After Dwayne Johnson confirmed that he will be playing Black Adam in a new big screen Shazam movie, Da'Mon Guy looks at the last time these two met on film - in 2010's DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection, Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam.
DC Comics Showcase presents Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam is a enjoyable, very entertaining animated feature that showcases three of the most powerful characters in the DC Comics universe, including two lesser known characters; Captain Marvel and the
formidable villain, Black Adam. Superman also makes a guest appearance in
order to bring the mainstream audience’s attention to this 25 minute animated
feature, which includes the voice talents of Zach
Collison (Hanna Montana, TV series), George Newbern (Saw VI), Jerry
O’Connell (Obsessed), Arnold Vosolo (The Mummy series), and James
Gardner (The Notebook).
Billy Batson acquires his powers from the wizard Shazam. Young Batson
transforms into the mighty Captain Marvel when he speaks the wizard's
name, "Shazam", which is an acronym from the initials of the deities who
gave the protectors their powers. For Billy Batson the Gods are Solomon
(wisdom), Hercules (strength), Atlas (stamina), Zeus (power), Achilles
(courage) and Mercury (speed); and for Black Adam it's the Egyptian gods
Shu (stamina), Heru (speed), Amon (strength), Zehuti (wisdom), Aton
(power) and Mehen (courage).
The Return of Black Adam is very exciting as the action begins
almost as soon as the story does, as Black Adam boldly leaps into the
narrative in an attempt to kill his would be replacement, Billy Batson.
The battles quickly ensue as the Man of Steel swoops in to thwart his
efforts. The physical confrontations are big and bold as you witness the
limitless physical abilities of all three combatants, using the entire
city and the air above it as their battlefield.
The short exquisitely blends the child like feel of Captain Marvel’s
alter ego, Billy Batson, into the progression of the story. His child
like innocence and personality are present throughout and they enhance the story giving it a light hearted
approach. It also adds a very human element which is a great
contrast to Superman’s more serious character.
I really enjoyed Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam and would readily recommend this as it is very good viewing. It will appeal to all ages, and is stockpiled with enough action to keep any adrenaline junkie satisfied. It's only negative is it's short running time, it's a real tease, but then it is only one of a collection of shorts. Alongside Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam, the DC Showcase
Original Shorts Collection DVD also includes Jonah Hex (previously
released with
Batman: Under the Red Hood), Green Arrow (previously released with
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse) and The Spectre (previously released with
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths). If you already own the other shorts then it makes the asking price for this DVD seem high, however, if you haven’t seen the others then this is definitely worth the money as all of the shorts are very good.
Previously
Justice League: The New Frontier
All-Star Superman
Wonder Woman
Batman: Under The Red Hood
Da’Mon Guy is a
writer and artist. He’s a graduate of Coppin State
University and an avid, life-long lover of film. Da'Mon has been actively
writing movie reviews since 2011, for a number of publications. Check out more of his work at Examiner.com, where he has published over 400 reviews.
Visit his Blog and follow him on Twitter.
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