Shazam! Power of Hope

Shazam! Power of Hope

Originally released in 2000

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Alex Ross


Upon finding out about this story, I wanted to read it because that creative team is amazing.  Paul Dini is one of the people behind Batman: The Animated Series, one of the definitive takes on the character in my eyes, and Alex Ross's work is always impressive. (And that's putting it mildly - his pages feel like they could be displayed in museums)


The book focuses on Billy (mostly in his super-powered alter ego of Captain Marvel) visiting a children's hospital in response to letters that he received. He's feeling the burden of school, work (as a radio announcer) and being a superhero, and the wizard Shazam suggests that a child will need his help very soon.


The book is earnest, heartfelt, and heartwarming.  There's a real sense of wonder that Dini and Ross capture here that speaks to the appeal of Captain Marvel, as he can see things from both a child's and an adult's perspective. He provides a role model for the children while also (as Billy Batson); the opening of the book has Dini describe his father telling him about Captain Marvel comics that he read in his own youth, and that image is captured perfectly with Captain Marvel telling the children about his own adventures. (Some kids want him to take them to the moon, but that isn't exactly the safest option, so stories are the next best thing)


As Billy Batson, he can provide a sympathetic ear that other kids are more likely to open up to. Abuse is something that comics have tackled since the beginning - Action Comics issue 1 had Superman stopping an abusive spouse - but you can really feel for Billy as he hears about it firsthand.


Naturally, Billy confronts the abuser, and seeing Captain Marvel making him feel small, both physically and mentally, is great. The narration (which is normally from Billy's perspective) says "when the Captain speaks, his words roll out like angry thunder," which makes it sound like Captain Marvel wants to let this guy have it and it's Billy who's holding him back.


Captain Marvel can't save all of the kids, as some have terminal illnesses, but he can bring them comfort, hope, and fond memories of his visits. Dini and Ross do an amazing job with getting a wide range of emotions across on a short timeframe, from joy to tragedy and everything in between.



Given the general zaniness of Captain Marvel's corner of the DC universe (mad scientists! Wizards! Psychic alien worms!), having him in a grounded ordinary setting makes for an interesting change of pace for the character. There are some dramatic moments (such as when Captain Marvel takes the kids on a field trip), but for the most part, the events of a story could happen in everyday life.  It speaks volumes about how important it is to find ways to make a difference in the lives of people who are seriously ill, especially children. (Which makes sense, as this book was made in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but that connection never feels forced)


This book is a celebration of Captain Marvel and does a great job at showing what makes the character so appealing. It was about sixty pages, with most of them being double page spreads, so it went by really quickly. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance; it was worth it for the art alone, but the writing was heartwarming and dealt with problems that people of all ages could relate to.

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