Batman, Superman/Shazam: First Thunder

Batman 58-60

Batman Annual 3

Batman Secret Files 1

The ninth Tom King Batman trade.  Batman discovers that Bane’s passivity is an act, and that he’s secretly running Arkham Asylum from within.  No one, not even Jim Gordon, believes him, which leads to Batman punching the commissioner in the face. It’s a little far-fetched, considering the history and trust between the two long-time friends.  The trade only gives us three issues of story, so there’s not much to judge.

Secret Files is an anthology issue, much like Batman 1000, and it’s just as meh.

Batman Annual 3 is exceptional.  It’s an Alfred-centric story, showing the things he does and has done for Bruce since the fateful night he got the phone call telling him the Waynes had been murdered.  It’s touching and full of heartfelt emotion. Superb work by Tom Taylor and Otto Schmidt.

Superman/Shazam: First Thunder

Judd Winick and Joshua Middleton give us the story of Superman and Captain Marvel’s first meeting.  I’ve never been a Billy Batson fan. The “child in an adult body” angle doesn’t do anything for me, and I’m unlikely to watch the movie when it comes out later this week.  (Thinking about the similarities between Shazam and Big, I would have loved to see Tom Hanks from the 80s play the role.  I love Zachary Levi, but I don’t buy him in the part. Though I suspect a lot has to do with the padded suit.  It looks ridiculous.)

Too much suspension required.

So the story itself is fine.  Standard team up against Sivana.  (Which does yield a great line from an exasperated henchman:)

But the ending gives me chills every time I read it.  The compassion and trust that Clark shows Billy, who can clearly use a friend and mentor at a very difficult time in his life, gives me goosebumps.

That scene alone merits this miniseries the Major Feels rating, moving it out of my usual grading system.

Regret buying? No

Would buy again? No

Would read again? Yes

Rating: Major Feels