SUPERMAN/SHAZAM

FIRST THUNDER

By: Judd Winick and Joshua Middleton 
 

First Thunder tells the story of the first meeting between the Man of Steel and the Earth’s Mightiest Mortal.  The timeframe of the story is around the first appearances of Superman and Batman but before the Flash, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern appeared on the scene.  The overall story is divided into 2 storylines which converge as the story progresses.  The first storyline centers on Dr. Sivana having his thugs gather mystical items so that they can resurrect Lord Sabbac, it is during this part that Capt. Marvel and Superman first meet as museums in both Metropolis and Fawcett City have been broken into and artifacts removed.  The second storyline involves Dr. Sivana trying to find out Shazam’s secret identity by enlisting the help of fellow billionaire bent on the destruction of Superman, Lex Luthor himself.   After Superman and Shazam take down Sabacc and Eclipso who decides to show up, the story shifts to the other storyline where Marvel’s identity is learned by the man hired by Sivana causing harm to someone very close to Billy Batson. 
 

Overall this is an excellent story which has some very griping spots especially the final issue.  The best parts are the times when Superman and Shazam meet on Mt. Everest and Superman confronting the Wizard.  Winick really captures the childlike nature of Captain Marvel not only by the way he acts in battle but when he is interacting with Superman.  The only slight drawback for more was Middleton’s art style.  At times it was crisp and went well with the story but other times it was blurry and took away from the story.