prepare for the April 5 release of Shazam!) with a look at the Big Red Cheese himself, the original Captain Marvel, aka Shazam, in 1940’s Whiz Comics #2 and 2007’s Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil, written and drawn by Jeff Smith and published by DC Comics!
In Bill Parker and C.C. Beck’s charming origin story, homeless young orphan Billy Batson boards a crazy train to the subterranean lair of an ancient wizard who grants him magical superpowers seconds before dying a gruesome death! That fateful moment set the stage for one of the most popular comics of its day, a kid’s wish-fulfillment epic filled with talking tigers, evil worms, mad scientists, and a whole family of super-powered siblings!
Almost 70 years later, Jeff Smith, award-winning creator of Bone, tries his hand at Earth’s Mightiest Mortal, adding elements of Arabic folklore and post-9/11 sociopolitical commentary in a four-part story featuring giant robots, talking alligators, and lots and lots of roaches!
Can 1940s Billy Batson and his strapping alter ego stop the evil Dr. Sivana from ridding the world of terrestrial radio? Can their 21st-century counterparts stop him and Mr. Mind from destroying all of humanity? And can they make it into that Rock of Eternity known as … The Comics Canon?
Things Discussed in This Episode:
- What Shazam stands for
- Shazam’s connection to The Music Man
- The Seven Deadly Enemies of Man
- Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s Shazam!
- The Power of Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil
- Our Kingdom Come and Flashpoint episodes
- A horrible name for a circus act
- Sivana vs. Phoney Bone
- JSA: Black Reign
- The Chronoliths by Robert Charles Wilson
- Miracleman
- Astro City #43 and the origin of the Gentleman
Join us in two weeks as prepare for the April 12 release of Hellboy with a look at the story that started it all: Hellboy: Seed of Destruction!
Until then, don’t forget our snazzy Comics Canon merchandise and the King Krackle digital brushes from our friends at Category 4!
Last but not least, please be so kind as to rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!