10 Surprising Facts About Black Adam and His Connection to Shazam in DC Comics

The original name of Black Adam is Teth-Adam, a character who has existed since ancient Egyptian times. The story of Adam has two distinct versions.

1. The Fawcett Comics Version of Teth-Adam Started in December 1945

Before DC Comics acquired the rights to Captain Marvel and its characters, including Black Adam, this character had a completely different origin story.

Black Adam first appeared in the comic book Marvel Family #1 (1945), published by Fawcett Comics. This was also the debut of the copyright ownership of Black Adam and Shazam, who was then referred to as Captain Marvel.

Initially, Black Adam was the mortal enemy of the wizard Shazam and was given immense power to transform into Mighty Adam. However, after being corrupted, he began to exhibit tyrannical behavior, desiring to dominate the world, which led him to kill the Pharaoh who was in power at that time.

Eventually, the name Mighty Adam was changed to Black Adam, and he was banished from Earth. He spent 5,000 years trying to return to Earth and became a nemesis of Shazam in modern times.

2. The Story of Black Adam in DC Comics’ New 52

In DC Comics, Black Adam is Teth-Adam, who also lived in ancient Egypt. He is depicted as a tragic figure striving to escape his past and save his nephew, Aman. After discovering Aman’s heart was pure, Shazam chose Aman as the new champion for the wizard.

After gaining Shazam’s powers, Aman did not want to share his strength with Adam and instead kept a portion of it for himself. Both returned to their homeland and decided to use their powers to save their loved ones from oppression. However, if Aman wanted to protect ancient Egypt and resolve conflicts peacefully, Adam had a more radical approach: killing those who stood in his way.

To execute his plan quietly, Adam killed Aman and absorbed his powers. From that moment on, Adam became Black Adam, a villain in the eyes of humanity, and remained imprisoned for thousands of years.

3. Black Adam’s Source of Power Differs from Shazam

After Black Adam was released from his prison in modern times, his source of power did not solely rely on the magic word “Shazam” but was drawn from ancient Egyptian gods including Shu, Horus, Amun, Zehuti, Aten, and Mehen. Nevertheless, he still had to shout “Shazam!” to unleash his powers.

4. Black Adam is One of Shazam’s Greatest Enemies

Black Adam is one of Shazam’s greatest adversaries in the DC Comics universe. After learning about Shazam’s powers, Adam attempted to reclaim the strength that was once transferred to Billy Batson, the current champion. As of now, Black Adam remains the main rival of Billy.

5. Black Adam Once Asked Batman to Share His Power, But Batman Refused

Batman and Black Adam have had their own unique conflicts, but both hold mutual respect for each other. Black Adam even asked Batman to share his powers so that he could better protect Gotham. However, Batman declined, preferring to rely on his own strengths as a regular human.

6. Black Adam Can Fight and Even Defeat Superman

Superman and Black Adam have also fought against each other. Black Adam can withstand Superman’s punches and retaliate with a powerful strike. Compared to Superman, Black Adam possesses a magical edge, which often puts him at an advantage. Besides Kryptonite, Superman is also vulnerable to certain magical weaknesses.

7. A Member of the Justice Society of America (JSA) Who Fights Against the Suicide Squad!

Black Adam has also been a member of the Justice Society of America (JSA) and has simultaneously joined the Injustice Society. He has even fought alongside the Suicide Squad!

8. Black Adam is Now the Ruler of Kahndaq

In ancient Egypt, Adam was a nobleman in Kahndaq. In present times, he has returned to Kahndaq in Africa, becoming its ruler and protector of his homeland.

9. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Fought to Get a Solo Film for Black Adam

DC decided to create a standalone film for The Rock’s Black Adam before the character made an appearance in Shazam. This decision was due to the character’s potential as a leading figure in his own right.

In the original idea, Black Adam was to be introduced in the Shazam movie, meaning both characters would appear in one film. However, Dwayne Johnson directly communicated with Warner Bros. and insisted that his character should have its own film.