Shazam! #5

AIPT

Shazam! #5 shines bright as ever as Meet the Captain sprints towards an explosive finale. It has comedy that never detracts from the narrative carrying a lot of weight, striking imagery that serves as a reminder that the Captain is up there with Superman in terms of scale, a confidently executed twist to keep us coming back for more, and character portrayals both menacing and whimsical to keep us thoroughly engaged. If it hadn’t already been up to now, this issue certainly proves that the run is a labor of love for everyone involved, and that wherever it goes will define Billy Batson and the Shazamily for daring new age.

But Why Tho?

Shazam #5 brilliantly controls the chaos. This intergalactic story has been energetic and exhilarating from the start, so it is fitting that it ends that way too. Waid and Mora have kept the characters consistent and the plot stays tethered to the concept of the gods and their machinations. But beyond that, the rest of the issue is utter insanity. The situations are crazy and the pace is intoxicating. The war quickly became an investing and hysterical storyline that was filled with twists and surprises. But even when that finishes, there is so much in this series to keep the momentum going.

Lyles Movie Files

Shazam remains a winner and a must-read for DC fans frustrated that comics aren’t as good as they used to be. This title keeps answering the call month after month.

COMICON

I look forward to this book month in and month out. I hope this team is onboard SHAZAM! for a long time to come.

Geek Dad

This book has been doing a good job of combining the best of old-school Shazam with the new-school status quo, but I’m hoping that when this story is wrapped, we get back to the entire Shazam family teaming up again.

The Super Powered Fancast

The Story: A thrilling, fun and exciting story from Mark Waid. I love seeing Billy and Mary team up and the story has some great moments for both characters. The fights are fun and filled with great action and humor. I really enjoyed the rising action and tension throughout the issue and the ending was a great cliffhanger that makes me excited to read the next issue. The Art: Dan Mora delivers beautifully detailed and visually thrilling art throughout the issue. I love the artistic style on display and how beautifully it balances both action and humor.

Weird Science DC Comics

Shazam! #5 brings Billy's mystery about his erratic superpowers to a head after a wild but thoroughly entertaining battle on the Moon. The Silver Age-inspired story is a welcome respite from DC's typically glum offerings, and Mora's art is the best around.

ComicBook.com

The influence of semi-malevolent gods behind The Captain's recent outbursts becomes increasingly apparent in Shazam! #5. Mary Marvel provides her brother with an excellent counterpoint in the series' most fraught battle to date – one involving the Emperor of the Moon, heist-oriented apes, and Queen Bee. Every challenge creates an opportunity for a creative solution as writer Mark Waid continues to showcase the value of Silver Age concepts. However, the increasing ferocity of Mercury and other gods makes this a thoroughly modern comic in its style. Artist Dan Mora's portrayal of violence, especially when The Captain unleashes his might on less-than-immortal enemies, is intense. It manages to make the action compelling but unappealing without dismissing the series' all-ages approach. This particular balance is a tightrope act and one Mora walks with aplomb. After this very messy adventure in space, it's apparent that events are coming to a head in Shazam! and future issues hold even more potential for this indomitable creative team.

Graham Crackers Comics

Mark Waid’s story continues to bounce between insanity and the realism of the human condition. Mercury gets his turn at controlling the Captain (and I thought calling him Shazam back in the 1970’s sounded goofy.) but he’s definitely no better than the rest. But Mary’s taken some time off from helping the Amazons and is here to help. And finally the jig is up. Back in control and facing off against the gods, Bill is again left to make a choice for the entire Shazam family. And with Dan Mora’s art still stunning whether he’s drawing Mary, Queen Bee, or Garguax throwing up a warp drive, its all good.