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.
