DC Comics reviews 3/28/23 – Dark Knights of Steel #10, Action Comics #1053

Lazarus Planet Revenge of the Gods #2

The second installment of this mini-series felt more disjointed than the debut issue. It probably had more to do with writer G. Willow Wilson’s portrayal of Billy Batson aka Shazam than anything else.

Willow’s take on Shazam felt more in line with the neophyte hero that debuted in the film instead of the young, but experienced hero who’s been battling threats for years. The constant shifts and alterations to DC continuity hasn’t been kind to Billy, who’s constantly seen his stock and importance drop since Infinite Crisis.

As the gods’ revenge wrecks havoc across the country, Shazam encounters the mysterious hooded figure that keeps popping up before teaming with Yara Flor in D.C.

There’s a weird cameo from Mary Marvel that doesn’t do much beyond making Billy look silly and redundant.

Yara is also dismissive of Billy, which likely won’t be endearing to longtime Billy fans either.

The artwork, provided by Cian Tormey and Emanuela Lupacchino, is solid though their styles clash so to the point it would have been better for one to draw the entire issue. Jordie Bellaire’s colors help to liven up the action and provide some visual stability.

Wilson saves the best moment for last, which makes for a good cliffhanger although it makes the preceding story feel like a time killer.

This story arc now feels like it’s starting to feel stretched out instead of a nice tight event that makes up in importance what it lacks in length.

Rating: 6 out of 10