More Classic SHAZAM! At DC?

Could more classic SHAZAM be coming from DC? The MFW hasn't seen the preorder numbers yet from Diamond on the first issue of SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL but the online reviews of Jeff Smith's first issue have been near-universally positive.

The second issue of SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL hit stores today and if you liked the first issue, the second issue didn't disappoint. So could the reports of the death of the BIG RED CHEESE be greatly exaggerated? A couple of retailers just might think so.

Over the course of the last week, the MFW has heard from two retailers, both directly and indirectly, that DC is gearing up for more classic Cap. What this means is anyone's guess but it would be hard to believe that DC would scrap their current DCU plans for the TRIALS OF SHAZAM's ghostly white and "Captain"-less Marvel and upcoming Shazam II — especially with Marvel making a big splash on the cover of COUNTDOWN. So could the retailers I heard from be wrong? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, enjoy this wallpaper combination of the backcovers of SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL #1 and 2.



Also Note: TRIALS OF SHAZAM #6 will now be released on April 4, 2007 the same day as SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL #3.

DC Marvel Family Solicitations for Product Shipping in May 2007

DC has released its May 2007 solicitations but held off on announcing COUNTDOWN until this week! DC's COUNTDOWN is a new weekly series and promises to feature Mary Marvel. Also, AMAZONS ATTACK #2 comes out in May and features Captain Marvel (or is that the New Shazam) on the cover. Jeff Smith's SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL #4 and Winick & Porter's TRIALS OF SHAZAM #8 take a publishing break this month although I'm sure both Jeff Smith and Howard Porter are busily working away on those upcoming issues!

COUNTDOWN #51-48
Written by Paul Dini; Art by Jesus Saiz; Covers by Andy Kubert and Tim Townshend
The event of the year is here! This brand-new, year-long weekly series features a cast of hundreds where anything goes! With head writer Paul Dini and a rotating team of some of the industry's best writers and artists, COUNTDOWN will serve as the backbone of the DCU in 2007.

When a character dies in COUNTDOWN 51, it sets off an unexpected ripple that will touch virtually every character in the DC Universe.

The COUNTDOWN is on ... so begins the end!

On Sale May 9, 2007 • DC Universe • 32pg. • Color • $2.99 US

AMAZONS ATTACK #2
Written by Will Pfeifer; Art and Cover by Pete Woods
The heroes of the DCU join the battle as the miniseries event explodes!

When the Justice League and members of the Teen Titans arrive in Washington, it's just the shot in the arm the U.S. military needs, and what was a one-sided affair becomes a devastating stalemate. But the war takes a terrifying turn as military strikes start occurring on the other side of the country, plunging the rest of the country into chaos. With the heroes' attention split between the two coasts, the Amazons press forward with a daring assault, and it's up to the heroes to save thousands of innocent lives!

Plus, don't miss the AMAZONS ATTACK tie-ins in TEEN TITANS #47 and WONDER WOMAN #9, also this month!

On sale May 30, 2007 • DC Universe • 32 pg • Color • $2.99 US

TRIALS OF SHAZAM Vol. 1
Written by Judd Winick; Art and cover by Howard Porter
Collecting the first 6 issues of the new maxiseries by writer Judd Winick (OUTSIDERS, GREEN ARROW) and artist Howard Porter (JLA)! Freddie Freeman, also known as Captain Marvel Jr., has been left powerless, but is given the opportunity to take over the mantle of his mentor, Captain Marvel ... if he can pass tests administered by the gods!

On sale June 27, 2007 • 160 pg. • Color • Softcover • $14.99 US

As always, if you are interested in either of these items, please pre-order them with your local comics retailer. He'll be glad you did!