Written by Roy Thomas
Art by Arvell Jones; Richard Howell; L. Lois; ‘Orz;’ & Gene D’Angelo
Cover Art by (Uncredited)
SUMMARY:
Published for September 1984 by DC Comics, it’s the conclusion of a two-parter guest-starring the Golden Age Shazam Family on Earth-Two in 1942. Entitled “Lighting in Berlin,” the All-Stars (Batman; Hawkman; Flash; and Plastic Man) covertly smuggle Mary Batson & Freddy Freeman into Berlin to free the brainwashed Captain Marvel from Hitler’s command. Fearing the Spear of Destiny’s evil influence, the trio of Superman; Wonder Woman; and Green Lantern stay behind to defend London. They are the failsafe against the risk of potentially sending Mary & Freddy into Nazi clutches.
In Berlin, the stunned All-Stars find that Hitler has diabolically split captive Billy Batson off from Captain Marvel. He proceeds to do the same with a defenseless Mary and Freddy. While the All-Stars are chased out of Nazi territory, the now-corrupted Marvel Family escorts a mega-bomb to annihilate London. Over London, it’s a three-on-three super-showdown! With the All-Stars in desperate shape, who will save them in time?
REVIEW:
Writer Roy Thomas’ stellar script is absolutely among the best of this entire series. Impressively, it allows readers to jump in without needing All-Star Squadron # 36 to catch up fast. The artwork depicting the simultaneous action scenes (the super-showdown and the All-Stars’ retreat from Berlin) is outstanding, as is the spot-on cover image. Suffice to say, All-Star Squadron # 37 is a classic DC thrill ride truly worth finding.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Roy Thomas’ letters-and-answers column includes a cover reveal for All-Star Squadron # 38. Dick Giordano provides a “Meanwhile” column. A promo column hypes John Stewart replacing Hal Jordan as Earth-One’s Green Lantern.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
Notes: The first half of this two-parter (Issue # 36) is highly recommended, too. All-Star Squadron # 51-53 features a sequel crossover with Earth-S amidst the Crisis on Infinite Earths saga. Another worthy sequel is 1984’s DC Comics Presents Annual # 3, as a Shazam-powered Dr. Sivana challenges the present-day Supermen of Earths-One and Two, plus the Marvel Family.
