The Power of Shazam by Jerry Ordway

Although, I never kept up with the ongoing series, I still have a soft spot for Jerry Ordway's initial POWER OF SHAZAM graphic novel. I feel like its been the only Captain Marvel book that's pretty much gotten it right since CC Beck originally worked with the character in the 1940's and 1950s.

The biggest draw of the book is Ordway's art. He manages to capture much of the character designs of the Big Red Cheese while maintaining a slightly realistic style. Also the look and feel of the backdrop of Fawcett City seems very inspired by the retro style of Batman: The Animated Series. Highly popular at the time this book was published in 1994.

The story isn't bad either. Some of the lines are a bit clunky. But the overall story itself isn't bad.

I suppose Ordway had to make the story a bit more "edgier" for a modern audience (although I hate using the word "edgier") but it doesn't come off as badly as some. I mean even in the original series, Billy Batson is homeless. A ten year old kid living on the street isn't exactly cheery, folks.

But what Ordway does right is despite this he doesn't turn Billy Batson into a moody jerk. Although, he would have every right to be. But that's not the point of the character.

The other thing I like is the fact that Ordway establishes in this continuity, which has sadly long since been retconned with the New 52, is the fact that Billy turns into an adult rather than him and Captain Marvel being two different entities.

I think that helps with explaining Marvel's "Schucks! Gee whiz!" sort of personality in a modern world where everything has to be "dark". He's still basically a kid inside. So he has that sunny outlook.

I had mentioned this in a previous blog how Captain Marvel visualizes a kids dream of being the superhero and not the sidekick. As a ten year old, you can be Robin but you can't be Batman. But you CAN be Captain Marvel. A kid who has the ability to turn into an adult superhero but still get to go back to being a kid after he's done saving the world.

I also liked the origin of Batson's parents being archaeologiest murdered by Black Adam who was the henchman for the man who financed their dig in Egypt: Dr. Sivana. Yep!! The Worlds Maddest Scientist is reintroduced in this book. Though this time he's sort of this multi-millionaire cross between Lex Luthor and Ross Perot.

Out of everything, it's Ordway's artwork that really shines in this tale. His interpretations of all the characters are great! He maintains the look CC Beck created for Marvel, Sivana and Black Adam. It should be mentioned I thought Black Adam kind of reminded me of a cross between Shemp Howard and a young Norman Fell...

...okay! I'll give you a second to let that sink in.

But THE POWER OF SHAZAM is really a great book and honestly should be a "How to" guide to any writer or artist looking to adapt Captain Marvel. Or at least adapt him right. The only other adaptation I think got Marvel right was the movie serials from the 1940's starring Tom Tyler.