A superhero, and member of the Justice League.
Description[]
Appearance[]
Shazam is the adult superhero that the young boy called Billy Batson transforms into by shouting the magic word "Shazam!" Although tall and with the build of a muscular adult, Shazam still has a youthful face. He wears the usual red-and-yellow costume with a white lightning stroke motif down the chest, and with a long white cape (without a hood).
Personality[]
He makes a show of being mature and responsible but often slips into the juvenile enthusiasm of his younger alter ego as though he still has Billy's mind. Initially, he is not a member of the Justice League - Billy has heard of Batman - but with the successful conclusion of a struggle with Black Adam in an early episode, Shazam is invited to join and in later stories appears as a regular member. The League members show concern for his young age.
Powers[]
His powers are magical in origin but are purely physical in use and he is not seen to perform magic himself. He can fly, his strength is implied to be comparable to that of Superman, and he tells us that he is "almost invulnerable". His powers are less varied than those of Superman and he tends to resolve combats with his fists only. As he moves around at speed, he can trail lightning behind him, and on one occasion discharges it from his body against an opponent.
His abilities have been granted to him by the magician called The Wizard whose old age necessitates Shazam's physical support. The powers are "summoned" by the young Billy shouting the magic word skywards followed by a bright and noisy flash of lightning that strikes down at him. He can choose to change back into Billy and is struck by lightning again in the process.
Family[]
Billy usually makes an appearance in Shazam's episodes.
He must be an orphan as he says that his uncle, Dudley H. Dudley, is "the closest thing to real family" that he has. He occasionally visits his uncle in his motor home and can fret over the harm that may come to his uncle when he is with Shazam on a mission. He is not seen in the company of either the foster family or the superhero family seen elsewhere.
Appearances[]
- 1. Classic Rock
- 4. Abate and Switch
- 29. Mxy's Mix-Up (cameo)
- 46. Party Animal (cameo)
- 49. Captain Bamboozle
- Short 19. Skyjacked (cameo)
- Short 22. Clown Party
Links[]
- Shazam at Wikipedia.
Video Excerpts[]
Notes[]
- He is never called Captain Marvel here as sometimes in the comics. Presumably DC is avoiding a dispute with Marvel Comics over use of the name.
Gallery[]
