Shazam! #1 (1973)

“...In the Beginning ...”, script by Denny O'Neil, art by C. C. Beck; After missing for 20 years, Captain Marvel returns to Earth. Origin retold.

“The World's Wickedest Plan”, script by Denny O'Neil, art by C. C. Beck.  Captain Marvel escapes the trap that Dr. Sivana had created that caused the Marvel Family to be placed in suspended animation for 20 years.

“The Endless String" Reprint back-up from Captain Marvel Adventures #55 (1946), written by Otto Binder, art by Pete Costanza.

Key book: DC begins publishing Shazam after licensing the Captain Marvel character from Fawcett who they had successfully sued 20 years earlier for copyright infringement due to the character's similarities to Superman. First cover appearance of Captain Marvel and Superman though Superman does not appear in the story with Captain Marvel.  Cover by C. C. Beck, Nick Cardy, and Murphy Anderson.  One-page text feature by E. Nelson Bridwell--a history of Captain Marvel. Good condition.