Tyrades

Saint Nick wasn’t the only man in a red suit that magical Christmas season 50 years ago.

On Saturday December 23, 1972, I walked from my house to Sharp’s Drive-In Market and splurged on four 20-cent comic books.

One of my selections was heavily influenced by an ad appearing in DC Comics: “Coming in December…DC’s Christmas gift to you! Shazam is coming!”

I could scarcely wait to rush home and open my copy of “Shazam!” #1. Unfortunately, my gut reaction upon seeing the interior artwork was, “What’s this cartoony junk???” You see, I had recently sworn off “kiddie” comics. But “Shazam!” grew on me...