Warning! Spoilers ahead for Shazam! #1
In DC's brand new Shazam! miniseries, Billy Batson is turning into DC's version of the Incredible Hulk in the worst way. While Billy is attending the Teen Titans Academy as a student, Shazam's powers have gone completely haywire, leading to his growing fears and concern every time he manages to turn into his heroic adult form. Likewise, this falls in line with Bruce Banner's fears about turning to the Hulk in the MCU's Thor: Ragnarok.
Shazam! #1 comes from writer Tim Sheridan and artist Clayton Henry, seeing Billy Batson struggling to control his powers. During the Titans' battle with the villain Chemo, Shazam suddenly lost his Strength of Hercules and Stamina of Altas right as he was lifting Chemo into the air. While the other Titans were able to take care of the situation and no one got hurt, Billy is naturally distraught over his haywire powers. Not only that, but sometimes he can't transform at all when he says his magic word and he can no longer share his power either.
Naturally, Billy isn't sure what he's supposed to do about his power problem, and he also keeps seeing visions of the Rock of Eternity exploding, the source of Billy's power as Shazam. Additionally, Billy talks to Nightwing and confesses his fears that the next time he does transform into Shazam, he might not be able to switch back into Billy. This is also quite similar to Bruce Banner's fears about turning back into the Hulk in Thor: Ragnarok, telling Thor his worry that his next transformation might be permanent. Additionally, Avengers: Infinity War saw Hulk refusing to come out when Banner actually needed him, which is similar to Batson's issues here in this new miniseries.
Thankfully, Billy discovered why he's been having problems with his powers when he overhears the teachers at the Titans Academy confirming that the Rock of Eternity has been somehow displaced and moved to Hell (thus explaining Billy's visions). Apparently, this is why Billy's power has been all over the place, and he looks quite determined to find a solution by going to Hell on his own. However, he does get some much-needed help from the new and mysterious student Dane (Raven's star pupil), who teleports them both straight to Hell to figure out what's going on.
In any case, the disruption of Shazam's powers has definitely given him a lot in common with the MCU's Bruce Banner who had many of the same struggles and fears. However, perhaps by restoring the Rock of Eternity and getting it out of Hell, Billy can once again find a balance and compromise between himself and Shazam, just like Banner eventually found with the Hulk in Avengers: Endgame. Regardless, here's hoping Billy and Dane can make it out of the underworld unscathed, especially before the teachers find out where they've gone.
No comments:
Post a Comment