DC Comics reviews 3/5/24 – Batman #145, Shazam #9

Shazam #9

It’s probably not a coincidence that some of the stronger DC titles are those where the writers keep the plot relatively simple. For one issue or a six-issue or so arc. Shazam #9 is a great example of telling an enjoyable story in just one issue.

Billy Batson gets called onto Jack Ryder’s show. Writer Mark Waid has a good handle on how to craft Ryder’s dialogue infusing a little hot button content creator mentality to him as well. Of course, Billy doesn’t know Ryder’s secret — that he’s also the wildcard superhero The Creeper.

With a large supporting cast, Shazam doesn’t lend itself to many guest appearances, but this one works out well. Creeper and Shazam make for a fun duo, captured beautifully by artist Emanuela Lupacchino.

Lupacchino brings a fun, playful style to her pages making for an ideal match for Shazam’s lighter tone. Trish Mulvihill’s colors are nice and bold playing off Shazam and Creeper’s costumes wonderfully.

Waid dusts off a villain that hasn’t gotten much play lately. This one is formidable enough to cause some problems for Shazam and Creeper, but not long enough to devote five or six issues on them either.

This is a breezy and easy to enjoy comic. Sometimes they don’t have to be overly intricate. This issue more than gets the job done and was a standout read this week.

Rating: 10 out of 10