Ever since the late 80's, DC has repackaged Captain Marvel, now known as Shazam, having taken the name from the wizard who gave him his powers, as Billy Batson's mind in an adult body. Inspired, one must guess, by the Tom Hanks movie, "Big", which came out the same year.
10 years ago, DC released "Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam" as the centerpiece of a DVD compilation of Showcase short subjects, two of which were already reviewed.
Taking place prior to the infamous New 52 reboot a year later, Billy (Zach Callison, later of Steven Universe) is all alone, having been tossed out of a foster home. You know most of the origin story, I'm sure, even as it's been rebooted for the 21st century.
Meanwhile, Black Adam (Arnold Vosloo, "The Mummy") returns to Earth after many years away, seeking to avenge himself upon the wizard Shazam (James Garner, in his final role), or his champion. Billy meets with Clark Kent (George Newbern, reprising as both Clark & Superman from Justice League Unlimited) for a Daily Planet story. Adam attacks, and, well, we're off and running.
Jerry O'Connell voices Captain Marvel, reprising also from Justice League Unlimited.
Following is a trailer:
It's only 25 minutes, flying by faster than the proverbial speeding bullet, but way too quick for this kind of feature. Then again, writer Michael Jelenic hasn't exactly proven to be a genius since then (i.e. Teen Titans Go!, Thundercats Roar!).
Rating: A.
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