Letters to Shazam! #6

Thanks for the comments, Charlie. I have to begrudgingly admit that you're probably right about the grave scene and, for what it's worth, I also agree with your thoughts about Mary too.

First off, an apology.

I wrote the first five issues of Shazam! fully intending on writing the title indefinitely. To make a long story short, things came up, my time became more limited, and I felt I couldn't give the title the attention it deserved, so I abandoned it right at the end of the first arc. I hated doing that, as I didn't want to burden someone else with cleaning up my mess, and I absolutely love this title and these characters. But I did it, to my (still) great regret.

That said, it's interesting to see how someone else finished what I'd started, and I have to say Mark did a terrific job. The tone of the arc was maintained and it was great to see the various references to Captain Marvel lore (Tawny, Uncle Marvel). I also really liked the graveside scene as it is something I could see Adam doing with his warped code of honor. And any issue with a Godzilla-sized Black Adam has got to be good. All the loose ends were tied up nicely.

I understand the gripe about Mary, but David and I decided this was the best way to go, especially if you consider the original DC2 Captain Marvel would have to have lost both his son and daughter all those years ago (if you don't know what I'm referring to, do yourself a favor and read All Star Comics#1 & 2, they're fantastic) and that continuity was never established. It didn't make sense to make them brother and sister, though we knew Cap purists (and I confess for the most part I'm one of those) would have plenty to grouse about. Maybe there's a way to make it work somehow, I don't know, have Superboy Prime punch a wall or something.

All aside, kudos to Mark for taking someone else's trash and making it treasure, and a sincere good luck to the new Shazam! writer (I understand his name is Aaron, too).

A quick round of thank yous:

Brian: Thanks for defending the grave scene, although it obviously didn't work for Charlie so I'm sure I could have handled it better.

Aaron: Many thanks for taking the time to comment. This is the third time I've had to finish a story started by another writer (and, now having read all of your previous issues, I can definitely say that these were the biggest shoes to fill) but the first time I've actually heard back from the original writer with their thoughts. I really appreciate it and I'm glad I didn't wreck your story. As for Mary, I understand why the decision was taken, but I'm just a traditionalist and really hard to please so I'd take my criticism with a pinch of salt.

Jay: Well my solicit was deliberately designed to mislead the reader into thinking I'd introduce Mary Marvel so I can understand why you'd think that (although I'm not sure why you'd think I would kill her). Anyway, thanks for your comments.

Ramon: Surprised nobody's mentioned it yet, but it was a great cover.

Now THAT is a good fight scene. Someone's gotta integrate that into the actual comics. The storyline was fun as well; it ties up the Black Adam arc pretty well and sets up for the next GREAT CRISIS. Good stuff, keep it up.

-UDC

I've yet to see one of your covers I didn't like.

Me personally I liked this issue over the other five issues. This one at least gives a person a bit more than the others. The first five seemed to be lacking a bit. There were things that were mentioned or started and they didn't seem to be finished, or we weren't told what happened to them.

I did also like the ending of this issue it sets up plenty for the next book. Wonderful ending.

KDragon