Wizard Shazam

Not to be confused with Shazam! (DC Comics).

Shazam

The current incarnation (Mamaragan) of the Shazam character.
Art by Alitha Martinez (penciler), Mark Morales, John Livesay (inkers), and Alex Guimarães (colorist)

Publication information
Publisher| Fawcett Comics (1942–1953)
DC Comics (1972–present)
First appearance| Whiz Comics #2 (February 1940)
Created by| C. C. Beck
Bill Parker
In-story information
Alter ego| Mamaragan (current)
Jebediah (original)
Species| Deity (current)
New God (originally)
Homo Magi (originally)
Team affiliations| Marvel Family
Squadron of Justice
The Quintessence
Council of Immortals
Lords of Chaos and Order
Council of Eternity
Partnerships| Black Adam
Shazam (Billy Batson)
The Spectre
Supporting character of| Shazam (Billy Batson)
Black Adam
Notable aliases| The Wizard, Wizard of Shazam, Jebediah O'Keenan, The Champion, The Great Wizard
Abilities|

* Immortality
* Mastery of magic and occultism; reality manipulation and can bestow the Powers of Shazam, which includes various superpowers such as superhuman strength, speed, agility, reflexes and stamina alongside other powers originating from divine entities.

Wizard Shazam, also known Shazam (/ʃəˈzæm/) or The Wizard, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Fawcett Comics and DC Comics, first appearing in Whiz Comics #2 (February, 1940) created by C.C. Beck and Bill Parker. A major supporting character in Shazam!-related comic book titles, he often serves as a wise old man archetype who empowers champions to fight evil.

The original version of the character was Jebediah, a young boy of Egyptian and Canaanite origin who served as the Champion, gaining his power through Canaanite gods. In his later years, he forgoes their powers and learned magic before seeking a successor to empower. A revised version of the character is introduced after The New 52. At first introduced as a Kahndaq native who ascended to godhood, this origin was retconned and he is revealed to be Mamaragan, a figure based upon the deity in Kunwinjku culture.[1] This version served as a adjudicator on Earth's supernatural matters as leader of a cabal of six other wizards, making up the Council of Eternity until a betrayal forces him to seek a successor to both his power and that of the fallen Council.[2] Although the characters’ motivations and background histories differ, they are intended to be the same character.[3]

The character is an ancient sorcerer who battled the forces of evil for centuries until the betrayal of Black Adam, one of his earliest champions and proposed successors. Shazam was forced to magically imprison Black Adam and seek another champion to take his place. This would eventually come in the form of Billy Batson, who becomes the hero known as Captain Marvel (later also known as Shazam) and subsequently the rest of the Marvel Family (currently known as the Shazam Family). He often serves as a mentor to the group[3][4] and is a notable member of the Quintessence, a powerful group of beings who watch over events unfolding in the universe.[5]

The Shazam character has been featured in various media. The original Golden Age incarnation appeared in the live action serial, Adventures of Captain Marvel, portrayed by Nigel De Brulier. He also appeared in animated features such as Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam, voiced by James Garner. Notably, Djimon Hounsou portrayed the character in DC Extended Universe films Shazam! (2019), Black Adam (2022), and Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) in which the character’s appearance and portrayal is inspired by The New 52 version of the character.

## Contents

* 1 Publication history
* 2 Fictional character biography
* 2.1 Golden Age
* 2.1.1 Fawcett Comics history
* 2.1.2 Post-Crisis origin and early history
* 2.1.3 Day of Vengeance
* 2.2 Post-Flashpoint
* 2.2.1 Background and early history
* 2.2.2 The New 52
* 2.2.3 DC Rebirth onwards
* 3 Characterization
* 3.1 Current version
* 3.2 Original version
* 4 Powers and abilities
* 4.1 Original version
* 4.2 Current version
* 4.3 Powers of Shazam
* 5 Other versions
* 5.1 Marvel (Billy Batson)
* 6 In other media
* 6.1 Television
* 6.2 Film
* 6.2.1 Animated
* 6.2.2 Live-action
* 6.3 Video games
* 7 References
* 8 External links

## Publication history

Created in the 1940s by Bill Parker and C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics, he is an ancient wizard (Whiz Comics #2 gives his age as 3,000 years) who gives young Billy Batson the power to transform into Captain Marvel. Despite the new comic's popularity and theatrical success, Captain Marvel was similar enough to Superman that a court ruled against Fawcett in 1952. Two decades after gaining the rights to Captain Marvel, DC Comics began publishing new stories under the title Shazam!. This became a problem for DC's lawyers, as the company had abandoned any rights to the Captain Marvel name, and it was now owned by rival Marvel Comics.

While not part of the first wave of DC's The New 52 2011 line wide relaunch, it was announced at New York Comic Con on October 15, 2011, that Billy Batson would be featured in a backup story, "The Curse of Shazam!" beginning in Justice League (vol. 2) #7 in March 2012.[6] It was confirmed by Geoff Johns, DC Comics' chief creative officer and the author of the story, that Billy Batson's alter ego would be called "Shazam" rather than "Captain Marvel" from now on.[7] In DC's, 2012 Free Comic Book Day offering called The New 52 FCBD Special #1, it was revealed that seven wizards representing seven different mythologies occupied the Rock of Eternity at the dawn of time in The New 52.[8] They harnessed the power of magic to cast out a "Trinity of Sin", which acted as a precursor to the 2013 Trinity War crossover event.[9] A younger version of the Wizard is part of this group of wizards.

Both the wizard and his champion shared the name "Shazam" in the comic book stories published from then until June 2013,[10] but the Wizard later revealed that "Shazam" is an adopted name, and that his original name is Mamaragan.[1]

## Fictional character biography

### Golden Age

#### Fawcett Comics history

Originally, the wizard's name was Shazamo, the last letter standing for the hero of magic Oggar. However, Oggar became corrupt and tried to take power from Shazamo. The wizard defeated Oggar and cursed him to live in the world of mortals. He was given cloven hooves as a sign of his inner evil, and could cast each magic spell only once. Shazamo then dropped the last letter of his name.[11]

Shazam informs Billy that he is an ancient Egyptian wizard who has been using his powers for many centuries to fight the forces of evil, but that he is now old and not long for this world. He therefore passes along part of his power to Billy, who shouts his name—"SHAZAM!"—to transform into Captain Marvel/Shazam. He explains to Billy that his name is an acronym for six ancient heroes. Each letter empowers him with a certain attribute:

S The wisdom of Solomon;
H The strength of Hercules;
A The stamina of Atlas;
Z The power of Zeus;
A The courage of Achilles;
M The speed of Mercury.

Although Shazam is killed, as prophesied, by a giant granite block falling on him, Billy/Captain Marvel/Shazam can summon the ghost of Shazam for guidance by lighting a special brazier in Shazam's lair (the Rock of Eternity). More superheroes soon joined the superhero Shazam in carrying on the legacy of the wizard Shazam, including Shazam Family members Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr. Shazam tells Captain Marvel that, 5000 years before, he gave powers to Black Adam, but Black Adam was killed while turning back to his regular self. In the Marvel Family series, he was shown in some early issues carving the Marvel Family adventures into the Rock of Eternity.

#### Post-Crisis origin and early history

Rendition of the Jebediah incarnation of the Wizard. Art by Alex Ross.

In a story written by E. Nelson Bridwell for World's Finest Comics #262 (cover date April/May 1980), the character was a young Canaanite shepherd who becomes the Champion by speaking the magic word "VLAREM!" (an anagram of "Marvel"), one of the world's first superheroes over 5,000 years ago. This background is later explored further in the Power of Shazam! series, in which details his tenure as the Champion. The Champion is seduced by a demoness disguised as a beautiful woman, and they conceive two half-demon offspring, Blaze and Satanus, much to the displeasure of the gods. The Champion later creates the Rock of Eternity from two large rock formations—one from Heaven and one from Hell—to hold captive the Three Faces of Evil, a dragon whose mother is the same demoness as the one who seduced the Champion. Shazam also later trapped demons of the Seven Deadly Sins as statues and imprisoned them at the Rock of Eternity.

Many centuries later, the Champion, now going by the name of "Shazam", feels the need to pass along his powers to a successor. He selects the pharaoh's son Teth-Adam to receive the power to become the superpowered Mighty Adam by speaking the word "SHAZAM!" However, Blaze interferes with this succession and Adam is given powers from the Egyptian deities instead. As her mother did, Shazam's daughter Blaze takes on the form of a beautiful woman and seduces Adam, convincing him to kill the pharaoh and take over the kingdom. An angry Shazam draws Mighty-Adam's powers out of him and into a large jeweled scarab, thereby killing Adam as he ages to death. Shazam then seals his remains and the amulet in a tomb. A wicked reincarnation of Teth-Adam named Theo Adam would steal the scarab many centuries later and use the power of Shazam to become Black Adam. Shazam was upset by this and did not consider passing on his powers for millennia. The wizard resurfaces as an aide on the 1940 Malcolm Expedition, one of many archaeological expeditions into the tombs and pyramids of ancient Egypt. The sarcophagi of Ibis the Invincible and his mate Princess Taia are uncovered and brought to the United States. Shazam follows the sarcophagi. Once they are on display at the Fawcett City Museum, Shazam uses ancient spells to resurrect Ibis. Ibis then joins Bulletman, Spy Smasher, Minute-Man, and others to fight evil during the World War II era. In 1955, a thug knocks a weakened Shazam across the head with a crowbar and causes him to lose his memory. A clueless Shazam wanders around Fawcett for the next forty years until C.C. Batson, a young man Shazam had met on the Malcolm Expedition, recognizes the old man and brings him to the museum to restore his memory. Shazam feels that he has truly found his successor in the upstanding Batson, but before he can act on this, a possessed Theo Adam murders Batson and his wife Marilyn for the magic amulet. He therefore decides to enlist C.C. Batson's young son, Billy, as the successor to his power.

#### Day of Vengeance

In Superman (vol. 2) #216, Shazam calls upon the Spectre to free Superman from being controlled by the demon Eclipso. This action breaks a covenant between Eclipso and the Spectre and sets Eclipso permanently at odds with the wizard. Possessing the body of Jean Loring, the Atom's ex-wife, Eclipso corrupts the confused Spectre into joining forces with her, and begins a war against all magic-powered beings in the DC Universe.

Because of his previous action, Shazam is one of the duo's primary targets. In the Day of Vengeance mini-series, Shazam enlists Captain Marvel to keep the Spectre at bay while the wizard gathers all of his power to battle him. With the assistance of the newly formed Shadowpact, a band of magic-based heroes, Captain Marvel fights the Spectre nearly to a standstill, but the Spectre escapes and makes his way to the Rock of Eternity to confront Shazam directly. While Shazam is preparing for his bout with the Spectre, he is confronted by Mordru who has just escaped the Rock of Eternity. Mordru and the wizard fight for a short time while the Spectre begins to approach, despite being delayed by fighting Captain Marvel. More concerned with escaping and staying out of the Spectre's way, Mordru leaves a slightly wounded and tired Shazam to fight the Spectre, who is already more powerful than him at full power.[12] The Spectre overpowers the wizard, absorbs his magics, and kills him. As a result, the Rock of Eternity disintegrates above Gotham City into "a billion pieces" and explodes, freeing the Seven Deadly Sins along with many other demons and sending a depowered Billy Batson falling into the city.[13]

In Infinite Crisis #1, Billy finds he is still able to transform into the Captain before he strikes the ground by saying the wizard's name as usual. It is also revealed that the entire affair was orchestrated by Alexander Luthor Jr. and the Psycho-Pirate to reduce magic to its raw form, the death of Shazam turning his name into a tether for the rest of the raw magic that Alexander could harness to power his tower by acquiring one of Shazam's champions, eventually forcibly 'enlisting' Black Adam for that purpose after failing to capture any of the other Marvels.

In Day of Vengeance: Infinite Crisis Special, the Shadowpact teams up with the majority of the DC Universe's surviving magical characters to rebuild the Rock of Eternity and reseal the Seven Deadly Sins. The final piece of the reconstruction, revealed by Zatanna, is that a new wizard has to be appointed to guard the Rock. Billy, as the only real candidate, is chosen to succeed Shazam as the Rock's new caretaker.

In the comic series 52, Captain Marvel is revealed to be currently headquartered at the Rock of Eternity, acting in Shazam's stead. He has already imprisoned the Sins again, although he claims they cause trouble at the full moon.

### Post-Flashpoint

#### Background and early history

The Wizard Shazam is late reintroduced within the New 52 onward, having several origins: his original origin was a Kahndaqi native who ascended to godhood and led the Circle of Eternity while acting as a keeper of magic. His origin is alternatively and retroactively changed, revealing himself to be the Kunwinjku deity Mamaragan whose songlines guided him to a seat on the Council of Eternity, where he adopted the title of "Wizard" and the name Shazam.[14] To reconsolidate his prior history, once source suggest both origins are known but the latter is the true one while another suggests he was a Kahndaqi-born wizard who became powerful enough to ascend to godhood early in his life, granting him both Kahndaqi and Aboriginal ties.[2][15]

During his tenure as leader of the Council, the character would be responsible for numerous incidents such as being the one to punish Phantom Stranger, an interpretation of Judas Iscariot, for his betrayal of Jesus Christ on behalf of the Presence and Pandora, based on Greek mythology, by granting her immortality and scars that constantly burn as a consequence of unleashing the Seven Deadly Sins upon humanity.[2] In the latter case, he later believed his and the Council's punishment was too harsh.[16] He was also responsible for empowering the young Aman as his champion, who shared his with his uncle, Teth-Adam. Teth later killed his nephew to consolidate his power and became the Wizard's primary champion. Teth eventually betrays the Council and kills them off save Shazam, who seals him away in a tomb.[2]

Following DC Rebirth, aspects of his prior incarnation has also been implied in his history, having once more fathered Blaze and Satanus due to his parenthood playing a role in the previous Reign in Hell that allowed the pair to ascend to Hell's rulers.[17] However, Black Adam was claimed to have been a disciple of a Lord of Chaos, implying Mamaragan having once served as such. A silhouette of Mamaragan supposedly depicts him as, alongside Nabu, being one who once opposed Xanadoth at a time frame long before Teth's time.[18]

A flashback during the "Endless Winter" storyline showcases a younger Mamaragan in the 10th Century having been request by Hippolyta and Viking Prince to allow Black Adam to help stop the Frost King. He frees him but due to his actions in attempting to stop the Frost King using his family, he finds him unworthy and re-seals him in a tomb.[19]

During the Black Adam "East of Egypt" storyline, various flashbacks establish a similar versions of events depicted in Marvel Family #1 (December, 1945) while consolidating previous stories; retaining Aman's being his chosen champion and Adam slaying him, it's revealed Adam deceived Mamaragan although he was always suspicious and when Adam defeated the Circle of Eternity, he kept Mamaragan sedated for thousands of years through potions until he was freed by Ibac to pit him against Adam, who ascended to pharaoh under the name "Userkare" as part of the Circle of Crow's plot to usurp the throne. Confronting Adam over his lies and apparent evil, he sends him away "among the stars" for a thousand years.[20]

#### The New 52

The Wizard, as seen in Justice League (vol. 2) #0 (November 2012). Art by Gary Frank.

In the Shazam! backup storyline in the 2011 Justice League comic book, an older Shazam later apologizes to Pandora for giving her a harsh punishment as his demise nears and Black Adam is resurrected by Dr. Sivanna. He is forced to bestow his powers onto Billy Batson, whom is more abrasive and ill-mannered than previous incarnations but sees potential goodness in him, as a last resort due to running out of candidates and has him transform by saying the world "Shazam", transferring his powers before seemingly passing on [21]

He later appears in the Darkseid War, where he replaces Billy's collection of god following Darkseid's supposed death, which disrupted his connections to his old gods. Both Mamaragan and Billy come into conflict with Yuga Khan (known as Zonzu) when he wishes to usurp the Powers of Shazam. After his defeat, the wizard makes him part of Billy's new pantheon as pentice for his crimes and reveals his aboriginal ties and being among Billy's new set of empowered gods.[14]

#### DC Rebirth onwards

During DC Rebirth, he is also a member of the Council of Immortals for a time.[22] He also appears in the "Seven Magiclands" storyline, revealing himself to the Shazam Family as they explore the magiclands. This set into motions of events plotted by Mister Mind and his Monster Society of Evil, manipulating events for the family to choose Billy's biological father, C.C. Batson, as the seventh champion to gain access to their magic as his secret host while pitting the family against him. After the society, and surprise adversary Superboy Prime is defeated, Mamaragan becomes aware of a potential future with a redeemed Black Adam as the eventual seventh champion.[23]

In Infinite Frontier, Shazam is shown as a member of a reintroduced incarnation of the Quintessence and appears alongside other members shortly after the defeat of the Batman Who Laughs at the hands of Wonder Woman, whom is invited as a member. The heroine rejects it and shortly after taking her leave, the group is seemingly an empowered Darkseid.[24] Later, it was revealed that the Quintessence was under the control of the Great Darkness (namely Pariah's manipulation of a fraction of its power), eventually leading to the seemingly death of the core members of the Justice League. At the end of the event, after Pariah's defeat and restoration of the Justice League members, the Quintessence, including the Wizard, was revived by the Spectre.

In the Lazarus Planet crossover, the Wizard is unexpectedly ousted from his role as Keeper of the Rock of Eternity and believes Billy to be responsible. He aligns himself with Hera, who plans to depose Zeus and seek revenge on mortals. Billy and Yara Flor unite to stop Hera, but are surprised to find the Wizard on her side and Billy is subsequently depowered and captured. The Wizard is later summoned by Hera to enhance her powers against Wonder Woman, but when Hera's agenda becomes unpopular, he doubts and abandons her. Billy later calls upon the Wizard through the Rock of Eternity, where it is revealed that the Wizard initially believed Billy had betrayed him. However, witnessing Mary sacrifice her powers to aid Wonder Woman, the Wizard realizes his mistake and deems Mary worthy to be the Champion. Despite his intention to empower both Billy and Mary, Hippolyta intervenes and chooses to bless Mary's powers through her and seven other gods. Both Billy and Mary regain their powers, with Mary's connection maintained through the blessings of the seven goddesses instead of the Wizard's magic, despite still utilizing the "SHAZAM" method.[25]

In the Shazam! 2023 comic book series, the Wizard makes a brief appearance and is mentioned by Billy Batson as he recalls his transformation into Shazam. The series reaffirms Billy's previous origin of falling asleep in a subway, but with some subtle changes. These changes include acknowledging Billy's status as a foster child from his New 52 origin and expressing reluctance regarding the Wizard's intentions. It is revealed that the character eventually entrusts Billy with the Rock of Eternity, hoping that he will treat it with reverence.[26]

## Characterization

The core of the character is depicted as an ancient wizard responsible bestows powers (and namesake) upon several champions and a staunch defender against evil.[27][3] Within the DC Universe, the character is also a member of the Quintessence, influential beings who witness recorded history whom are peers of Phantom Stranger and the Spectre, considered powerful enough to battling Darkseid and one of the most formidable forces in the universe.[5][28] Blaze and Satanus serve as the character's biological children.[29][17]

### Current version

Following the New 52 reboot, the character was revamped; originally, Shazam was a sorcerer and deity with connections to Kahndaq and a surviving member of a council that adjudicated magic within the Rock of Eternity. Unlike prior, he was much more reluctant on choosing Billy as his champion.[27] Once source also explained the Circle of Eternity also intervene in matters occasionally concerning the Presence.[2] Later revisions revised him to be Mamaragan of the Aboriginal Australian Kunwinjku pantheon whom adopted the "Shazam" name, both stories known within the DC Universe although his origin as Mamaragan remains his true origin.[27][14] Unlike his previous incarnation, he is implied to be a former Lord of Chaos.[18]

In appearance, he would sometimes appear similarly to his prior incarnation during his time as a Quintessence member albeit with darker skin.[28] In flashbacks, the character alternate between having a dark afro or short hair with a muscular build.[30][19][23] He is also erroneously depicted as being elderly during the time of ancient Egypt in flashback.[20] The current version is also depicted to be more reluctant in choosing Billy due to his age and personality although he recognizes his potential.[27] Steve Orlando described their relationship as initially antagonistic but evolving into a "pseudo father-and-son relationship", making him a parental figure alongside the Vasquez family.[31] Aspects of Billy's relationship parallels to relationship with Black Adam, whom he once mentored but was later betrayed and has, also referred to him as a fatherly figure.[32][20]

### Original version

His original version, the Golden Age incarnation named Jebediah, is described as an ancient Egyptian whom fought evil for centuries until he grew too old and sought his successor, eventually settling on Billy Batson. To call upon his aid, the character appears in ghost form in the Rock of Eternity whenever needed by Billy.[27][29] He is also a Lord of Order.[33] Various stories explore his relationship with Billy Batson, his original incarnation even casting him in a parental role when he posed as his grandfather "Jebediah O'Keenan" to ensure the continuance of his dual life with parental guidance.[34][35]

## Powers and abilities

### Original version

The original incarnation of the character, at the height of his power, possesses tremendous and godly level magical abilities.[36] In a diminished state, Jebeediah is only capable of utilizing thunderbolts offensively and spiritually advising the Shazam Family.[36] In his younger years as the warrior known as the Champion, he possessed similar powers to his future champions, Black Adam and Billy Batson:

Acronym  | Gods/Entities  | Description

|
|

V | Strength of Voldar | Equivalent to the Strength of Hecules, which grants exceptional level of superhuman strength. He gains the ability to exert immense physical power, surpassing the capabilities of ordinary individuals. With this heightened strength, they can effortlessly lift and manipulate objects of tremendous weight, overpower adversaries with ease, and deliver devastating blows in combat.[37]
L | Wisdom of Lumian | Equivalent to the Wisdom of Solomon, which grants several abilities, including perfect memory, strategic combat skills, exceptional mathematical aptitude, charisma in interpersonal interactions, limited clairvoyance for acquiring arcane knowledge and intuitive insights, as well as a natural fluency in all languages.[37]
A | Speed of Ariel | Equivalent to the Speed of Mercury, which grants super speed, enhanced reflexes, motor skills, and flight, enabling them to move at incredible speeds, react swiftly, perform precise maneuvers, and soar through the air.[37]
R | Power of Ribavel | Equivalent to the Power of Zeus, which grants him the power to the ability to shoot bursts of electricity and lightning, and utilize maigc.[37]
E | Courage of Elbiam | Equivalent to the Courage of Achilles, which grants peak physical defenses, rendering him nearly invulnerable. This heightened level of invulnerability provides significant protection against physical harm, force, heat, disease, aging, and withstand extreme conditions and maintain his health and vitality against formidable challenges.[37]
M | Stamina of Marzosh | Equivalent to the Stamina of Atlas, which allows him to maintain his empowered form indefinitely and eliminates he need for eating, sleeping, and even breathing. It also allows him to operate at peak efficiency, unaffected by the physiological requirements that typically apply to ordinary individuals.[37]

### Current version

Having similar abilities to his past version, Mamaragan is an immortal deity with vast magical powers (manifesting in a lightning theme), affording abilities such as reality alteration.[3][38] He is stated to be a sorcerer transcending conventional notions of space-time, allowing for the simultaneous existence of different versions of him across the multiverse as a singular being.[39] Mamaragan possess several personal weapons such as the Staff of the Living Lightning, an magical staff which acts as a focal point for his powers akin to a lighting rod.[40] He also possess a magical dagger containing a portion of his magical power, able to slay gods such as Zeus.[41]

Unlike his prior incarnation, the character is intrinsically tied to a magical force of his creation known as the Living Lightning, allowing him to generate and control lightning, spell-casting, enhance the power of other's spells, enhance strength, and other healing abilities. Such abilities are also shared among his empowered champions.[15] In order to deter people usurping his powers, the magic also has safeguards that results in a slow demise of those who manage to steal it's powers while in use.[42] The Rock of Eternity acts as a conduit of the magic and is connected to his life, as his death would result in the and disruption or cessation of these powers for any chosen empowered champion lest he has chosen a new heir to bear the power.[43][20]

In recent publication, the Powers of Shazam is also retroactively connected to the Living Lightning, granting champions directly empowered by Mamaragan power associated with seven divine entities. This empowerment comes with a caveat, being that each champion empowered by Mamaragan cannot be rescinded (until the events of Lazarus Planet).[23] Each champion empowered by him is able to also share their powers through a "sharing spell" although each person a champion empowers takes from their pool of power and can empower up to seven people whom they're close to at a time.[23]

### Powers of Shazam

The Powers of Shazam is a set of superpowers acquired from aspects of different divine entities and notable figure, either from mythology or original creations within the DC Universe, whose names align with the "SHAZAM" acronym. They have the ability to grant power to a chosen champion, whether willingly or under the coercion of the Wizard.. When a champion is empowered, the associated divine entities are bound by specific parameters and rules that govern their connection to the champion.[38] Following the New 52, these powers are retroactively associated with the Living Lightning, which is channeled through the distilled essence of six divine entities.[38]

Attribute  | Gods/Entities  | Description

|
|

Strength | Voldar, Hercules, Amon, Hipployta, S'ivaa  | Commonly bestows an exceptional level of superhuman strength.[37]
Wisdom | Lumian, Solomon, Zehuti, Minerva  | Commonly grants perfect memory, strategic combat skills, exceptional mathematical aptitude, charisma in interpersonal interactions, limited clairvoyance for acquiring arcane knowledge and intuitive insights, as well as a natural fluency in all languages. This is considered an active power a champion must channel to activate.[37]
Power | Zeus, Aton, Ribavel, Zonzu  | Typically grants lightning control, spell-casting, teleportation, and travel to the Rock of Eternity. It is considered the most difficult attribute to master, requiring the most significant study, discipline, and focus to use.[37] Aton's power grants a connection to a type of magic known as Living Magic, enhancing magical capabilities.[44] Zonzu's power grants the ability to draw energy from the Source, the energy field within all life.[45]
Speed | Heru, Mercury, Arel  | Commonly grants super speed, enhanced reflexes, motor skills, and flight, enabling them to move at incredible speeds, react swiftly, perform precise maneuvers, and soar through the air.[37]
Courage | Achilles, Mehen, Elbiam  | Commonly grants peak physical and magical defenses as well as invulnerability, providing significant protection against physical harm, resistance to various elements, heat, force, disease, and the effects of aging.[37]
Stamina | Shu, Atlas, Marzosh, Artemis  | Commonly grants ability to sustain mystic transformation indefinitely and eliminating the need for eating, sleeping, and breathing, allowing a champion to operate at peak efficiency, unaffected by the physiological requirements that typically apply to ordinary individuals.[37]
Fire | H'rommer  | Grants pyrokinetic abilities connected to a force known as the "Living Fire".[45]
Compassion | Anapel  | Seemingly grants powers similar to those associated with the Wisdom attribute.[45]
Mystic Lightning | Mamaragan  | Grants spell-casting enhancements, enhancing specific powers, enhanced healing capabilities, and more.[15]
Invulnerability | Aurora  | Grants powers similar to the courage attribute.
Flight | Zephytus  | Grants power similar to those of the speed attribute.[46]
Agility | Selene  | Specific powers granted under this attribute are unknown.
Grace | Selene
Beauty | Aphrodite

## Other versions

Portion of a panel from The Trials of Shazam #2 (November 2006) featuring Marvel. Art by Howard Porter.

* In the Kingdom Come reality, Shazam is a member of the Quintessence and has been displeased that Billy Batson has been corrupted by Lex Luthor's influence.[47]
* In the Flashpoint timeline, the power of the six Elders is divided up between six children who say Shazam together to transform into Captain Thunder, similar to the Lieutenant Marvels. They claim to have gotten on the subway car to Shazam's lair.

### Marvel (Billy Batson)

After the events of Infinite Crisis, Billy assumes the role of the wizard Shazam, now known as Marvel, while Freddy Freeman, without powers, attempts to prove himself worthy of the Shazam powers and becomes the new Captain Marvel. Mary loses her powers and falls into a coma but later accepts power from Black Adam. In this new incarnation, Shazam resembles the original Captain Marvel, with only having long, white hair.

During the Trials of Shazam!, Sabina gains some Powers of Shazam with the help of the Council of Merlin. She kills Atlas, leading Freddy and Marvel to temporarily shoulder Atlas's burden. Freddy convinces Apollo to take on Atlas's burden, but Apollo shares his powers with Freddy and Sabina out of bitterness. Sabina and the Council of Merlin plot to assault New York City to disrupt the magical balance. The Justice League intervenes, and Freddy battles Sabina. Freddy sacrifices himself and is deemed the most worthy by Zeus, who grants him the full power of Shazam. Sabina is killed, and the demons disappear. Later, Black Adam, Isis, and the corrupted Mary Marvel take control of the Rock of Eternity. Billy and Mary's father recruits Jay Garrick to retrieve Shazam's spirit from the Rock of Finality. Shazam is restored, removes powers from Isis and the Marvels, and turns Black Adam and Adrianna to stone. Shazam cuts off Billy and Mary's access to his power, returns Stargirl to Earth, and mentions dealing with Freddy before closing the Rock of Eternity.[48][49]

## In other media

### Television

* Shazam appears in The Kid Super Power Hour with Shazam!, voiced by Alan Oppenheimer.
* Shazam appears in the Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode "The Power of Shazam!", voiced by Jim Piddock.[50]
* Shazam (referred to as "The Wizard") appears in the Justice League Action episode "Classic Rock", voiced by Carl Reiner.[51] This version is shown to still be alive. He is banished from the Rock of Eternity and stripped of his powers by Black Adam, but eventually returns with Batman's help, defeating Adam and sending him to the edge of the galaxy.
* Shazam appears in the Teen Titans Go! episode "Little Elvis", voiced by John DiMaggio.[52][50]

### Film

#### Animated

* Shazam appears in Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam, voiced by James Garner.[53][54][50] This version is based on the original Fawcett Comics incarnation, and chose to isolate himself within a remote cave as penance for empowering Black Adam after banishing the fallen champion to the farthest star in the universe. Upon summoning Billy Batson and anointing him with his magical abilities, Shazam removes himself to an alternate dimension and destroys his cave sanctuary.
* Shazam appears in Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High, voiced by Khary Payton.[50]
* Shazam appears in the LEGO films Lego DC Batman: Family Matters and Lego DC Shazam! Magic and Monsters, voiced by Ralph Garman.[50]

#### Live-action

* Shazam appears in Adventures of Captain Marvel, portrayed by Nigel De Brulier.
* Shazam appears in media set in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), portrayed by Djimon Hounsou. Originally, Ron Cephas Jones was intended to play the character, but had to step down due to scheduling conflicts.[55] This version of the character is inspired based upon the earlier New 52 version.[56]
* The character is introduced in the 2019 film Shazam!. This version considered Doctor Sivana to be his successor, but rejected him after he was corrupted by the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man. Years later, Doctor Sivana returns to Rock of Eternity, frees the Enemies, and defeats Shazam using their power. Subsequently, Shazam chooses Billy Batson as his successor before seemingly dying as he crumbles to dust.
* Shazam makes a cameo appearance in Black Adam.[57] He and the Council of Wizards were responsible for empowering Hurut to be Kahndaq's champion until he was killed by King Ak-Ton's assassins while reviving his father Teth-Adam with his power. Shazam was the sole survivor of the Council of Wizards after Teth-Adam attacked them in rage when they deemed him unworthy of his power following his massacre of King Ak-Ton and his followers. He imprisoned Teth-Adam within what would become the tomb for both Adam and the Crown of Sabbac.
* Shazam returns in Shazam! Fury of the Gods.[58] Here, he is revealed to be alive, but was imprisoned in the God Realm of the Daughters of Atlas, Hespera and Kalypso. They recover his staff in the Acropolis Museum and force him to repair it so they can regain their powers. Shazam then enters Billy's dream to warn him about the Daughters of Atlas, later learning that he broke the staff to separate the God's Realm from Earth. Later, the Wizard meets Freddy Freeman, who is also a prisoner, and the two escape with the help of Atlas's third daughter, Anthea, and reunites with Billy and the Shazam Family. After escaping and Billy's brothers (except him) losing his powers to Kalypso, the Wizard tells him that he chose Billy because of his selflessness and concern for his family and that he must accept himself as a true hero. Later, before a monster attack in the city, the Wizard helps the children to ride unicorns to scare them away. After Kalypso and her monsters were defeated by the Shazam Family and Billy, who also sacrificed his life, he was brought into the God's Realm to attend his funeral with the depowered staff. After Wonder Woman appears and restores the staff's power with her residual power of Zeus, this act revived both Billy and the powers once lost in the God's Realm, including Anthea. The Wizard gives the staff, and Billy uses the staff to restore the powers of his foster siblings. In the aftermath, the Wizard visits Billy's family and Anthea before reclaiming his staff and leaving to travel the world.

### Video games

* Shazam appears in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, voiced by Joe J. Thomas.[50] After Captain Marvel fended off Raiden, the presence of Shazam appears and tells him that Dark Kahn is behind the DC and Mortal Kombat universes merging and that Darkseid's essence has merged with evil magic from the other world. Shazam then tells Captain Marvel to help defeat Dark Kahn by gathering an "army of both dark and light" to fight him before the world merge is complete enough for the Kombat Rage to consume every living being on both worlds. In Superman's ending, Superman seeks the aid of Shazam to help him prepare for any protection against future magical threats, having him create a new costume for him that gives him immunity to magic. In Captain Marvel's ending, Shazam guides him through a focusing ritual to regain control of his powers.
* Shazam appears as a character summon in Software:Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[59]
* Shazam appears as a support card in the mobile version of Software:Injustice: Gods Among Us.
* Shazam appears as a playable character in Lego DC Super-Villains.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Justice League-Darkseid War-Shazam #01 (2015)
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Wiacek, Stephen (2021-11-30) (in en). The DC Book: A Vast and Vibrant Multiverse Simply Explained. Penguin. ISBN 978-0-7440-5856-7. https://books.google.com/books?id=6Mc8EAAAQBAJ.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Wizard Shazam" (in en-US). https://www.dc.com/characters/wizard-shazam.
4. ↑ "Shazam | Official DC Character" (in en-us). https://www.dc.com/characters/shazam.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Snyder, Scott; IV, James Tynion (2020-06-23) (in en). Justice League Vol. 5: The Doom War. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4012-9937-8. https://books.google.com/books?id=8fPsDwAAQBAJ.
6. ↑ "SHAZAM! joining DC COMICS-THE NEW 52". 15 October 2011. http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2011/10/15/shazam-joining-dc-comics-the-new-52/.
7. ↑ "Exclusive: GEOFF JOHNS Hopes Lightning Strikes SHAZAM!". http://www.newsarama.com/comics/geoff-johns-curse-of-shazam-120126.html.
8. ↑ "Demythify: FCBD DC New 52 #1 Reveals HUGE Implications With 4 Shazam Puzzle Pieces - Inside Pulse". 7 May 2012. http://insidepulse.com/2012/05/07/demythify-fcbd-new-52-1-reveals-huge-dc-implications-with-4-shazam-puzzle-pieces/.
9. ↑ "FCBD New 52 #1 Spoilers: Who Are DC's New Trinity If NOT Superman, Batman & Wonder Woman? - Inside Pulse". 6 May 2012. http://insidepulse.com/2012/05/05/fcbd-new-52-1-spoilers-who-are-dcs-new-trinity-if-not-superman-batman-wonder-woman/.
10. ↑ Justice League (vol. 2) #20 (June 2013)
11. ↑ Woolfolk, William (1946). Captain Marvel Adventures #62. Fawcett Comics.
12. ↑ JSA #78 (December 2005). DC Comics.
13. ↑ Day of Vengeance #6 (November 2005). DC Comics.
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Justice League, Darkseid war : power of the gods. Peter Tomasi, Rob Williams, Francis Manapul, Steve Orlando, Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan, Bong Dazo, Scott Kolins. Burbank, CA. 2016. ISBN 978-1-4012-6149-8. OCLC 942885029.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "DC Universe Infinite Encyclopedia: Shazam". 2021-06-15. https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/encyclopedia/shazam/.
16. ↑ Justice League (vol. 2) #0 (September 2012). DC Comics.
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Sheridan, Tim (2021-07-20) (in en). Shazam! (2021) #1-4. DC Comics. https://books.google.com/books?id=NJk3EAAAQBAJ&q=Shazam!+2021.
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Bendis, Brian Michael (2024-04-23) (in en). Justice League Vol. 3: Leagues of Chaos. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-77952-493-5. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Justice_League_Vol_3_Leagues_of_Chaos/gowQ0AEACAAJ?hl=en.
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Marz, Ron; Lanning, Andy (2021-11-16) (in en). Justice League: Endless Winter. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-77951-620-6. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Justice_League_Endless_Winter/Y3dKEAAAQBAJ?hl=en.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Priest, Christopher; Sandoval, Rafa (December 2023) (in en). Black Adam Vol. 2: East of Egypt. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-77952-089-0. https://books.google.com/books?id=6x_CzwEACAAJ.
21. ↑ Johns, Geoff (2013-10-01) (in en). Shazam! Vol. 1 (The New 52): From the Pages of Justice League. National Geographic Books. ISBN 978-1-4012-4244-2. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Shazam_Vol_1_The_New_52/L3iPEAAAQBAJ?hl=en.
22. ↑ Dark Days: The Forge, Dark Days: The Casting, Dark Nights: Metal #2. DC Comics.
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 Johns, Geoff (2020). Shazam! and the seven magic lands. Dale Eaglesham, Scott Kolins, Marco Santucci, Mayo Naito, Max Raynor, Michael Atiyeh, Rob Leigh. Burbank, CA. ISBN 978-1-77950-459-3. OCLC 1184122596.
24. ↑ Williamson, Joshua (2022). Infinite frontier. Xermanico, Romulo Fajardo, Tom Napolitano, Troy Peteri, Mitch Gerads. Burbank, CA. ISBN 978-1-77951-424-0. OCLC 1252411539.
25. ↑ Wilson, G. Willow (2023) (in en). Lazarus Planet: Revenge of the Gods. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-77952-408-9. https://books.google.com/books?id=JkrUzwEACAAJ.
26. ↑ Waid, Mark (2023-05-02) (in en). Shazam! (2023-) #1. DC Comics. https://books.google.com/books?id=iMu4EAAAQBAJ.
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 "DC Universe Infinite Encyclopedia: The Wizard Shazam". 2021-05-14. https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/encyclopedia/wizard-shazam/.
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Williamson, Joshua; Snyder, Scott (2024-10-02) (in en). DC All In Special (2024) #1. DC Comics. https://books.google.com/books?id=HJIjEQAAQBAJ.
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Ordway, Jerry (2020-08-18) (in en). The Power of Shazam! Book 1: In the Beginning. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4012-9942-2. https://books.google.com/books?id=5C33DwAAQBAJ.
30. ↑ Fawkes, Ray (2014-03-25) (in en). Trinity of Sin - Pandora Vol. 1: The Curse. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4012-5110-9. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Trinity_of_Sin_Pandora_Vol_1_The_Curse/iiPQAgAAQBAJ?hl=en.
31. ↑ "Steve Orlando Talks Justice League: Darkseid War Shazam #1". Bam Smack Pow. 2020-07-27. https://bamsmackpow.com/2015/11/10/steve-orlando-interview-justice-league-darkseid-war-shazam/.
32. ↑ "Black Adam | Official DC Character" (in en-us). https://www.dc.com/characters/black-adam.
33. ↑ Willingham, Bill (2005) (in en). Day of Vengeance: The Nature of Magic. Titan. ISBN 978-1-84576-230-8. https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/9cR1OQAACAAJ?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjFuN-Wl_WOAxWRRTABHe9YDtYQre8FegQIEBAH.
34. ↑ (in en) The Power of Shazam!. DC Comics. 1994. ISBN 978-1-56389-153-3. https://books.google.com/books?id=6Fk9OgaoRl0C.
35. ↑ Ordway, Jerry; Stern, Roger; Marz, Ron; David, Peter (2023-05-30) (in en). The Power of Shazam! Book 2: The Worm Turns. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-77952-633-5. https://books.google.com/books?id=d47IEAAAQBAJ.
36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #20. DC Comics. 1986.
37. ↑ 37.00 37.01 37.02 37.03 37.04 37.05 37.06 37.07 37.08 37.09 37.10 37.11 Jaffe, Alex (October 5, 2021). "Shazam!: What's in a Name?" (in en-US). https://www.dc.com/blog/2021/10/07/shazam-whats-in-a-name.
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 Manning, Matthew K.; Wiacek, Stephen; Scott, Melanie; Jones, Nick; Walker, Landry Q.; Cowsill, Alan (2021) (in en). The DC comics encyclopedia : the definitive guide to the characters of the DC universe (New ed.). New York, New York: DK Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7440-2056-4. OCLC 1253363543.
39. ↑ Sheridan, Tim (2021-10-19) (in en). Shazam! (2021-) #4. DC Comics. https://books.google.com/books?id=is9GEAAAQBAJ.
40. ↑ Orlando, Steve (in en). Justice League: Darkseid War: Shazam (2015-) #1. DC. https://books.google.com/books?id=jmjFCgAAQBAJ.
41. ↑ Cloonan, Becky; Conrad, Michael; Campbell, Josie; Johnson, Phillip Kennedy (2023-10-31) (in en). Lazarus Planet: Revenge of the Gods. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-77952-662-5. https://books.google.com/books?id=W5_eEAAAQBAJ.
42. ↑ Lemire, Jeff; Fawkes, Ray (2009-12-08) (in en). Constantine Vol. 1: The Spark and the Flame (The New 52). DC. ISBN 978-1-4012-4957-1. https://books.google.com/books?id=_RRHAgAAQBAJ.
43. ↑ DK (2023-09-07) (in en). The Periodic Table of DC. Dorling Kindersley Limited. ISBN 978-0-241-65323-4. https://books.google.com/books?id=SXuyEAAAQBAJ.
44. ↑ Countdown to final crisis. Paul Dini, Jesús Saiz, Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Adam Beechen, Tony Bedard, Sean McKeever, David Lopez, Mike Norton, Jim Calafiore, Carlos Magno, Al Barrionuevo, Don Hillsman, Rodney Ramos, Jack Purcell, Tom Derenick, Jamal Igle, Scott Kolins, Pete Woods, John Stanisci, Wayne Faucher, Mark McKenna, Jay Leisten, Art Thibert, Jared K. Fletcher, Ken Lopez, Travis Lanham, Tom Chu, Alex Bleyaert, Pete Pantazis, Rod Reis. New York. 2008. ISBN 978-1-4012-1789-1. OCLC 231623970.
45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 Manapul, Francis; Tomasi, Peter J. (2016-04-26) (in en). Justice League: Darkseid War - Power of the Gods. DC. ISBN 978-1-4012-6947-0. https://books.google.com/books?id=mBjJCwAAQBAJ.
46. ↑ Waid, Mark (2023-12-05) (in en). Shazam! (2023-) #6. DC Comics. https://books.google.com/books?id=MuvkEAAAQBAJ.
47. ↑ Kingdom Come #3
48. ↑ Justice Society of America (vol. 3) #23 (January 2009). DC Comics.
49. ↑ Justice Society of America (vol. 3) #25 (April 2009). DC Comics.
50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 50.3 50.4 50.5 "Shazam Voices (Captain Marvel / Shazam)". Behind The Voice Actors. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Captain-Marvel-Shazam/Shazam/. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
51. ↑ "Justice League Action Premiere Date Revealed". September 5, 2017. https://comicbook.com/dc/news/justice-league-action-premiere-date-revealed/.
52. ↑ Dar, Taimur (February 27, 2019). "Shazam Embraces His Inner Elvis on Teen Titans Go!" (in en-US). https://www.comicsbeat.com/shazam-embraces-his-inner-elvis-on-teen-titans-go/.
53. ↑ "DC Showcase Animated Shorts". comicscontinuum.com. July 10, 2010. http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1007/10/.
54. ↑ Collura, Scott (July 25, 2010). "SDCC 10: DC Shorts Showcase". IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/07/25/sdcc-10-dc-shorts-showcase.
55. ↑ Gonzalez, Umberto (January 18, 2018). "'This Is Us' Star Ron Cephas Jones Circles Wizard Role in DC Superhero Film 'SHAZAM!' (Exclusive)". https://www.thewrap.com/ron-cephas-jones-wizard-dc-superhero-shazam/.
56. ↑ "Geoff Johns to Expand Creative Role Becoming a Full-time Writer/Producer for Film, Television and More; Exclusive to DC and Warner Bros.". Warner Bros. Entertainment. June 11, 2018. https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/news/geoff-johns-expand-creative-role-becoming-full-time-writerproducer-film-television.
57. ↑ "Djimon Hounsou to Appear in Black Adam". July 26, 2021. https://thestreamr.com/general/djimon-hounsou-to-appear-in-black-adam/.
58. ↑ Jirak, Jamie (July 23, 2021). "Shazam! Fury of the Gods Set Photo Reveals Return of Surprising Actor". https://comicbook.com/dc/news/shazam-fury-of-the-gods-set-photo-reveals-return-of-djimon-hounsou/.
59. ↑ Eisen, Andrew (October 4, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects.

## External links

* Wizard Shazam at DC Comics
* Shazam at DC Comics Wiki
* Marvel Family Web entry on the wizard Shazam
* Earth-S Marvel Family Index

Template:Shazam

de:Captain Marvel#Shazam

0.00

(0 votes)

|

Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Religion:Wizard_Shazam&oldid=4204504"