Future State: Shazam! (2021-2021) #1

Synopsis: No one’s seen Billy Batson/Shazam in years-not since the incident known as the Final Battle of Titans Island. Now leading a small band of heroes, even his allies have begun to ask who’s controlling Earth’s Mightiest Mortal. In a story set years after the events of Future State: Teen Titans, learn the truth behind the sacrifice Billy made to imprison an ultimate evil even he couldn’t destroy.

The Story

In the dark world of Future State. Shazam and Billy Batson are estranged from the Shazam family. Which means that he is leading an entirely different team. In Future State, the Earth’s mightiest Mortal has become decidedly angrier and violent. But just has happened to Billy Batson. It’s a question that even The Question is pondering as he tries to get Shazam to reveal what happened. Just why does the big red one object to being called Billy? This is a question that this story builds toward answering.

The Artwork

Eduardo Pansica provides some fantastic artwork and gives us a far moodier and angry version of the comics’ titular character. The character drawings are brilliant and it was nice to see Miss Martian in her comic book form having only ever really having seen her in the animated shows and of course Supergirl. It was also cool to see The Question get such a prominent role in this book.

The drawings of Shazam in hell where a deal is struck with Neron were real good. Though I can’t say too much more for fear of being spoilery. Even though I know that most hardcore fans have likely read the book already.

Overall. The art through is consistently good and makes one of DC’s more lighthearted characters a bit more interesting.

Overall

A darker take on a much-loved character makes for interesting story possibilities. And writer Tim Sheridan does a pretty good job of executing it. I particularly enjoyed how we get dropped in the middle of the action with little clue as to what is happening. Only to have the actual story slowly reveal itself as you read and follow the action.

Overall. A pretty fun story.