The Joker was well used, if now cliched for the Joker, and I look forward to seeing him play out in the next installment. I will see them in one more month for issue #11, and if it holds my interest, then maybe #12.

If you are a Shazam! fan, I guess you should read this, as it is the start of the new character, and somewhere along the way Winick might describe what the rules of magic are. But if not, go buy the much better Jeff Smith book about Shazam. I know I wish I had.

Overall, the book is well done, and kicks off the search for Ray Palmer with a couple of surprises that I won't spoil.

there in a month, and I think you should be too!

** The second one ... or was that the third?

I do not want to spoil anything about this book, but I have to say, the ending has me unbelievably hooked. The mystery is unfolding in ways that I never picked up on, because I was completely engrossed.

Great hints at what is to come, with Starro possibly making a huge comeback with Professor Ivo in the wings. Also, Geo-Force is a character I really don't like all that much, but his appearance actually has me intrigued. The gimmick cover ticks me off, but I got the one with Black Canary for me to oogle over (and my wife gets to gaze upon Batman). In addition, The Hall of Justice showing up ticks me off a lot, and I'm not sure why. But it does. I'm sure I'll find a way to blame Alex Ross for this, but for now I'll stick with "Darn you, Dan Didio." But these complaints can't take away the big smile I had on my face while reading this whole book.