Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010) Review

director: Joaquim Dos Santos

writer: Michael Jelenic

starring: George Newbern, Jerry O'Connell, Zach Callison, Arnold Vosloo

genre: Animation, Action, Comics, Family, Shorts

It's been well known that DC has been pushing its most famous characters on to the straight to DVD animation scene. And they've haven't been doing a bad job so far. There initial efforts have only been of  their top dog characters. Now there going pushing lesser known heroes out to the mass  either through short films or sold packaged together with the DVDs of the other DC superhero animation films. Superman/Shazam is the first short DC film Ive seen and is actually my first encounter with the hero Captain Marvel as Ive still not read any comics with him in it. Pleased to say I wasn't disappointed..

IMDb page

It all takes place in Metropolis with Clark Kent (George Newbern) looking up on the story of abandon youth in the poorest areas of the city. His contact is Billy Batson (Zach Callison) a boy that will help those in need and stand up to in justice as his hero Superman does. While Clark and Billy are discussing the matter  out of no where Black Adam (Arnold Vosloo) attacks them and makes it his duty to destroy Billy Batson as he has been chosen by the great wizard Shazam (James Garner) to be Captain Marvel (Jerry O'Connell) protector of the world.

The short isn't long at all at only 22 minutes but provides enough action, story to enjoy it to its fullest. The introduction to Captain Marvel is well handled and the action scenes are all very well done cant leave anybody unsatisfied. DC still hasn't made a bad animation film yet and prove that once again even with their  dabbling into short films.

film clip

Id recommend this film only to DC, comic book and action animation fans. The film is very short and you will no doubtingly enjoy the battles and your first encounter of the hero Captain Marvel and the villain Black Adam. If you have the time see Superman/Shazam and your time wont be wasted.

Personal Rating:

Review by Paul