Shazam!: The Monster Society Of Evil #1

CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top

• 10

  Comics Bulletin - Tobey Cook

  Feb 11, 2007

  You owe it to yourself to pick this book up. Even if you dont like Shazam!, this is just one more example of comics done right. Read Full Review

• 10

  The Weekly Crisis - Ryan Schrodt

  Oct 21, 2009

  Jeff Smith's vision of Captain Marvel is a fun and unique approach to a character that enjoys one of the richest mythos and histories of any DC character, but is often one of the most poorlyused characters owned by the company. The story of Monster Society of Evil is an interesting mix of political commentary and whimsical superhero action, which is a fun concept that falters a bit in execution thanks to the very rushed final chapter. In the end, the good outweighs the bad though, and Smith has created an enduring reinterpretation that I'd love to see him return to at some point in the future. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Eye On Comics - Don MacPherson

  Feb 07, 2007

  My favorite moment in this book comes in a solitary panel as Billy quietly offers up what should have been an obvious assumption. He kneels before the wizard and believes his miserable life is possibly being touched by a divine power. It's a powerful but understated moment in the story that brings credibility and vulnerability to the plot and characters. That stands out as the best example I can find of the refinement of Jeff Smith's storytelling for this project. He could have easily taken a shortcut and just retold classic C.C. Beck Shazam! stories as others have done before him. He still captures the charm and innocence of that yesteryear feeling, but he also injects some great emotion and sensitivity. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Comics Bulletin - Bruce Logan

  Feb 11, 2007

  The Billy-Wizard Shazam dynamic has never been done better. Never. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Comics Bulletin - Robert Murray

  Feb 11, 2007

  This was a fun issue to read not only because of my love for Bone (did I mention that already?). I think anyone who picks up this issue, whether you know Smith or Cap Marvel already, will love the energy and the artwork in this first issue and will probably be hooked for the remainder of the series. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Comics Bulletin - Caryn A. Tate

  Feb 11, 2007

  Im so happy with this book that all I can say is, if you havent bought it yet and you have any interest in the superhero genre or Shazam, you need to read this title. Its worth the $5.99 price tag, and its a sadly rare occasion when I can say that about a lot of modern superhero comics. Itll have you waiting (impatiently) for issue #2, I promise. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  Comics Bulletin - Ray Tate

  Feb 11, 2007

  I do have one question. What does DC consider this book? Is it an imaginary story? An Elseworlds? A retcon? A result of Superboy punching time? I consider it an All-Star version of Captain Marvel, clearly updated for the present day, which slides it right out of continuity, and quite entertaining. Read Full Review

• 7.0

  Comics Bulletin - Thom Young

  Feb 11, 2007

  Ill save my money to buy reprints of Becks stories from the 40s and early 50sas well as (hopefully) Moores Marvelman (if those comics are ever again reprinted). Read Full Review