Originally published under the Fawcett comics until 1953 when DC comics took an injunction for them to cease publication due to the similarities to their flagship character Superman. Maybe they were also bugged that Captain MARVEL actually was outselling Superman at that time !
Billy Batson says the magic words SHAZAM ! and is transfered into "The World's Mightiest Mortal" Captain Marvel.
| S | for the wisdom of Solomon | As Captain Marvel, Billy has instant access to a vast amount of scholarly knowledge, including most known languages and sciences. The wisdom of Solomon also provides him with counsel and advice in times of need. In early Captain Marvel stories, Solomon's power also gave Marvel the ability to hypnotize people. (Note that Solomon is the only figure in the list not taken from Greco-Roman mythology). |
| H | for the strength of Hercules | Hercules' power grants Captain Marvel immense superhuman strength, making him one of DC Comics' most physically powerful characters; he is able to easily bend steel, punch through walls and lift massive objects, (including whole continents like South America). |
| A | for the stamina of Atlas | Using Atlas' endurance, Captain Marvel can withstand and survive most types of extreme physical assaults. Additionally, he does not need to eat, sleep, or breathe and can survive unaided in space when in Captain Marvel form. |
| Z | for the power of Zeus | Zeus' power, besides fueling the magic thunderbolt that transforms Captain Marvel, also enhances Marvel's other physical and mental abilities, and grants him resistance against all magic spells and attacks. Marvel can use the lightning bolt as a weapon by dodging it and allowing it to strike an opponent or target. The magic lightning has several uses, such as creating apparatus, restoring damage done to Marvel and acting as fuel for magic spells. |
| A | for the courage of Achilles | This aspect gives Captain Marvel the courage of Achilles. In the Trials of Shazam! mini-series, this was changed to the Greek hero's near invulnerability. It also aids Captain Marvel's mental fortitude against most mental attacks. |
| M | for the speed of Mercury | By channeling Mercury's speed, Captain Marvel can move at superhuman speeds. This also gives Marvel the ability to fly to the Rock of Eternity by flying faster than the speed of light. |
Eventually in 1991, DC acquired the rights and integrated the Marvel family into the mainstream DC Universe.
During the lull though Marvel Comics had already copyrighted the Captain MARVEL name so DC would normally refer to the character as SHAZAM to avoid conflict.
Rick Jones would click the nega bands on his wrist to release Captain MARVEL from his prison in the negative zone and replace him there.
Marvel's family included Mary Batson as Mary Marvel and his main nemesis Black Adam have been captured in DC's Infinite Heroes Crisis collection.
As with his Marvel comics counterpart joining the Avengers, SHAZAM also joined the Justice League.
