Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #18 - DC

This was a cute, scary tale for the kids. It appears that in their recent fight, Captain Marvel and Black Adam let loose a mummy that's been holding a grudge against the Wizard for a very long time. Apparently this guy was the Vizier of Teth Adam's court. When the Wizard turned Teth Adam into Black Adam there was a big fight. Although, if you ask me, it looks like the Vizier wanted the power of Black Adam to himself and tried to take it from either Teth or the Wizard. Anyways, somehow he ended up cursed as a mummy who could never die. And he was mystically trapped inside a tomb. Until there recent fight apparently broke the seal. So he shows up at the Rock of Eternity looking for the Wizard, who of course isn't there. Billy and Mary have to fight him and get him back into his tomb. It was an ok story. Kind of predictable, and not very exciting. But, as I said . . I'm sure the kids will love it. Which is who the target audience of this book actually is. But, I've always been a fan of this character, so . . I buy it. It's an indulgence. Plus I think Art Baltazar, Franco and Mike Norton are doing a pretty good job here.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #17 - DC

This was a nice little story about Fawcett City and some cow abductions. It turns out that there's actually aliens making off with some of the local farmer's cows. And why is he doing it? Because someone gave him a hamburger a few years ago, and that's all he's been able to think about ever since. Billy and Mary basically show him that all he had to do was ask. Anyways, there's also still some tension between Mary and Tawny, as she's blaming him for the Wizard's disappearance at the hands of Black Adam. And when Helen calls up Billy to help her cover the story . . the more time they spend together, the closer I think Helen is to figuring out that there's some form of connection between Billy and Captain Marvel. I think Art Baltazar and Franco are doing a good job with the stories here. And . . Mike Norton has really brought a lot to this book with his art. It's much more consistent now. And I really like the style that Mike's taken with this. It really has a fun, fresh look to it. What more could you ask for in a kid's book? But I like it too!

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #16 - DC

I think Art Baltazar and Franco do a great job with the stories here. They really give this book a feel that's consistent with it's history. And with Mike Norton coming on board as the penciller, the art is solid and consistent. I still think it's amazing the way that Mike can change his style for the various books that he's been on. Anyways, last issue Black Adam came back . . he's looking for his Scarab, and in the process has turned Freddy Freeman into Black Adam Jr. However, as always, Captain Marvel, Mary, and Tawny are doing everything in their power to stop him. So . . long story short, they all end up back at the Rock of Eternity, where the wizard is keeping the scarab safe. Freddy has started to see just how evil Black Adam is. He's starting to question his powers, but . . he still doesn't trust Captain Marvel. The Marvels have Black Adam on the ropes, but he uses the wizard as a means to escape. While holding him, he extinguishes the flame. So wherever the wizard goes when it's not lit . . he's returned, with Black Adam in tow. And they're afraid to relight the torch because they don't know if that'll bring Black Adam back also. Apparently we're going to proceed in future issues with no Wizard, and no Black Adam. And this mystery will have to be solved at a future date. I like this book. But, it's not quite as 'fun' with Black Adam involved. However, it looks like that won't be a problem . . at least for the next few issues. If you aren't reading this book, you probably just aren't interested. But if I may suggest . . peruse a TPB if you get a chance. I think you may be pleasantly surprised.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #15 - DC

Last issue, Black Adam turned Freddy Freeman into Black Adam Junior. Freddy hates Captain Marvel because he feels that he's responsible for the loss of his legs. Black Adam decides to use that anger against Captain Marvel by giving him another enemy to fight. Really, Black Adam has one goal . . he want to retrieve the Scarab that holds his powers. Back in Egyptian times, when the Wizard took away his powers, he believes that they became engorged in the scarab that was buried with him in his royal tomb. So really, he just wants to delay the Marvels, while he goes back to get his Scarab. There's always been a problem with Captain Marvel and Black Adam though. When they fight, because their powers come from the same source, they can't hurt each other. As Mary Marvel and Black Adam Junior are fighting, they discover that they have the same problem. However, when Black Adam Junior gets mad and decides to hit Captain Marvel, he discovers that he can hurt him. Black Adam is confused by this, but has decided to use it to press the advantage. The issue ends looking like Captain Marvel is on the ropes. But they have to remember, if Black Adam Junior can indeed hurt Captain Marvel, then . . it stands to reason that he should be able to return the 'hurt' in kind. I enjoy this book. I think that Art Baltazar and Franco do a good job with the stories here. I think they keep them pretty true to the original series. And I'm really glad that Mike Norton is now the artist. I think he's done a great job since he's come on board. I know this is supposed to be a kid's book, but I've always enjoyed the SHAZAM! family of characters. So I'm just glad that we've got someplace to get that every month.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #14 - DC

I can't believe that Mike Norton didn't come on this book long before now. I've been watching his talent grow ever since he started doing the Atom series. The one thing that's really impressed me is the way that he can adjust his style to fit whatever series he's working on. And then when he started doing that work with Bill Sienkiewicz . . well, that was just brilliant. But now . . now he's on this book. And out of all that work, I don't thing his stuff has ever felt more comfortable than it does here. His style is a little different from the other artists that have done this series, but . . that's ok. It's got a fluidity, and nostalgia to it that fits this book and character perfectly. It's like . . this is the book that he was meant to draw. Simply fantastic. Anyways, in Art Baltazar and Franco's story this issue, Theo has figured out the magic word to turn himself back into Black Adam. And he's coming after Billy with a vengeance. But it's a pretty even fight. Because of the nature of their powers, they can't really hurt one another. At least not directly. But that's not to say that Black Adam isn't above putting others in danger. Anyways, he decides that he can't take on the Marvels alone, so . . he recruits Freddy Freeman to be his Black Adam Jr. I enjoyed this issue. I thought it was very entertaining. The art just put it over the top for me. Plus I think it's a style that a lot of kids will enjoy. Which is the audience the title is aimed at.

Billy Batson & the Magic of SHAZAM! #13 - DC

I've said it over and over again, but . . this is just a fun book to read. I think that Art Baltazar & Franco are doing a great job with the stories. And now . . Mike Norton has taken over on the art. At least for the foreseeable future. But I'll get to him later. This story brings Theo back into the mix, as well as Freddy Freeman. The last we saw Freddy . . in this series . . his legs were crushed when the collapsing building fell on him. Captain Marvel did save him . . and the rest of the people in the building, but Freddy isn't happy with him because he still ended up paralyzed. He thinks that if Captain Marvel were a true 'hero' . . that wouldn't have happened. Anyways, Theo runs into Billy and Mary at the museum when their class has gone there to see the recent Egyptian exhibit. Theo knows that he doesn't like them, or Captain Marvel, but . . he can't remember why. So he uses Billy anger as an excuse for him to spy on them. That's how he learns the magic word . . 'SHAZAM!' This issue ends with Black Adam back in the kids lives again. Next issue we'll see just what kind of turmoil he'll be causing them. But . . back to Mike Norton. I knew this guy was talented way back when he first started do the Atom series. And he's done some great stuff over the last few years. But the thing that really impresses me about this guy is the way he adapts his style to whatever the series he's working on calls for. He's been turning in some amazing work over on Green Arrow, where he's teamed up with Bill Sienkiewicz. But he's using a completely different style with the work he's been turning in for Booster Gold. And now . . now he's entered the realm of children's comics, and he's adapted his style yet again. I'd have to say that this is probably the best drawn issue of this series since the beginning when Mike Kunkel was doing both the story and the art. I really liked the style that he used on this issue. It was perfect for the story and the theme. And I don't say this often . . not nearly often enough . . the coloring was incredible. Between the art and the coloring and shading by Zac Atkinson . . I thought this was almost a perfect issue. Sure it's not the flashy painted style of art like Adam Hughes or Greg Land. But . . for a book aimed at a younger audience . . I thought this issue was fantastic. Right now Mike is listed as the artist on at least the next 3 issues. If he keeps up with this style . . I can't wait to see more. I really enjoyed this issue.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #12 - DC

This issue, Billy beats Mr Mind, but . . things aren't quite back to normal yet. This story-arc kind of tied in with the Monster Society of Evil mini-series. It kind of showed us how the 2 series fit together. Basically, Mr Mind has been on . . well, Billy's mind ever since that story. Which is why Billy has been so irritable and tired. Mr Mind was using him to make some devices and stuff while he was sleeping. At first it was the only time that he was actually able to take control of his actions. But, even though by the end of the story Mr Mind is defeated . . the monsters are still running around loose out there. And Tawky Tawny seems to be stuck somewhere in transition between his Tiger form and his human form. Which is really taking a toll on both his body and psyche. Right now the city is a mess. There's a lot to clean up. Also Billy doesn't seem to be quite back to normal yet. Maybe after a few days of sleep. I thought it was an interesting book. Art Baltazar and Franco wrote it, with Byron Vaughns doing the art.

the Power of SHAZAM! #48 - DC

This is another issue for which I had no idea what to expect. I mean . . from the cover, it looks like we'll be delving into the story of Osiris and Isis, and maybe Black Adam. All of that happened shortly before WWIII, which was a direct result of thier deaths and Black Adam's jump over the ledge. But, I was a little worried about how connected it would be, since Jerry Ordway wasn't involved at all with this chapter. This chapter's creative reins are handled by Eric Wallace and Don Kramer. Unfortunately, I don't have the final issue of the Power of SHAZAM in this blog because it ended 5 or 6 years before I started this. But most of this story actually comes from the 52 series. Anyways, Osiris was killed when Sobek, his Alligator friend, ate him. Why? He said he was hungry. So this story actually revolves around the 2 of them. Osiris is brought back, but because of his magic . . I guess, he's resistant to the Black Ring's influence. After breaking out of his tomb, he just wants to know what has happened to his beloved country, Kahndaq, and where Black Adam and Isis have gone to. He doesn't remember anything of what happened at the end, other than his guilt over killing an innocent . . by accident. All he was trying to do was protect his sister. But that was his downfall. Then, while in this state of confusion, Sobek shows up. They fight, but in the end . . Osiris gives up his life to save the people he loves . . the people of Kahndaq. As Sobek is about to eat his heart, again, Osiris says Black Adams name and the lightning breaks their connection with the rings. This time . . they're both really dead. And this time Osiris dies a hero . . beloved by his people. Personally, I thought this story went a lot better than I expected it to. We really only see Billy and Mary for a couple of panels . . when Mary runs across some footage on the internet of what's happening in Kahndaq. But I think it all went down so fast that they really didn't have a chance to get involved. And this really wasn't their story anyways. It was Osiris'. And I thought Eric did a good job with that story. I also enjoyed Don's art. It was finished a little differently this issue, from his previous work, but . . I liked it. It had kind of a raw, gritty feel to it. It was perfect for this story. Also, I guess I misspoke. Jerry Ordway was involved. He did the cover. I didn't realize that at first. Anyways, overall I thought it was a good issue. Any chance to get another look at the SHAZAM! characters is a plus for me.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #11 - DC

I enjoy this book. I'm a huge SHAZAM! fan, and I think this series is a great homage to the earliest series. Maybe not so much with the art and style, but with the feeling of the book. It just has that innocent naive kind of feel to it. Anyways, Captain Marvel and Billy have been going through a lot of stuff lately. Both of them seem unable to control the rage or the evil within them. So they all decide to go to the Rock of Eternity to see if the Wizard can do anything to help him out. By this time though, Billy is pretty out of it so his sister Mary and Tawny have to accompany him there. The Wizard decides to try to pull the evil influence out of him, and because of the unpredictable nature that the rock seems to have effecting magic, we end up with a reverse-SHAZAM!. However, long story short, we find out that it's actually Mr Mind. Art Baltazar and Franco are doing a good job with the stories here. I think that they're keeping them accessible to a younger audience, while at the same time making them nostalgic enough for the older readers. Byron Vaughns does the art this issue. I know he's done this book before, but it seems like he's using a different style for this one. I don't know that it's good or bad . . it's just different. Anyways, I hope they keep this book around for a a long time to come. I dig it.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #10 - DC

Well . . Billy still can't turn back in to Captain Marvel. Remember . . last issue he was staying in the Captain's form for a long time, and the longer he did so . . the meaner he got. Mary finally helped him get switched back, but now they need to get to the Rock of Eternity and tell the Wizard what's going on. If anyone can help them, it's him. Anyways, on the way to the Subway station they come across a bank robbery. It's unique in that it's being robbed by ordinary citizens. There's this nerdy guy, who calls himself Axe, and he uses his guitar, Matilda, to hypnotize the people around him. So he's actually the one robbing the bank, but he doesn't have to do any of the dirty work. Anyways, Mary switches to try to go in and help, but he just hypnotizes her. So now it's up to Billy. He accidentally finds out that the coins short out his guitar, so he throws a whole bunch at him. Afterwards Billy's concerned that the evil and anger from Captain Marvel is starting to seep into him as well. When he was beating up Axe . . he was enjoying it. So now he and Mary desperately want to get to the Wizard. I like this book. Yeah it's for kids. But I think Art Baltazar, Franco and Byron Vaughns are doing a great job here. As I've said before, there's really no other outlet for Captain Marvel right now . . except for Freddie, over in Cry for Justice . . but Captain Marvel isn't really anywhere to be seen. Except for here. Basically . . I'm sayin', we have to take what we can get. But I really do like this book. It's fun.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #9 - DC

I know this book is aimed at teen-agers, but . . I like it. I've always been a fan of Captain Marvel's, and right now this appears to be the only way we're going to get some new adventures from him. That's not to say I'm not happy with this outlet, it's just different from what we've seen before. And way different from the Power of Shazam! series. This issue is brought to us by Art Baltazar, Franco and Bryon Vaughns. It seems that there's a little spill-over from the previous adventure involving Dr Sivana, and King Kull. There's no clear threats, just something mischievous going on. We see it in the way Billy / Captain Marvel is acting. He doesn't seem to be himself. Well . . he is himself. He's just not both of himselfs. Captain Marvel hasn't changed back to Billy in days. It seems like the longer this goes on, the more arrogant and self-concerned Captain Marvel becomes. Mary uses her own magic to finally change him back. But now that he's Billy again, and he thinks about the things that Captain Marvel said and did . . 'I do know one thing . . I can never be Captain Marvel again.' This story revolves around a plot thread of some arsons going on around town. At the end of the issue we find out that when Captain Marvel captured the culprit, he ended up seriously disfiguring him because of his methods. Is this the end of Captain Marvel? I doubt it. But we'll see what happens next issue. I really like this book. But . . I would like to see some other outlet for this character. Somewhere!

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #8 - DC

This issue finally connects this series to the Monster Society of Evil story-line. Not that that's all that important, but . . I was just wondering where it all fit in with this book, and these characters . . or if it did at all. Apparently it happens before this current story, and it's part of what gives Sivana the means to build this current robot, and give it the power to take on Billy and his sister. Of course, eventually . . with the unwitting help of King Kull, they do defeat Sivana. However since he's using Tawny as a means to tap into the magical field . . in the end, they have to save their friend thereby giving up on pursuit of Sivana. He slips away yet once again. I like this book. I liked it better in the beginning when Mike Hunkle was handling the creative end, but . . I still like it. It's a bit more 'childish' now. But . . that's kind of always been the essence of this character. Yes this particular title is aimed at a younger audience, but . . Captain Marvel has always come across, at least to me, as a not as serious character. Even back when CC Beck was doing the book, it was always a 'tongue in cheek' type character, and stories. Anyways, I'm just glad that he's showing up on a regular monthly basis now. I thought that Captain Marvel would be a little more prominent after the Trials of SHAZAM! mini-series, but . . we haven't seen that come to fruition, yet. Maybe the Cry for Justice mini will help with that. We'll see.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #7 - DC

I know this book's juvenile, but . . I like it. It's a fun read. I think Art Baltazar and Franco have done a good job with the stories so far. Now we have Byron Vaughns doing the art. It looked ok. It fit the 'kid' theme of this book. I just miss Mike Hunkle's stuff. Anyways, Dr Sivana is back and he's looking for a way to take down the Big Red Cheese. He's brought one of his robots back. He's powering it with the lightning of SHAZAM!, which he's captured rather duplicitously, and he's got Tawky Tawny as the heart of the beast. I'm sure Billy and Mary can beat it, but now they're going to have to be extra careful. Anyways, all of this is occurring because SHAZAM!, the wizard back at the Rock of Eternity, is concerned because the statues of the seven deadly sins seem to be opening thier eyes ever so slightly. Which I guess means that evil is creeping out into the world. Like I said, I like this book. It's a quick read. And Captain Marvel is one of my favorite characters. Barring any other source of new material . . this is my monthly fix. Plus I think it's a book that the kids will like also.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #6 - DC

Well, Art Baltazar & Franco are still on this book . . they do the story, but Stephen DeStefano does the art this issue. Will he be the regular artist? Some of you may know him from the 'Mazing Man book. It's from quite a while ago, actually. I liked his take on this character though. I like this book, because . . even though it's aimed at kids, it really stays in the same tradition as previous titles of this character's. They've all been a bit 'cartoonish' and sophomoric, but . . that seems to be the trademark of this character. He never really takes himself to seriously. This issue Billy and Mary are trying to find Dr. Sivana. He's recently escaped from prison. But, in the meantime, Billy runs across what looks like a giant caveman, but . . he calls himself King Kull. I'm not sure what his story is, we don't really get in to it, but . . he seems to have some kind of matter-changing technology. He has this remote type looking device that he can use to turn wood into steel. I'm sure there's other applications also, but . . that's what he uses it for most of this issue. Anyways, in the end, Billy uses his device against him. SHAZAM! covers Kull in sand, and then turns it all to metal . . putting the guy in a body sized cage. However, they don't re-apprehend Sivana and he finds the Kings statue and takes it for himself. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure we'll find out more next issue. I like this book. It's fun. Plus SHAZAM! is one of my favorite characters. Keep up the good work, guys.

Billy Batson & the Magic of Shazam! #5 - DC

Well, I hate to say it, but . . Mike Kunkel is no longer the creative force behind this book . . as of this issue, and you can tell. He still does the cover, but the insides are done by Art Baltazar & Franco with Byron Vaughns doing the art. I mean, it's still a fun book. It'll hold the younger reader's interest, but . . Mike just had a way of bridging that gap between the younger and more mature readers. It was aimed at the younger audience, but . . his humor was discreet enough that the more mature reader would be able to pick it up. Now . . now it just seems like a kids book. Obviously he put more work into it, because the book didn't come out on a regular schedule. Which is probably part of the reason for the creative change, but . . it was always worth the wait. Billy Batson, and SHAZAM, have always been one of my favorite characters. In lieu of a regular SHAZAM title, this one more than filled the gap for me. But now . . now it'll have a hard time holding my interest. The stories will end up being like those in Tiny Titans or Super-Friends, and sooner or later I'll have to just let the title go. I'm not trying to be a defeatist, and I really do enjoy the change of pace from the regular super-hero genre. But . . I also like to think, and try to figure out what's going on . . a little bit of a challenge. Unfortunately, when it aims for such a young targeted audience . . it loses that. But, I'll hang out for a few issues and see what happens. I'll be hopefully optimistic. But, I wasn't to impressed with this issue. Sorry!

Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam! #4 - DC

To me, this is probably the best Johnny DC book that come down the pike so far. Well . . with the exception of Teen Titans Go!. I loved that book. But Mike Kunkel does a fantastic job with this book. I think his art is great. And he also does a good job with the story. Last issue Mary accidentally gave Theo the magic word he needed to turn into Black Adam. This issue Billy is fighting him, and the Seven Deadly Sins. But, with Mary's help, the Wizard comes up with a plan to trick Theo into changing back, and bringing all the Sins back to the Rock of Eternity in the process. It's a cute book, and I love Mike's dialogue. To me, this is a fantastic introduction to these character for readers who may not be familiar with them. I really have to give props to Mike for turning out such a great book. I'm not sure how long it's going to be around, but . . I'm going to enjoy it as long as I can.

Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam! #3 - DC

The more I read this book . . the more I like it. I think Mike Hunkel is the perfect creator for it. His stories kind of harken back to the old Shazam! series . . you know, the one in the 70's. He's trying to give it his own feel, but . . it also has that innocence that it used to. The Trials of Shazam! was a kind of dark and intense series. This one, however, is more light-hearted and care-free. Yes Billy and Mary are fighting Black Adam this issue, and the Seven Deadly Sins, but . . along the way, they just don't take themselves to seriously. They want to fix this problem with Theo, and the sins that he's unleashed, but at the same time . . . Mary's worried about school and Billy has to serve some detention. Bummer! It was ironic that while in detention, with all of these problems going on in the world, Billy takes the time to help the other kids there . . that have been there forever, simply because they don't understand math. Like I said, I really enjoy this series. I love that feel that it has, both in story and art. I think it's the perfect addition to this Johnny DC line of books.

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #2 - DC

I like this book. I like the style that Mike Kunkel uses both in his art and his story. Also I'm more than thrilled to see this title in the Johnny DC line of books. Much in the way of the Legion, I'm sure there's a vast majority of the younger readers that have no clue as to who this character is. The decision to keep Mary in her younger version after she transforms, I think, was perfect. These are actually 2 kids after all. I think it's nice to see one of them still acting like it after they get their powers. The scene where Mary decides to experiment with her lightning bolt, and uses Billy as the target, was hilarious. She's just so impulsive and impetuous. It gives the book a nice feel. I do however have one complaint. Actually, it's not even a complaint, just an observation. I know that Mike's trying to convey the history of these characters and their powers in the first couple of issues, but . . to me . . it just seems like there's an awful lot of story here for the audience that it's aimed at. Don't get me wrong, the adolescent part of the story, the humorous altercations . . are brilliant. And I really think the kids will appreciate the antics and humor. But during the descriptive part of the story . . I just think there's an awful lot of information for an 8 to 12 year old audience to process. As far as I'm concerned, I thought it was a great issue. But, from a different perspective . . it may be a bit much. That's all I'm sayin' . . really. I am thrilled though to have a regular monthly SHAZAM! title. It's been long overdue. Now maybe we could get one going under the Vertigo imprint . . . so we could expand on the character and his magics a bit? A guy can hope . . right?

Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #1 - DC

We have a new addition here to the kids line of comics. However, this issue, there was so much information in it . . . I don't think any kid younger than a teenager would've been able to keep up. We pretty much got the whole story about Billy and Mary's origin. We also see that Seth Adam is back, but he's a kid here also. Maybe a few years older, but still a kid. Mike Hunkel writes and draws it. Overall . . I thoroughly enjoyed it. With the style of art he uses, it really came across like an animated feature. I could totally see the whole thing on the TV screen. He writes in a lot of humor, for the kids, too. I really thought it helped to make it that much more enjoyable. I'm a big SHAZAM! fan . . so it immediately drew my attention. And after reading it . . I thought it was a good addition to my SHAZAM! collection. Plus, I figure, it'll get some kids into him that maybe have never heard of him before. Where Super Friends and Tiny Titans are definitely aimed at the kids in the single digits . . this one, conversely, I feel, is aimed at a little older crowd . . teens or pre-teens. But the marketing not withstanding . . . I liked it. I enjoyed the story . . it had the right amount of humor and sarcasm, and I really liked the art. I think it's a great addition to the Johnny DC line.

the Trials of SHAZAM! #12 - DC

This was a fantastic ending to a great story. Judd Winick did a great job on this one. It took about 19 months to publish these 12 issues, but . . . that's ok. I don't think it really had anything to do with the creators, I believe it was more of an Editorial decision because of how the SHAZAM! character plays in to the whole Countdown, 52 and Final Crisis thing. I think it was all part of keeping the continuity straight. At least, that's my guess. Howard Porter started out as the artist of this series. He did the first 6 issues. And if you know me, you know I'm a big Howard fan. I was sad to see him go. But then Mauro Cascioli came on board for the final 6 issues. At first I wasn't sure, but I have to say this guy is a huge talent. He's not perfect. But . . he's close to it. He draws a pretty sinister looking Merlin this issue. I don't want to give away to much of the story, because really . . . you should read it. It really was a great series. There's a really big surprise twist that involves Zareb also. You'll just have to get it to find out what that is. In the end, as we all knew, Freddy does indeed become SHAZAM! And . . he earns it. Freddy started out with little or no power at the beginning of this series, and he clawed and kicked for everything he got. Absolutely nothing was handed to him. Oh yeah, you'll also have to read it to find out what happened to Sabina. On the final page this story is billed as . . . "The End . . . of the Beginning!" Freddy, I believe, has just become a huge part of the DC Universe. I can't wait to see where it all goes from here.