[k9feline]

The one that started it all. A homeless newspaper boy, a shadowy mysterious figure (who's never explained, making him all the more intriguing), a dying wizard with a name that spells out 5 famous figures from Greek mythology and one from the Bible, a large, marble block hanging over the wizard's head, suspended only by a thin strand of thread, a crazed mad scientist plotting to wipe out all of radio, and the Superman-like figure who saves the day and even dwarfs the popularity of Superman! This is a great opening story that keeps the reader intrigued throughout, even if it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Bill Parker did a fantastic job creating this new hero, aided by C. C. Beck's blend of realistic and cartoony. Not only did this story mark the debut of Captain Marvel/Billy Batson, it also created his archenemy Sivana, and two supporting characters who'll both turn out to be more important and prominent than they seem here: Sterling Morris and Shazam.

Link to the book: *** Link No Longer Exists: Whiz Comics 002 (fiche) ***