Shazam

The magic word that turns a boy into a god.

Shazam, originally known as Captain Marvel and The Captain, is a superhero created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker for Fawcett Comics. He first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 (cover-dated Feb. 1940). The character is the alter-ego of William Joseph "Billy" Batson, a young boy who transforms into a costumed adult superhero by speaking the magic word "SHAZAM!" This acronym represents six immortal elders: Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury, whose attributes grant Shazam his superpowers. At one point during the 1940s, Captain Marvel was the most popular superhero in America, outselling even Superman.

Quick Facts

Publisher

Fawcett Comics (1942–1953); DC Comics (1972–present)

Debut

Whiz Comics #2 (February 1940)

Creators

Bill Parker; C. C. Beck

Species

Human

Partners

Wizard Shazam
Courtney Whitmore
Mary Marvel
Captain Marvel Jr.
Tawky Tawny

Also known as

Captain Thunder
World's Mightiest Mortal
King Shazam
Captain Shazam
Lightning Guy
Champion of Magic

Lore & Background

Billy Batson is granted magical powers by the Wizard Shazam. Upon speaking the name "Shazam," Billy is struck by a magic lightning bolt and transforms into an adult hero possessing the wisdom of Solomon, strength of Hercules, stamina of Atlas, power of Zeus, courage of Achilles, and speed of Mercury. Billy often shares these powers with other children, primarily his sister Mary Batson and their best friend/foster brother Freddy Freeman. Together they form the Marvel Family (also known as the Shazam Family or Shazamily), fighting crime alongside Billy. The character faces an extensive rogues' gallery, including primary archenemies Black Adam, Doctor Sivana, and Mister Mind, who often work in tandem as the Monster Society of Evil.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note that DC Comics brands the character as Shazam! due to trademark conflicts with Marvel Comics over other characters named "Captain Marvel." Although the mainline version was renamed "Shazam" during the 2011 relaunch, the original name Captain Marvel remains historically significant. The character was adapted into a 1941 Republic Pictures serial starring Tom Tyler and Frank Coghlan, Jr., making him the first comic book superhero filmed. Fawcett ceased publishing in 1953 following a copyright infringement suit from DC Comics alleging the character copied Superman. In 1972, DC licensed the rights, eventually acquiring all rights by 1991. Recent adaptations include Filmation's live-action series (starring Jackson Bostwick and John Davey) and animated series, as well as the 2019 New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. film Shazam! starring Zachary Levi and Asher Angel.

Did You Know?

The name "Billy Batson" was inspired by Fawcett founder Wilford H. Fawcett's nickname, "Captain Billy."
Whiz Comics #2 did not have any copyright registration or renewal at the time of its first appearance.
Otto Binder wrote over 900 of the approximately 1,790 Captain Marvel-related stories published by Fawcett.