REVIEW: Knight Terrors: Shazam #2

In Knight Terrors: Shazam #2, Mary Marvel continues her jaunt through the nightmare realm as Shazam. Can she not only save herself but the rest of the Shazamily too from a very persistent and familiar foe?

The first issue ended on a shocking cliffhanger, literally. Billy Batson/Black Adam/Insomnia is using the Shazam call to strike lightning, electrifying each member of Mary’s family into oblivion. And Mary is next as issue #2 kicks off. But writer Mark Waid flips the script right off the bat. Mary Marvel is very smart and quick on her feet, and here she becomes one of the first characters to break the game so to speak. Not only does she realize she’s in a dream, she also realizes she’s in control here. She uses her brains and her brawn to take it to Insomnia and save the rest of her family in a stroke of genius kind of way. Mary’s varied talents and personality are on full display here and she shows why she is just as worthy of the mantle of Shazam as Billy.

Continuing the momentum from issue #1, this issue features more stellar art. The art team of Roger Cruz, Wellington Dias and Arif Prianto get to let loose even more because this time we infiltrate not just Mary’s dream but those of the rest of the kids and even their foster parents. The tone is lighter, leaning more towards bad dreams or even adventures versus nightmares and pure horror. It’s a colorful comic that stands out in the Knight Terrors series. Again, the Black Adam version of Billy Batson look pretty sick in this issue too. There is a great two-page panel featuring Mary and Billy/Insomnia that stands out as a visual treat. Overall, this is one crispy looking comic.

The Shazamily is a tight-knit crew and that is their biggest strength. But even so, it’s the diabolic twist that Mary’s true deep, dark fear is being overshadowed by Billy. Unfortunately, that particular issue isn’t explored in-depth here which is a missed opportunity. Instead, the focus is on saving the entire family which is fortunately done in a very cool way. Despite the misstep, it is still and excellently drawn and well written issue. There’s a sweet and butt-kicking moment with Mary and her little sis Darla, and most of the other family member’s dreams featured quite humorous segments. Knight Terrors: Shazam #2 puts its own unique spin of the nightmare realm concept and creates something that is actually hopeful and endearing.

Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Coloring – 4 Stars

Overall
4 Stars

Written by; Mark Waid
Art by; Roger Cruz and Wellington Dias
Colors by; Arif Prianto
Letters by; Troy Peteri
Published by; DC Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.