Thoughts on a possible Shazam revival?

[Random Axe]

I'm a huge Shazam fan. Always have been since the TV show. He's also my favorite Mego. I would like nothing better than to see him returned to DC continuity and given A-list status. Given the history and legacy, this character deserves some love.

I know Ordway left a couple of doors open in JSA when the Wizard stripped him of his powers claiming Billy failed. Here's what I'd like to see.

THe gods summon the Wizard before them asking where there champion is. He tells them of his decision to their extreme displeasure. They inform him it is HE who failed Billy by not being more active in his role as the good captain and it was his fault Black Adam went down the wrong path because of his inattentiveness. The Wizard sees from their perspective an agrees to seek out Billy Batson and restore his powers...if he still wants them.

Something like that might work. Art's book is cool, but I'd like to see interaction with the DCU mainstream and not some alternate universe.

I'm probably the only Shazam fan here, so I'm in quite a minority. I say bring back Captain Marvel and blow Krypton up again and get Supes back on Earth.

Scott

[johnnystorm]

Nah, you are not alone!

I liked Ordway's Power of Shazam series, thought it was a decent update that kept enough of the past to please old timers. Didn't think too much of that Jeff Smith series, but Art's book is very nice.

DC's problem with Shazam is that they try to make him like the other heroes they have, instead of just letting him be light & fun. It's not a crime to have a good natured upbeat hero, folks!
Maybe the days of the Marvel Family carrying a solo series are over, but there's no reason they can't guest-star anywhere in the DCU and just bring some lightness to a storyline, and wouldn't that be a breath of freash air?

I like your scenario, too...it could work out. I'd like to see Black Adam left alone for awhile too, he's been way overused.

[aquatroy]

Captain Marvel Adventures is the greatest comic magazine/series ever produced!
I have no confidence that DC can integrate the character into thier proper universe. I think that they would have better success with establishing the Earth 5 character. I really liked how Grant Morrison used the Captain in Superman Beyond and was excited when he talked about doing something with DC's new multiverse.

[Mego Milk]

SHAZAM Fans, wait to you see what happens in the Billy Batson issues 12-16 story arc!

never before done history making indeed.

And, Mike Norton's artwork rocks!

[thunderbolt]

As long as Winnick's Shazam fiasco is wiped from continuity.

[The Toyroom]

^ Yeah the Winnick stink needs to wear off before DC can launch a proper Shazam book in the mainstream DCU....

I loved Ordway's Power of Shazam series....just the right touch...Too bad DC has made a mess of the property ever since

[UnderdogDJLSW]

Add me as another Big Red Cheese fan. Loved the Ordway series, but I also do not mind the Captain being in his own universe, too. As long as he has his "family" with him.

Art's book, too, has made me chuckle at all the right moments.

[kingdom warrior]

Oh you're not alone, I'm a HUGE Captain Marvel Fan been one since I was a kid. I always thought he was the Best wish fulfillment superhero.....as I kid I thought i can't be Batman or Superman but Billy batson was a kid who transformed into a hero. That I totally understood and was why he was my fav.

I loved the live action Tv series with Jackson Bostwick and John Davey shame they still haven't put it on Dvd.
I also read the comic book revival with C.C.Beck which got me interested in finding the Golden age comics as i grew up. Those were fabulous and no wonder his books outsold Superman's.

Also hands down the Republic Movie Seriel starring Tom Tyler was the best ever done. Talk about Badass great effects for the time and Capt was no nonsense actually shooting and throwing the bad guys off of buildings...lol

Ordway's Power of Shazam was fabulous and I collected the entire run. I still say if they ever make a movie they should just look and the Graphic Novel he did and use that as a source.

Winnick should be flogged for the crap and total mess he did with Cap......

Art has done a great job so far...awww yeah!

[EMCE Hammer]

I don't understand why he won't work in current continuity. Let him be who he is, and let him contrast with the other heroes. I don't think he needs to be front and center in every event by any means, but I don't think he needs confined either. I'd start with a nice Geoff Johns mini to re-establish him and if it goes over well give him another series. If it doesn't sell well, at least he'll be straightened out and ready for duty down the road.

[Riffster]

I liked him in the JSA, the weird interaction with him and Stargirl. course now she's gonna end up damaged..uh i mean with Damage.

heck with legion spinning outta Advnture have Cap be the backup story.
Billy needs to ge the magic back...

[aquatroy]

I don't understand why he won't work in current continuity. Let him be who he is, and let him contrast with the other heroes. I don't think he needs to be front and center in every event by any means, but I don't think he needs confined either. I'd start with a nice Geoff Johns mini to re-establish him and if it goes over well give him another series. If it doesn't sell well, at least he'll be straightened out and ready for duty down the road.

I think it's becuase of the Super-Powered kid take. I HATE IT. That wasn't how Fawcett handled the character and their take made him the best selling superhero of all time.
If it was up to me, I would focus on Billy, Mary, & Freddy (and throw in a couple of new characters) and do a straight Buffy the Vampire Slayer rip-off. Group of youngsters taking on demons, and the like while dealing with teen-angst with a clever pithy comments. Since Superman can't deal with magic, this would be a good way to point out the differences between the Cheese and the Boy Scout.
Cap would become what he was in the old Fawcett stories. He's Billy's big brother. Swooping in to save the day.

[jds1911a1]

I liked the dematias take on cap but I'm with Troy. The Fawcett comics really did have Cap as a separate persona from billy but each aware of the other (like the christmas story when Billy and cap get each other presents)

[Cosmicman]

I liked the dematias take on cap but I'm with Troy. The Fawcett comics really did have Cap as a separate persona from billy but each aware of the other (like the christmas story when Billy and cap get each other presents)

Right. I think they'd be better going back to "separate personalities"
It was kind of creepy when Captain Marvel had the hots for Stargirl. I thought it was funny that old Jay Garrick was tripping thinking Captain Marvel was some kind of "Chester" (in current JSA run) until Stargirl let him know that Captain Marvel is really a kid. That was funny.