CAPTAIN MARVEL – Mightiest of Mortals!

There is perhaps one superhero in the DC Universe with powers that rival those of Superman – Captain Marvel.  While Superman’s powers are derived from his exposure to Earth’s yellow sun, Captain Marvel’s powers are based solely in magic.  Captain Marvel is the alter ego of young Billy Batson, who needs only to say, “Shazam!” to be instantly transformed by a bolt of magical lightning into the powerful Captain Marvel.  First introduced in the Fawcett title, Whiz Comics in 1940, Captain marvel magically acquires the wisdom of Soloman, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the invulnerability of Achilles and the speed of Mercury.

Although Whiz Comics was not a DC Publication at the time, DC obtained the rights to Captain Marvel and the rest of the Marvel Family and began publishing their adventures in the early 1970’s in the pages of Shazam!  After the Golden Age adventures of Captain Marvel were introduced, many more popular characters were ushered into the Marvel Family such as Mary Marvel, Captain Marvel Junior, Uncle Marvel, Mr. Tawney the Tiger and others.  In addition to Whiz Comics, Captain Marvel appeared in his own title, Captain Marvel Adventures and The Marvel Family.  Captain Marvel and his supporting cast continue to be popular members of the DC Universe.

Expert commentary provided by our good friend and comics expert,Bill Jourdain.   Thanks Bill!