Billy Batson & the Magic of SHAZAM! #1

Aritst/Writer Mike Kunkel breathes life into Billy & Mary Batson. Kunkel crams a lot into this first issue. He quickly lets the reader know that this is a continuation of the Captain Marvel that we read in Jeff Smith's "Monster Society of Evil" miniseries. Kunkel sticks with the kid-like Billy & Mary and that really goes a long way in making this book kid friendly. He has a humorous take on the beginning adventures of Captain Marvel and he got a few chuckles out of me while I read this book.

Art: 4 out of 4
Story: 4 out of 4
Overall: 4 out of 4

Kunkel's art is stylistic and matches the tone of the story. I don't think he could cram any more panels onto the page. While many first issues cover little ground, Kunkel sets up Billy & Mary's living situation, school, Billy's job, the villain, and the relationship Billy has with the wizard Shazam. Along with a train saving adventure, this comic was well worth the price tag. My only concern is that there is so much dialogue on the page that younger readers may skip it. I hope they don't because this book is a breath of fresh air.