Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel Publishing History

Early illustrations of Captain Marvel and Billy Batson

With the success of Superman at National Comics (DC's forerunner), Fawcett Publications decided to publish their own comic book stories. In 1939, artist C.C. Beck and writer Bill Parker created "Captain Thunder" and published Flash Comics #1 (also known as Thrill Comics). Due to trademark concerns, Flash Comics was renamed Whizz Comics and artist Pete Costanza suggested renaming the lead "Captain Marvelous" which was shortened by editors to Captain Marvel. He was first featured in Whiz Comics #2.

In 1941, National Comics sued Fawcett for copyright infringement. The case eventually went to trial in 1948 and found in Fawcett's favor in 1951 as the judge decided that Superman was not properly copyrighted. After an appeal Judge Billings Learned Hand found Superman's copyright was valid but Captain Marvel did not infringe it, only some of his stories. In the face of further action, Fawcett agreed to stop publishing the character and settled out of court for $400,000 in 1953. Fawcett also decided to shut down its comic book division.  DC leased the character from Fawcett in 1972. Because Marvel Comics held the trademark on the name "Captain Marvel," DC was forced to come up with a different name for the comic book, and decided to call the book Shazam!  

Origin of Captain Marvel

Billy Batson: Captain Marvel's Adolescent Form

When young Billy Batson's parents were killed by their treacherous assistant Theo Adam (better known as the nefarious Black Adam), he was separated from his sister Mary and sent to live with his uncle. Unfortunately, his uncle kicked out Billy and stole his inheritance. Living on the streets, Billy sold newspapers until one day, a strange cloaked man lead him to a part of the subway he'd never seen before. A marvelous train awaited them, covered in hieroglyphs and runes. Billy and the stranger rode the train deep into the bowels of the Earth and into a cavern that contained statues of the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man. There, he met the ancient wizard Shazam who had protected mankind from them for thousands of years. Shazam had chosen Billy to succeed him and granted him all of his extraordinary powers by speaking his name.  

History of Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel's First Appearance: Whiz Comics #2

Pre-crisis Marvels origin is only slightly different from the current Captain Marvel. Shazam was killed after Marvel's first transformation and would often appear as a ghost during the run of the series. Doctor Sivanna first appeared after attempting to silence all radio transmissions unless he was giving an extremely large amount of money. Billy informed the head of Whiz radio Sterling Morris that he would fix the problem if he would give a job. Morris amused his request and agreed. Marvel captured Sivana's men destroyed his machine and captured Sivanna himself. As Morris promised he granted Billy's request and gave him a job as an radio reporter. Black Adam was also a former champion for Shazam but because of his extreme methods his was imprisoned but accidentally freed by Marvel. These events and changed in the modern age.

Modern age Billy has made many enemies as Captain Marvel aside from Black Adam such as Captain Nazi, Doctor Sivana, Mister Mind and the Monster Society of Evil and more. Captain Marvel joined the Justice Society of America so he could keep an eye on the "reformed" member Black Adam. However Marvel stayed with the team even after Adam left. As a member Marvel began to date Stargirl however he left the team because although his true age it was an strange sight him being with a teenage girl. After the Infinite Crisis Shazam was killed by the Spectre during the Day of Vengeance. The Rock of Eternity was also destroyed spreading many ancient and evil magics. With help from Zatanna and the other Marvels imprisoned the Seven Deadly Sins and rebuilt the Rock. Marvel soon battled Adam after being enraged by the death of Isis after a battle with the "Four Horsemen" that were created by many of DC's mad scientists. Marvel was forced to change Adams word after striking him with a bolt of lightning. 

Captain Marvel's Personality

What makes Captain Marvel different from many heroes is his personality. Despite gaining the figure of a fully grown adult when turning into Captain Marvel, he still has the mind of Billy Batson. He is often impressed by the deeds and abilities of other heroes, and is a big fan of Superman, despite their many clashes. Billy is also very kind and pure-hearted, unlike the original champion of Shazam, Black Adam. 

Captain Marvel's Greatest Foe: Black Adam

Captain Marvel's Greatest Enemy: Black Adam

The Marvel Family

Captain Marvel's first adventure found him battling his parent's murderer, Black Adam. He possesses his own powers, thanks to an ancient scarab amulet which channeled power from Teth-Adam who has similar abilities granted by Shazam during ancient Egypt's 19th dynasty. Captain Marvel defeated him by taking away the amulet, stripping his power. Instead of allowing him to die in a collapsing museum, Captain Marvel saved his life and spared his parents killer.He captured Adam and his boss Doctor Sivana. 

The Marvel Family

Later, at the Rock of Eternity, Billy learned that the stranger who led him to the wizard was in fact his father. Billy chose to remain Captain Marvel and use Shazam's gifts for good. He would also look for his sister, Mary.

Eventually, they were reunited and Billy decided to share his power with her. She too is transformed by speaking the wizard's name, Mary became Mary Marvel. He also shared his power with their mutual friend, Freddy Freeman, who became  Captain  Marvel Jr.  after being crippled by Captain Nazi.  

 Trials of Shazam

Captain Marvel and the Rock of Eternity

The next time we see Billy he has had a year to adjust to his new role as guardian of the Rock of Eternity. We see him helping Zatanna with a creature she’s never faced before, and explaining to her that the Books of Magic have been re-written. He then returns to the rock of Eternity. When he responds to an occurring crisis, to save the lives of children and keep a Demon from being summoned everything changes. Having defeated the villains, and ready to rescue the children, he summons the lightning to return to his Billy Batson form and is struck with a bolt that changes him forever. When we see Billy next he has just called Freddy to the Rock of Eternity. He explains that the power of Shazam had withdrawn upon itself to heal after the death of the Wizard, explaining the Marvel’s power loss. He also explains that the magic has healed itself and returned seeking a container, Billy. He has now fully taken over the former responsibilities of Shazam. He is not only everything Captain Marvel was, but is also imbued with all that Shazam was. Explaining to Freddy that he is still Billy, he just simply had to “grow up”, Marvel then explains to Freddy that the Books of Magic have been re-written. He is now Marvel, keeper of the powers of Shazam, and he has tapped Freddy, as his successor, as acolyte to the power. He offers Freddy the opportunity to earn the powers of Shazam by taking trials from each of the Lords of Magic. When Freddy accepts Marvel then sends him on his quest. Being as he cannot leave the Rock of Eternity for more than 24 hrs at a time, he appoints a guide for Freddy, but Marvel still plays an important role. He watches over Freddy as he takes his trials, congratulating him after his completion of Solomon’s trial, and explaining the change in his powers, regarding his magic word, after the trial of Achilles. When Atlas is killed, Marvel takes over holding the world from Freddy until a replacement can be found. He manages to do this and still watch over Freddy, and talk with Zareb, while he takes his trail from Apollo. Marvel is also with Freddy when he gathers the forces of good magic to help in his search for Mercury. While they search, he and Freddy monitor from the Rock of Eternity planning the next step. He is also present with Freddy when he goes to ask the Justice League for assistance. Marvel senses when Sabina goes to Merlin for help, and he also senses and notifies the forces of good magic when she attacks. Marvel continues to fight, helping the side of good, until Zareb senses that Freddy has passed his trials and transforms into Zeus. Then Marvel and Zeus bestow the power of Shazam upon Freddy, making him into the new Shazam and their champion.  

Justice Society - Rebirth of Shazam

Captain Marvel in Kingdom Come

Captain Marvel: A True Challenge to the Man of Steel

The Meaning Of "SHAZAM!" 

Shazam explains the powers to Captain Marvel

When he speaks the wizard's name, a lightning bolt from Zeus with the power of Shazam transforms Billy from an adolescent boy into an adult hero. As Captain Marvel, he is granted powers from the Gods:

S: Solomon

H: Hercules

A: Atlas

Z: Zeus

A: Achilles

M: Mercury

The Transformation from Billy Batson to Captain Marvel

Shazam! TV Series (1974-1977):  

Justice League Unlimited

• Clash (11 June 2005; Season 4, Episode 7)

• Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe - Captain Marvel appearance as a playable character. Available on PS3 and Xbox 360.

Superman/ Batman: Public Enemies (2009): 

Batman: The Brave and The Bold (2009):