“Darling, there’s no need to watch any longer. You know this isn’t going to have a happy ending.”
With Shazam! #19, It all comes down to this: A showdown on Venus between Mary Marvel and Mr. Mind, a test of Freddy’s resolve that could destroy his family, and a dark secret that shakes Billy to his core. As Welcome to Overlord concludes, Josie Campbell and Dan McDade give us a look at what’s in store for the series next year. Based on this issue, it’s going to be all about Mr. Mind, and the setup paints him as the strongest written returning villain in the series to date.
We all knew who was behind this show.
This issue takes a step back from associations and focuses more on the plans of the mind. With every point leading to him, including Freddy’s amber lightning bolt, this arc inserts a healthy dose of physical horror and psychological elements that combine to create the perfect harmony between Campbell and Campbell. They did a great job setting up the villain Worm for the future. Collaboration with McDade. Breaking the fourth wall of the mind also begins here, making the climactic moments even more immersive.
It’s safe to say that the creative team isn’t completely abandoning the lighter tone of the series, but is starting to move away slightly. McDade’s horror history is more prominently expressed here than in previous issues, and it’s much more effective to boot, especially in the last few pages. Separately, Freddy’s costume has undergone some subtle but carefully chosen design changes, and the Captain himself is starting to resemble Superman for the first time in a while, which is a win in my book. McDaid and Roberto Poggi also stretch their legs with some really strong and informative splash page work, and it feels like they’ve found a sweet spot in terms of panel and world design.
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What ties this issue together is subverting expectations. This is especially effective when an unreliable narrator driven by evil intentions is at the helm. There are plenty of twists that would definitely lend themselves to potential future stories without taking away from the dire situation that currently exists. Billy and Bo turned out to be a powerful combination, but not for the reasons people expected. Billy also loses his powers, which lends itself to a heartfelt but potentially heartbreaking moment between him and the possessed Freddy, and ultimately a character that started when Wide himself was still in the title. The arc will be rewarded. But Campbell puts his own spin on it, paying homage to the beginning of his run, and it’s definitely the best piece Freddie has written about Shazamillie to date. But on the contrary, we have yet to see Billy stand out among the Campbell-written issues, as the focus is on Mary and Freddie.
The mythology surrounding this newest addition to the family fleshes out considerably over the course of 20 issues (Night Terrors: Shazam! Counting!), when this All-In era story really kicks into gear until it shocks fans. There’s heartfelt triumph, but it’s balanced by a dark cliffhanger, a healthy dose of “Save the day, but at what cost?” This includes all the emotional moments and unexpected reveals of the arc finale, as well as some head-scratching tidbits that will make you think about what’s to come.
All in all, it’s hard to ignore Shazam! #19.This arc is really interesting in how Mr. Mind has been incorporated so far, and the conclusion leaves me hoping for more from the green bug of Venus. Emotionally resonant, less conventionally light-hearted, and full of love for the history of these characters, this series is never ending fun to read.
“Shazam!” #19 Facing Triumph, Tragedy, and Deception
Shazam! #19
This issue is visceral and immersive, with an emphasis on fear and emotion as things get bleak for our heroes. Mr. Mind is in all of us.
Moving away from the social aspects of the story created room for personal interests to take hold.
Mr. Mind is the strongest antagonist to date since the beginning of the series.
Freddy’s payoff is appropriate, if not predictable, but it’s emotionally resonant enough that it doesn’t matter in the long run.
The balance of reveals and unanswered questions is the perfect way to end the title’s first year.
Mr. McDade is definitely at his strongest in this issue, especially in Mr. Mind’s presentation.
Campbell’s script lends itself to an immersive and partially visceral story.
