“This is all a test. Strength is always a test.”
Things weren’t going well for Billy Batson. While her relationship with her captain is stronger than ever, other relationships are becoming strained. That is, his relationship with his brother Freddy, who became the heroic commander, whose struggle with ego is arrogantly amplified by the power of mystical amber lightning from space. eternal rock. And while Billy searches for answers about the artifact, Mary Marvel and her trusty sidekick Hoppy take the fight directly to the Society.
Oh, and as revealed in the last issue, the story is once again narrated directly to the viewer by Mr. Mind, which immediately earns Josie Campbell creativity points, especially since it enhances Dan McDade’s more menacing visuals. I will.
Outside of joining the Justice League, things have been pretty much on the same trajectory for the Philadelphia champions since Campbell started his run. But as Billy’s birth mother contests his adoptive brother’s adoption and the Vasquez family drowns in legal costs, Freddie challenges his brother’s heroic priorities.
Corporate heroism is a major theme in this new conflict with the Society, so casting Freddy as a corporate hero is not only the subject of the amber lightning at hand, but also a great addition to this character arc. The seeds were planted all the way back in the first arc of the series. Although Campbell initially longs for his lost powers and general lack of power in life, he effectively counteracts Freddy’s anxiety and newfound hostility with his true motivation to save his family, and this leads to his It sheds light on a desperate decision. I accepted the association’s spokesperson’s offer.
Freddy turns his back on Billy (Courtesy of DC Comics)
Despite being at odds with his brother, Billy tries his best to find the Captain, trying to understand what happened to Freddie. The lack of tension between the two characters is welcome, as it allows room for a more mature dynamic to develop between them. The captain became Billy’s true voice of guidance and reason. Before Solomon imparted wisdom to Billy, when Billy’s adult form was characterized more as a man-child, the role was often delegated to Mary. This gives Billy more agency and feels like he’s growing with each issue, but you have to wonder what the future holds for Mary’s role in the series.
Mary’s presence in this issue is primarily dominated by her infiltration of the Society, but at the beginning of the issue she appears in heroic form alongside Uncle Marvel aka Dudley, feeding the homeless of Philadelphia. The figure is easily drawn. The dynamic between these two was so fruitful in director Campbell’s Shazam’s New Champions that this moment, however brief, takes place as Mary moves out of Vasquez’s house and begins to grow towards college. This gives us some interesting insight into where we are headed. It’s also highly anticipated that Mary Marvel’s short-sleeved costume will return. Although only a few frames were shown in the previous issue, it appeared that the long sleeves were still available on the costume reveal page. This design choice further complements McDade’s art, as McDade is great at capturing a more simplistic, classic look for his characters. A big shout out to Billy’s red and yellow polo shirt.
Specifically, McDade leans more toward a Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic that directly conveys the character’s original Golden Age vibe than Dan Mora’s sharper style, which puts older aesthetics in a sleek, modern light. I keep leaning in. This visual axis brings McDade a more contemporary scale of grandeur commonly associated with Jerry Ordway’s The Power of Shazam, particularly the presence of the other god of Olympus. At times, it gives McDade a chance to stretch his legs. Much of that is also due to Trish Mulvihill’s coloring, which is generally bright and vibrant, but can also be suitably muddy and moody when the tone is called for. And Tone is definitely starting to ask for more of it.
Shazam in progress! #17 is not as action-packed as previous issues, but it offers strong characterization in the main conflict, some valuable insight into the directions these characters will take, and is very creative and unique with the Big Red Cheese brought to life with an art style that fits perfectly. . The final page has been over a year in the making, and it’s a great cliffhanger that promises an exciting, and perhaps disastrous, turn for Shazamilly.
“Shazam!” #17 Asking where to prioritize
Shazam! #17
This issue focuses on tension over action, delivering strong characterization, valuable character insight, and a strong cliffhanger, all wrapped up in a uniquely fitting art style.
The conflict between Billy and Freddie is subtle and well-defined.
McDade stretches its legs with some new designs perfect for moody vibes.
Campbell’s creative narration is engaging and helps present an effective cliffhanger by the final page.
The Society itself is relatively common as a concept at this point, and it feels like it could only serve as a stepping stone to the return of the Monster Society.
