Billy Batson Explains Current Affairs--Identity Crisis

So, continuing with Shazam #28 (1977), as Billy Batson teaches all about the world.

The scene: Black Adam has returned, but fortunately, he's so stupid that even Uncle Dudley can outwit him:

But what's to stop him from saying the magic word again ??


"That should do it??" How??

Oh, yes, of course...the amnesia punch!! Hit him precisely right, and he forgets all about being a bad guy!! And you can do it at will!!

You know, Identity Crisis would have been a lot more fun if this was how they brainwashed people. Not actually good, mind you...but more fun. Nothing against Zatanna, but a good ol' punch beats talking backwards any day.

Two lessons to take away here:

A) Stop kvetching about heroes brainwashing people!! It's a good thing!! Captain Marvel says so, and he's got the Wisdom of Solomon!! (Unless, of course, old Shazam meant the wisdom of Solomon Grundy...??) If Captain Marvel says it's good, it must be good!!

B) Evil Mary Marvel had better watch out...

Billy Batson Explains Current Affairs--Busing!!

The best reason to troll the quarter bin is that sometimes, you just can't freakin' believe what you end up reading. For example, check out Shazam! #28, 1977. Billy Batson is in Boston, and...well, just read it:




Thank you, Billy Batson, for using the wisdom of Solomon to explain the complex, frustrating and often violent issues of desegregating Boston schools!! (and yes, that was 100% of what was in the comic book as relates to the issue...)

And thank you, E. Nelson Bridwell and Kurt Schaffenberger, for presenting complex socio-political phenomena in a children's comic with no context or discussion of actual issues whatsoever!!

This is going to be a continuing series, kids. See Billy Batson discuss capital punishment!! Watch Billy Batson take on cloning and stem cells!! See Billy Batson deal with Identity Crisis!!

And that's all just in one issue...