Shazam, originally known as Captain Marvel, is a superhero appearing in American comic books originally published by Fawcett Comics and now by DC Comics. Created by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker in 1939, the character first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 (cover-dated February 1940). The story follows young Billy Batson, an orphaned boy who is granted the power to transform into an adult superhero by speaking the magic word "SHAZAM!", an acronym of six mythological elders: Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. As Shazam, he possesses superhuman strength, speed, flight, and other abilities.
The character quickly became one of the most popular superheroes of the Golden Age of Comic Books, at one point outselling even Superman. He headlined a franchise that included a family of similarly powered allies like Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr., and battled a memorable rogues' gallery including the ancient Egyptian-powered Black Adam, the mad scientist Doctor Sivana, and the telepathic worm Mister Mind. After years of legal battles between Fawcett and DC Comics over similarities to Superman, the character was acquired by DC and integrated into its universe, eventually renamed Shazam to avoid trademark conflicts. His enduring appeal lies in the wish-fulfillment fantasy of a child becoming a powerful hero, combined with a bright, optimistic tone.
