Today, DC Comics.com reveals some detail on what to expect from the SHAZAM back-up segment series that will debut in Justice League (Vol. 2) No. 7, which is scheduled for release on March 21.
DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns has this to comment regarding his and artist Gary Frank's attempt to revise DC Comcis Super-Hero Billy Batson/Captain Marvel (sometimes called "SHAZAM") for the DC New 52 comic book series: "With SHAZAM! Gary and I will be focusing on the magic hero instead of the super hero. For centuries, science has ruled the world, but now magic is returning. We’re telling the story of the hero’s young alter ego, Billy Batson, a foster kid at a crossroads in his life. The question is, how does the emotional journey of this troubled teenager collide with the fate of the world? The Rock of Eternity and the legacy of SHAZAM! will be explored in a different way as the extent of Billy’s connection to the magic world around him is greater than ever before". John's remark about focusing on magic hero as opposed to superhero sounds kinda' confusing (or at least in my opinion), given that there are already comic book characters identifed as superheroes or superheroines with magic (Dr. Strange for example).
As for design appearrance, Captain Marvel will still maintain his red and gold costume color scheme, but this time, he's wearing a cloak and hood in artist Gary Frank's attempt to symbolize the super-hero's nature as a mystical, magical, fantasy man, it's important to note that Billy Batson got his powers from ancient beings. Gotta' say I'm impressed with what I saw from the design, and now he does look more like the typical medieval wizard while living in the 21st century.
3:51 PM Canada EST
