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In this week’s DC Comics review roundup, we go in-depth on two stories from New Comic Book Day for Jan. 23: Shazam #2 and Teen Titans #26.

This week’s DC Comics review roundup features two big stories from two very different books. Shazam #2 is a bridging story that sets the stage for big stories yet to come, while Teen Titans #26 sets the stage for Teen Titans Annual #1.

Shazam #2

Writer: Geoff Johns. Artist: Marco Santucci. Colorist: Mike Atiyeh. Letterer: Rob Leigh

There are three big stories working in tandem in Shazam #2: The sudden and unexpected appearance of Billy Batson’s father, a trip to the Funlands for Billy and his siblings and the arrival of Dr. Sivana.

In “Shazam and the Seven Magic Lands” Billy and his siblings have discovered a map of the Magic Lands and the biggest question is which land to venture to first. Not surprisingly, the kids choose the Funlands and board a magic subway car that looks and acts a lot like the magic boat from the Gene Wilder Willy Wonka movie. Upon their arrival, they find a carnival-inspired land that seems too good to be true. Which, incidentally, could actually be the case.

Shazam has been a lot of fun so far. After getting to know Billy and his siblings in the first issue, Shazam #2 is spent seeing their personalities come out, away from their superhero selves.

What’s interesting about this issue is that Shazam never makes an appearance. This was definitely a bridging issue, introducing more characters and the framework for a larger story, but it works really well to learn about Billy and the other children.

The first trailer for Warner Bros and DC Entertainment’s Shazam movie, starring Zachary Levi, dropped the weekend before Shazam #2’s release, which will no doubt give the title a boost given that Shazam sentiment is high.

Teen Titans #26

Writer: Adam Glass. Artist: Bernard Chang. Colorist: Marcelo Maiolo. Letterer: Rob Leigh.

Teen Titans #26 is a story of secrets and lies and it all goes back to Damian, who is bent on destroying Red Hood after his perceived betrayal. Damian Wayne refuses to tolerate what Red Hood did, and so he tells the Teen Titans they need to go on a mission that takes them in the Batcave. They have no idea that Robin’s real mission lies in the house above, and when Damian runs into Alfred he has to explain himself.

Adam Glass does a fantastic job showing how dark Damian has become. Even Alfred notes that he has started to sound more like grandpa Ra’s Al Ghul than his father, but Damian truly believes he is fighting on the right side and is completely unapologetic.

Meanwhile, seeing the Titans in the Batcave worrying that Batman is going to come home is much lighter, until the security system activates and sends a Batman look-alike to attack. Roundhouse hacking the Batcomputer is something I didn’t know I needed but it totally works. Also note the collection of Batmobiles, including the one from 1989’s Batman movie. Nice touch.

“House of the Rising Son” will be a turning point in the Teen Titans story because Robin put his team in danger while he carries out his personal vendetta. Red Arrow is in on Damian’s secret mission, but how long will it be before these secrets impact the team? All of this is building up to the Robin vs Red Hood story in next month’s Teen Titans Annual #1.

Both Shazam #2 and Teen Titans #26 are available now at your local comic shop.