Shazam! MSoE #2 is out! Whoa!
Here are some comments on Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil #2:
Silver Bullet Comics Reviews: "Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil gives fans of Captain Marvel and the Marvel Family a real alternative. Smith uses the more fantastical elements as symbols of optimism in a grim, dark world that faces an even greater threat, and if you're not careful, you just may actually smile while reading this comic book." Read the whole review…
Newsarama: "If you read my review of the first issue last month you'll remember I raved about how well Jeff Smith fit with the character of Captain Marvel. Well, guess what? The second issue's even better! …A good part of the issue is reserved for the introduction of Mary Marvel, who is a far younger and spunkier version of the original character. The jury's still out on her new incarnation, but Smith plays her introduction with great comic timing so I'm willing to cut him some slack." Read the whole review…
The following was posted to the blog comments, but I wanted to show it here because this really hit the spot for me…
Hi Jeff!
I wanted to drop you a quick line to tell you how much I enjoyed the latest issue of Shazam, in particular, your treatment of Mary Marvel. As a diehard Golden Age fan of Mary, your presentation of her as a little girl, happy to have a new outfit and the super powers that go with it, made me feel as if it were her first appearance in decades! Thank you so very much for one of the best comic moments of my life! Truly!
As the owner of a twenty-year old + comic book store in Iowa City, Iowa, it is so wonderful to be able to present a super hero book to both older AND younger readers. Believe me when I say that we have done all that we can to push and support the book and we all are looking forward to the later installments. If you ever find yourself in the area, we would absolutely love to have you come and do a signing!
I wish you the best of luck and once again, thank you for the wonderful work!
Adam Mix
Daydreams Comics
Iowa City, Iowa
Thank you, Adam! You are exactly who I'm drawing this for!
Last item – - a new comics interview blog cropped up a couple of weeks ago, and already people are bookmarking it. It's called The Daily Cross Hatch and they just posted an interview with me about the early days of BONE, designing The Complete Pogo, and Shazam. While you're there, check out the interviews with Tony Millionaire and Tom Hart.
Great work thus far, Jeff! I’m really enjoying the series.
I’m curious about something: will you be illustrating the new Pogo collection covers, or just designing them?
Okay-I’m curious about one other thing: what’s next? Sci-fi drama with Paul Pope? Please say “yes”!
Well, best wishes, Jeff!
Comment by scott — March 14, 2007 @ 11:57 am
Hello Jeff! I just wanted to say that Shazam #2 is awesome. I picked it up and was thoroughly entertained. I really love how you changed the dynamic between Capt Marvel and Mary. My favourite thing though is the way you show the character of our young heroes. You really know how to do kids well.
Thanks!
Comment by RLS — March 14, 2007 @ 8:41 pm
I will only be using Walt Kelly art on the new Pogo books from Fantagraphics. I’m designing them the same way Seth did the Peanuts books, so this will be all about Walt, not me!
Years ago Paul and I talked in interviews about packaging our sciFi stories together, but our schedules are completely out of sync. He has his own (many) projects after all this time…but the next project I’m working on will definitely be my Science Fiction story!
Comment by Jeff Smith — March 15, 2007 @ 11:33 am
Right on, Jeff-thanks for the answers! I assumed it would be with Walt’s art. I’m a HUGE Paul Pope fan and I remember a short you folks did for Dark Horse years ago…so when I heard about Big-Big(?), I was giddy as a school girl on pop rocks and a case of Coke.
Ok, dramatic-overstating, but you get my point.
Take care and all the best, and really looking forward to the Bone art book from the Horse!
~Scott
http://scottbrown71.blogspot.com/
Comment by scott — March 15, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
Jeff Smith, you are my IDOL. Really and truly.
I picked up Shazam!#2 earlier today and finished it. The title continues to meet my expectations (I have very high expectations when it comes to the creator of Bone). It makes me a little bit sad that this series is only 4 issues long.
I’ve got two questions for you:
1) How much does being a comic artist/comic writer pay, in general? I know salary differs from company to company and person to person, but if you could give me a vague idea, it’d be great.
2) Any hints on what your Sci-Fi story is going to be about? Just general Captain Kirk stuff, or a more precise plot?
—Dylan
Comment by Dylan — March 15, 2007 @ 8:41 pm
For the first time ever my son picked up your book and in one week as completed the entire series during his March break. I have been trying since his birth to ignite a love of books and you can not imagine how rewarding is was to see him first thing in the morning quietly reading his BONE BOOK.
Great job and congratulations on sticking to your guns and making the book your way.
Continued success,
Angela Coon and James Francis ( 8 years old)
Comment by Angela Coon — March 18, 2007 @ 11:05 am
The first things I remember reading were my dad’s collection of “Pogo” books. I’m 34. I’ve been waiting for these Fantagraphics collections for 30 years.
I’m loving “Monster Society of Evil.” Great characterization, and terrific images as well. Can I just say that the crocodile-men remind me very much of Albert Alligator, circa the Bumbazine stories! A wonderful homage.
I complain that super hero comics aren’t as much fun as they should be, lately. Thanks for authoring a story that is fun, plain and simple.
Comment by Victor Von — March 18, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
Hi Jeff ! I really enjoyed the latest issue of Shazam ! You did a great inking job and story….What’s next on your schedule after Shazam ?
Comment by paul — March 19, 2007 @ 10:10 am
Hi all. I’ve begun my “Great Bone Re(?)-Read!” at my weblog, BestOfMost.com, posting thoughts each day as I go through the book for what will be the first time completely (with the new all-in-one volume)…
http://www.bestofmostof.com/07mar/index070322.htm
There’s a question mark after the “Re” because the theme of today’s entry is “Second Time Around” series – ones that you didn’t get into the first time (for whatever reason) but you’ve come back to now.
With new Nexus material, new L&R material, it seems all things are coming around again.
Just made it through Book One today! Play along at home!
Comment by Blake Bell — March 22, 2007 @ 4:07 pm
I was just looking at Shazam! at Daydreams in Iowa City. . . waiting for the trade, now that I’m “grown up.” Love the store, love Jeff’s comics!
Comment by Tony — March 23, 2007 @ 1:06 am
Jeff,
I wanted to say that I have been looking to read a Shazam book for years. I have been unable to come up with any old Fawcet reprints and the DC Showcase book was almost as fun.
I have never had a real introduction to Shazam, it was comic character that was lost in the fold of my growing up in the 80’s and Superman being the biggest thing there is. Yet Billy Batson’s character just seemed a lot more fun. Monster Society of Evil has given me a chance at 26 years old to experience Shazam the way that it was meant to be experienced, fun and accessible for young readers and adults. This book along with Bone and Runaways is something that I will be happy to share with my children (the first is due in september, and I am already wanting to buy a little Captain Marvel or Mary Marvel onesy) years down the line.
I really just wanted to thank you for giving me a piece of my childhood that I missed out on and I can pass on to my children.
Sean Jurgens
Coralville, Iowa
Comment by Sean Jurgens — April 1, 2007 @ 1:04 pm