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| From "El Capitán Marvel" Nº12 (a Mexican version of the classic Fawcett character, "Captain Marvel", later DC's "Shazam!"), I took this page, the first of the final story in the comic book. It's a long story, told in three chapters, which begins in the magazine centerfold and ends in the last page. We have a very interesting opening of "El Capitán Marvel y la Pérdida de los Poderes de Shazam" ("CM and the Loss of Shazam's Powers"), for in just one page every main element in the "Red Cheese" saga is shown. The standing hero, in a heroic, yet cheerful attitude -as was his trademark, firmly established by his creator's hand; the "Six Immortal Figures of Ancient Times" (Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury -notice the initials of the names), mentioned as a rule at the start of stories, but seldom pictured as is this case; the hero's alter ego, Billy Batson (called "Memo Batson" in the Mexican version), "the child-radio speaker", with the characteristic hair fringe over his brow and the childish dot-eyes; and, finally, the archvillain, Dr. Sivana, who appears in a corner with his evil looks in full sight... Really, a complete banquet for fans! The aforementioned creator, late artist Charles Clarence Beck, had a very personal style, as recognizable as would have been the signature he was never allowed to write down. Its cartoony look gave the pictures a special charm and freshness that was really unique among peers. The text of the stories, written by Bill Parker and Otto Binder, had also a distinct quality, full of innocence and youthfulness; the result was a first-class product, which surpassed even Superman's sales at its heyday. Unfortunatelly, "Captain Marvel" was the object of a copyright suing by National Periodical (later D.C. Comics), which argued its main character, "Superman" had been plagiarized. After some memorable court litigation, Fawcett opted by closing its complete line of comics in 1953. In a very comic book-like ending, D.C. inherited the characters, and brought "Capt. Marvel" back to life in the '70s; but both the circumstances and the audience had changed, and the character's success was not the same as yore. The Mexican version was discontinued with issue Nº16, just a mere four after this one. I conserve a very special fondness for the "Red Cheese" (as C.M. was called, in disdain by Sivana, and with affection by readers), having being one of my favorites in my childhood -even over Super, yes!-, and also because I had the pleasure and the privilege, many years after, of exchanging some letters with C. C. Beck, a master artist, and a gentleman. | ||
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