Thrill Comics [ashcan] #1

In "The Episode Adventures of Captain Thunder," young Billy Batson is whisked away by a mysterious stranger to meet the ancient wizard Shazam, who grants him the power to transform into the mighty Captain Thunder. With his new abilities and a growing sense of duty, Billy sets out to expose a shadowy figure pulling strings from behind the scenes—leading him to confront the head of Amalgamated Broadcasting Company. Written by Bill Parker and illustrated by C. C. Beck, with full art by Beck on both pages and cover, this 1940 ashcan is a rare glimpse into the early days of a character who would become a cornerstone of the Golden Age.