Written by Roy Thomas
Art by Rich Buckler; Richard Howell; Carl Gafford; & ‘Cody’
Cover Art by Rich Buckler & Jerry Ordway
SUMMARY:
Published for August 1984 by DC Comics, it’s the first half of a two-parter guest-starring the Golden Age Shazam Family on Earth-Two in 1942. Entitled “Thunder Over London!,” seven All-Stars (Batman; Superman; Green Lantern; Wonder Woman; Hawkman; Flash; and Plastic Man) grimly view newsreel footage of Hitler’s formidable Super-Nazi, including his assault on the Shining Knight. They are perplexed how their new adversary resembles the comic book hero, Captain Marvel. An in-joke has Superman fuming that this rival ‘Super-Nazi’ is merely a flashy knock-off. Note: DC’s parallel ‘Earth-S’ is where Captain Marvel has been magically siphoned from by Earth-Two’s Nazi forces.
Captain Marvel bombards a London hospital where Superman is visiting an injured Shining Knight. Stunned by what they see, the All-Stars attempt to aid Superman vs. Marvel in a super-slugfest. It may get even worse, as two more Marvels make an appearance.
REVIEW:
Writer Roy Thomas’ action-packed script is excellent. As indicated by its spot-on cover, All-Star Squadron # 36 is further bolstered by top-tier artwork. The gag depicting Superman’s outward jealousy re: Captain Marvel is an ingenious device considering their bitter sales rivalry during the 1940’s, not to mention DC’s aggressive legal tactics that finally put Fawcett Comics’ version of the Marvel Family out of business. In fairness, DC Comics smartly plays Captain Marvel as a stellar guest villain who can believably withstand the Golden Age Superman & Green Lantern in their prime. This comic truly is a gem worth re-discovery.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a letters-and-answers column with Roy Thomas, along with sneak peeks at the covers of All-Star Squadron Annual # 3 and Infinity Inc. # 6.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
Notes: Issue # 37 is highly recommended, too. All-Star Squadron # 51-53 features another cross-over with Earth-S amidst the Crisis on Infinite Earths saga. 1984’s DC Comics Presents Annual # 3 offers a present-day sequel, as a Shazam-powered Dr. Sivana challenges the Supermen of Earths-One and Two, plus the Marvel Family.
