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Shazam!: The Monster Society of Evil #1 (of 4)
Posted 01 Mar 2007
Writer: Jeff Smith
Artist: Jeff Smith
Publisher: DC
4.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by Matt Rawson
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I have never had any strong feelings regarding
Shazam… but Jeff Smith?
That's a whole different story. I do not shy away from professing my opinion
that Smith’s magnum opus Bone is one of the greatest comic
series of all time. I believe many would agree, and I would argue that a
good portion of those that don’t have never read it. So, now, like Paul
Pope’s excellent Batman: Year 100, Jeff Smith is (almost) soloing
in a four-issue prestige starring a DC iconic character.
Yay for all of us!
Shazam!: The Monster Society of Evil #1, from the art work, to the
dialogue, to the whole damn story, is just down and out superhero fun, pure and
simple. Superheroes are done best at the two ends of the extreme; either in
wonderful, lighthearted, youthful adventure stories, like the book in question,
or the deep, contemplative, brilliant works like that of Alan Moore. Sadly, the
vast majority of current superhero books generally fall in the regrettable
middle ground rut of the mediocre. Whereas I wouldn’t label Shazam!:
The Monster Society of Evil #1 truly “all-ages”, for the simple
fact that it does seem to lean much more toward a younger audience, it certainly
can be enjoyed by anyone.
The color art of Steve Hamaker compliments, and even enhances Smith’s
beautiful line work throughout the book. The “time-travel” sequence
is like multi-flavored Starburst for the eyes. Exceptional work, all around.
Shazam!: The Monster Society of Evil #1 doesn’t try to be
anything but what it is. Nothing, but nothing, makes me crave a good innocent
book more than umpteen titles out there that proclaim to be for mature
audiences, but in actuality are about as mature as a crass joke scratched into
the wall of a rest stop bathroom. Jeff Smith has always been a safe haven from
that kind of garbage, and he certainly doesn’t break his stride here.
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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