Warning! Spoilers ahead for Shazam #11!Billy Batson’s world is being rocked by the sudden reappearance of a long-lost member of the Shazam Family. After years of lacking one, the World’s Mightiest Mortal has found a good life for himself living with his foster family. But a face from the past could change everything for the Shazam Family.
In Shazam #11 by Josie Campbell and Emanuela Lupacchino, the Shazam Family is preparing for a house check to see if Victor and Rosa Vasquez will be allowed to adopt Billy and the rest of his foster siblings. Unfortunately, while the house check is being conducted, the family’s neighborhood is attacked by bat-like monsters known as Jeepers.
Fortunately, Billy and Mary deal with the Jeepers and keep the house check from going on uninterrupted. However, the CPS agent informs the family that the adoption is being put on hold because Billy Batson’s mother is refusing to terminate her parental rights.
Since the New 52 revamped Billy’s life, he’s been living at the Vasquez’s home with his foster siblings Mary, Freddy, Pedro, Eugene, and Darla. Though they weren’t related by blood, the Shazam Family grew close, especially after Billy’s magic alter ego the Captain shared his powers, turning his siblings into heroes as well. Unfortunately, their time as heroes wasn’t meant to last. But even though the Captain and Mary Marvel are the only powerful members of the group, the Shazam family’s bonds are as strong as ever. They’ve even worked together to help Billy against threats like Black Adam.
Billy Batson had previously reunited with his father C.C. Batson just a few years ago in the third Shazam! volume. However, that was due to the nefarious Mr. Mind taking control of Billy’s father. It’s doubtful that Mr. Mind would pull the same stunt, but Marilyn Batson’s sudden reappearance does raise the question of why she’s come around only now. She claims to have been sending letters to Billy, letters that Darla has previously observed the Captain burning. Is the Captain trying to protect Billy and the Shazam Family or is there something else at work?
Thanks to a boost of wisdom from Solomon, the Captain is far more insightful than ever. After the revelation that Billy’s alter ego was burning his letters, it was assumed that something sinister was at play. But Shazam has always been a noble hero and he wouldn’t intentionally hurt Billy, especially if the Captain is more wise than ever. Of course, the Captain hasn’t bothered to explain what’s going on, so who knows how he actually feels about Billy’s mother? What’s certain is that Marilyn Batson’s reappearance is going to have a huge impact on both Billy and Shazam.
Shazam #11 is available now from DC Comics.