He has the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury. Yep, the Golden Age superhero S-H-A-Z-A-M is coming to a theater near you in April 2019. Shazam (Captain Marvel) is played by Zachary Levi an actor that can really turn up the fun assault on your senses. He has the ability to charm the viewing audience. It makes his performance seem like you are watching a free-spirited uncle during Christmas dinner, you laugh, you giggle, and you never get sick of his crazy antics.
Shazam first appeared during the Golden Age in Whiz Comics #2 which has a cover date of February 1940, but the real release date of December 1939. This character was more popular than Superman back in the day. Perhaps Billy Batson (Shazam's alter ego) drew kids into the stories like Spider-Man's Peter Parker in our time. He has been called Captain Marvel, Captain Thunder, and now Shazam; to avoid legal issues with Marvel Comics.
After Shazam dominated the Golden Age, he was forgotten. Then in the 70s DC Comics revived the character of Shazam in February 1973. He appeared in the comic Shazam! #1 by Denny O'Neil, Otto Binder, E. Bidwell (script) with C.C. Beck, Nick Cardy and Pete Costanza (pencils). This was the first appearance of Captain Marvel (Shazam) in DC Comics; the first appearance since the Golden Age and the first Sivana family appearance. Bottom line, this is a big key for the Shazam franchise.
This is one of a few rare superheroes that were frozen in time. Shazam that skipped the Silver Age altogether and was reborn in the Bronze Age. This comic has ROI similar to a Silver Age key comic book but at Bronze Age pricing. It has already shown movement on price but it is just getting started. You don't need the wisdom of Solomon to realize this book is going to fly off the shelves going into April 2019. Not to mention if DC makes a sequel or creates another series. They are starting with a light-hearted movie, but it is going to appeal to a younger demographic. It could even come to pass that Shazam will surpass Superman in this century. I know, who will be alive to see it? But these comics are entry-level cheap now. The returns are great and we have yet to even see the movie. One thing is certain, count on April 2019 to make or break this comic.
It doesn't take the courage of Achilles to risk $50 or so on a raw copy and send into CGC. The comic book Shazam! #1 now has a (9.8) grade FMV of $725. With two recent sales at $770 and $935 which is a key indicator of positive growth; the FMV value is less than current market prices. But if seven hundred dollars seems foolhardy then try (8.5) grade for a $90 FMV. Furthermore, fans have gobbled up this comic book for the past year, from grade 4.0 to grade 9.8 there have been numerous sales in 2018. In addition, the returns are as blinding as Zeus's lightning bolts with the top five producing electrifying results: grade (9.8) +42.3%, (9.6) +21%, (9.4) +47.7%, (9.2) with +32.8%, and grade (9.0) at positive +65.5% ROI. These profit trends resemble a very strong Silver Age book. This looks nothing like most Bronze Age trends, except for maybe the top keys. My pick for the best Bronze Age comic book of The New Year: Shazam! #1.
