Jeff Smith, the award-winning creator of Bone, tells the story of young orphan Billy Batson, who finds himself transformed into the World's Mightiest Mortal whenever he says the magic word "Shazam!" after being granted the magical powers of the gods by an ancient wizard.

Now, Billy must use these extraordinary abilities to face an invasion of alien creatures, as well as stop mad scientist Dr. Sivana and his Monster Society of Evil from taking over the world.

"Captain Marvel returns in a new incarnation, aimed at a younger audience, by Smith, the award-winning creator of Bone. Billy Batson, a young orphan living in a condemned building, follows a mysterious figure into the subway one day and is taken to a wizard who tells him that just by speaking one word — 'Shazam!' — he can transform into the superpowered Captain Marvel. His brand-new ability arrives none too soon, because talking alligators and giant robots are showing up all over the city. Unfortunately, Billy has just learned something else — he has a sister who is not content to wait on the sidelines while Billy gets to save the world. Smith brings to this project his considerable talent in creating comics that are as fun for children as they are for adults. The art is brightly colored and engaging, and the young characters at the center of the story are adorable. Unfortunately, the heavy-handed political allegory takes away from the charm somewhat. Longtime fans of the series may be dismayed by the radical changes to the continuity. Newcomers, however, will find plenty to be entertained by in Smith's lively reinvention." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"[Smith] done something remarkable: created a comic book that can be savored and admired by everyone from kids to the most sophisticated graphic-novel devotee." Entertainment Weekly

"The excellent illustrations were drawn with confident, graceful lines, in rich colors. Striking full-page illustrations punctuate dramatic scenes, and each chapter begins with a title page styled after a vintage movie poster. Smith's trademark humor, depth, and artistic talent shine through, making this a worthy companion to Bone." School Library Journal

"While this update is gritty around the edges...it appeals to all ages. Smith's cartoony style, so right for the fantasy world of Bone, proves equally well matched to the Big Red Cheese." Booklist

"Smith's excellent cartooning and humor here are similar to his Bone work and quite dissimilar to today's average superhero comic....[T]his fun book is recommended for all collections." Library Journal

"Smith...rediscover[s] the character's joyful exuberance while finding a suitably contemporary context for him. This Captain Marvel is cartoony in the best sense of the word, and children and adults alike will be captivated by Smith's impeccable draftsmanship and unerring story sense." San Francisco Chronicle

"Smith's animation-inspired art and storytelling makes an excellent fit for the Big Red Cheese. But more importantly, the subtle emotional pull familiar to Bone readers translates just as well." The Onion AV Club

"Smith's art is, not surprisingly, terrific. His storytelling is spot on and really clear — something that most superhero comics struggle to achieve. Smith's style is wholly his own..." Variety

"The award-winning creator of Bone recaptures the whimsy and wonder of Captain Marvel's earliest 1940s adventures with vibrant line work and snappy dialogue." The Washington Post

Granted the powers of the ancient gods, young Billy Batson transforms into Captain Marvel whenever he says the magic word, Shazam! Now, Captain Marvel faces an alien invasion and must stop the Monster Society of Evil from taking over the world. Jeff Smith, the award-winning creator of Bone, brings back an icon of the comic-book world.

Jeff Smith launched Cartoon Books in 1991 to publish his comic book Bone, a comedy/adventure about three lost cousins from Boneville. Word of mouth, critical acclaim, and a string of major awards helped propel Cartoon Books and Bone to the forefront of the comic book industry. In the spring of 2005, Harry Potter's U.S. publisher Scholastic released the first-ever full color version of the book Bone: Out from Boneville, bringing the comic book to a new audience and a new generation.