Shazam, originally known as Captain Marvel, is a superhero created by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, first appearing in Fawcett Comics' Whiz Comics #2 in 1939. The character is the alter ego of Billy Batson, a young boy who, by speaking the magic word 'Shazam'—an acronym for the wisdom of Solomon, strength of Hercules, stamina of Atlas, power of Zeus, courage of Achilles, and speed of Mercury—is transformed into an adult superhero with a striking red costume, white cape, and golden lightning bolt emblem.
During the Golden Age of Comic Books, Captain Marvel was one of the most popular superheroes, outselling even Superman in the 1940s. His adventures were supported by a unique 'Marvel Family' of characters, including his sister Mary Marvel and friend Captain Marvel Jr., who shared similar powers. However, a lengthy legal battle with DC Comics (then National Periodical Publications) over the character's similarities to Superman led to Fawcett ceasing publication of Captain Marvel comics in 1953.
DC Comics eventually licensed the character in 1972 and fully acquired the rights in 1991. Due to Marvel Comics trademarking the name 'Captain Marvel' in the interim, DC was forced to market the character under the title 'Shazam!'—the magic word he speaks—though within the stories he remained Captain Marvel for many years. In 2011, as part of DC's New 52 reboot, the character was officially renamed Shazam, with Billy Batson reimagined as a slightly more troubled foster child navigating a new family and his newfound heroic identity.
The Shazam mythos blends classic superhero action with a sense of childlike wonder, as its core premise revolves around a child being granted the ultimate wish of becoming a superhero. The character has appeared across numerous comic series, animated shows, and live-action adaptations, remaining a beloved fixture of the DC Universe known for its lighter tone and emphasis on family.