Shazam (comics)

Shazam
The wizard Shazam. Art by Alex Ross.
Publication information
Publisher	Fawcett Comics (1940–1953) DC Comics (1972–present)
First appearance	Whiz Comics #2 (February 1940)
Created by	C. C. Beck Bill Parker
In-story information
Alter ego	Jebediah of Canaan Mamargan
Team affiliations	Marvel Family Squadron of Justice The Quintessence
Notable aliases	The Champion, Jebediah O' Keenan
Abilities	Magically bestowed superhuman strength, speed, stamina and courage Invulnerability Nigh-omnipotent mastery of magic and mysticism Omnipresent and omniscient Telepathy

Shazam is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created 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 the superhero Captain Marvel. DC Comics has billed Captain Marvel's adventures under the title Shazam! since 1973.

In 2012, DC officially changed Captain Marvel's name to "Shazam", to resolve trademark conflicts with the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Both the wizard and his champion shared the name of "Shazam" in the comic-book stories published from then to date, the Wizard later revealing "Shazam" is an adopted name, his original name being Mamaragan.

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. Although Shazam is killed, as prophesied, by a giant granite block falling on him, Billy/Marvel 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 Marvel in carrying on the legacy of Shazam, including Marvel Family members Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr. Shazam tells that once, 5000 years before, he gave powers to Black Adam, but banished him to the furthest star in the universe for trying to use them to take over the world.