Shazam

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

In late 1939, Fawcett Publications released Whiz Comics #2 (cover-dated Feb. 1940), introducing Billy Batson, an orphaned boy who became Captain Marvel. The story also introduced his archenemy, Doctor Sivana, and established Billy's job as a radio reporter for station WHIZ. The first issue sold over 500,000 copies, making it an instant success. By 1941, the character had his own solo series, Captain Marvel Adventures, with the premiere issue (cover-dated March 1941) written and drawn by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. The franchise expanded between 1941 and 1942 to include Lieutenant Marvels, Captain Marvel Jr., Mary Marvel, and Hoppy the Marvel Bunny. By 1942, chief writing duties passed to Otto Binder, who created enduring enemies like Mister Mind and Black Adam while steering stories toward a whimsical tone.

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?

• Captain Marvel was the most popular superhero of the 1940s, outselling Superman.
• He was the first comic book superhero adapted to film in a 1941 Republic Pictures serial.
• 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.