Young homeless orphan Billy Batson is swept up into the world of heroing when he bonds with Captain Marvel, a magic hero from the Rock of Eternity. But when Billy’s curiosity gets the best of him, he accidentally lets the forces of Mr. Mind and the Monster Society of Evil into the world. Now it’s up to the pair to stop them from destroying the world. Jeff Smith’s re-imagining of the Shazam origin is a light, fun, and intelligent book, perfect for both young and old. Additionally, it requires no background in Shazam canon to pick up and read.

Violence: Some minor violence against children by monsters.
Sexualized violence: None.
Gender: The book includes both Billy and his sister Mary, who later gains her own powers.
Bechdel’s law: (0 of 3 criteria met)

Depiction of minorities: Only discrimination against crocodile monsters with a taste for children.
Parents may wish to be aware: Shazam willingly commits a non-bloody suicide very early on in the book by dropping a rock on himself. Also, Smith lightly parodies the current administration with Dr. Sivana. Children may have questions concerning these two issues.

Recommended by forum member Arion Hunter

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