Superman/Shazam! First Thunder A Graphic Novel by Judd Winnick & Joshua Middleton Review by Juan Agos SHAZAM! According to the New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary means something that a conjurer used to introduce an extraordinary deed, story or transformation. Judd Winnick must have been shouting a lot of SHAZAM! for this book because this graphic novel is simply extraordinary. For a book with two main characters that are very similar, the writer was able to give each of his protagonists a distinct voice. The writer was also able to balance the spotlight for each character without them overshadowing each other. The main plot for the book is the first meeting of the iconic characters Superman and Captain Marvel. Though these characters have been around for a long time, and many are familiar with both these heroes, Winnick has a way of telling a fresh story. I am fan of Winnick’s work, and because he writes a lot of heart. And this graphic novel is full of that heart. Though this is set in a magical superhero universe the writer is able to let you relate with a lot of what is happening within the story.
He was able to mix fast paced action with good paced drama. There are a number of smile inducing incidents in the book, as the mystery in the words of Captain Marvel that Superman just could not get. And there are a lot of heart tugging moments like the times spent by Captain Marvel and his bestfriend. And I love the last portion of the book that will just let you say that that is just right. This is a graphic novel so I must commend Middleton for an amazing art that meshed magically with Winnicks words. To wrap up this review Superman and Captain Marvel are great characters and they shine here in the story of Mr. Judd Winnick and Mr. Joshua Middleton. I recommend you read this graphic novel, and prepare to shout SHAZAM!