Episode 36 - All About the Big Red Cheese
This week we are taking a major diversion from our normal path, and taking a look at Marvel’s Distinguished Competition.  That’s right, we mentioned a while ago that we would be starting to branch out a bit, and with the new Shazam! Movie appearing in theaters this weekend I wanted to get Duane up to speed on the original Captain Marvel, one of the oldest heroes in comics – a character that once was more popular than Superman himself!   
This Week In Comics
Brian Michael Bendis Announces Fortune & Glory Sequel 
Marvel Teases the Debut of a New Spider-Man Hero 
Recommendation: DC stories for new comic readers
Morrison’s All-Star Superman
George Perez’s Wonder Woman
Alex Ross’s Justice

This Week's Stack
Shazam Vol. 1 (1973)
Shazam! Power of Hope (2000)
Shazam! The Monster Society Of Evil (2007)

Creator Focus: Jeff Smith
2 Minute Recap and Discussion Topics
Shazam Vol. 1
This is VERY MUCH a kids book, but also VERY meta aware, with numerous references to “I remember him from when I was a kid…he doesn’t look a day older.”
Kid superhero, no surprise, was well liked by kids


“Mr. Binder” is a reference to Otto Binder.  Wrote many classic Captain Marvel stories, and also co-created Supergirl.  
Very much feels like the first Shazam film
Quick history of Captain Marvel and why Shazam is used 

Shazam! Power of Hope
Alex Ross is like no other comic artist.  He is our Norman Rockwell.
Many of his characters are based on real people, who serve as models for his illustrations.  The model for Shazam has been the same person for decades.
This is a simple, powerful story. 
Tells a wonderful story with some action and makes you think after finishing it. 



Shazam! The Monster Society Of Evil 
A very fun story, and a love letter to the whole history of CM/Shazam 
Has a very “old fashioned” feel 
Not something to think too deeply on 
Adults aren’t cast in a friendly light throughout this.  
Call back to older Villains – Dr. Sivana. Has a “friend” (Tawny) who can change forms?  
The “Big Red Cheese”? What on Earth is that?

Final Thoughts
What's Next
Shazam: Fury of the Gods comes to theaters this weekend!

Signoff 
Questions or comments
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Music Intro and Outro created by Lesfm.