Black Adam
Artwork for the cover of 52 Week 45 (Mar 14, 2007). Art by J. G. Jones.
Publication information
Publisher	Fawcett Comics (1945 - 1973) DC Comics (1973 - present)
First appearance	The Marvel Family # 1 (December, 1945)
Created by	Otto Binder C. C. Beck
In story information
Alter ego	Teth-Adam (original form) Theo Adam (reincarnated form)
Team affiliations	Kahndaq The Freedom of Power Coalition Justice Society of America Injustice Society The Society Suicide Squad Monster Society of Evil Black Marvel Family
Notable aliases	Mighty Adam, Khem-Adam
Abilities	Magically bestowed aspects of various mythological figures which include superhuman strength, speed, stamina, physical and magical invulnerability, flight, fearlessness, and vast wisdom/enhanced mental perception. Enhanced senses and can heal himself through magic lightning.

Black Adam is a fictional comic book character, created in 1945 by Otto Binder & C.C. Beck for Fawcett Comics. Originally created as a one-shot villain for Fawcett Comics' Marvel Family team of superheroes, Black Adam was revived as a recurring supervillain after DC Comics began publishing Captain Marvel/Marvel Family stories under the title Shazam! in the 1970s. As originally depicted, Black Adam was a corrupted ancient Egyptian predecessor of Captain Marvel, who found his way to modern times to challenge the hero and his Marvel Family associates. Image File history File links Blackadam52. ... 52 is the title of a comic book limited series published by DC Comics, which debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. ... J. G. Jones is an American comic book artist. ... Whiz Comics #2, the first appearance of Captain Marvel, the companys most popular character. ... DC Comics is an American comic book and related media company. ... In comic books, first appearance refers to first comic book to feature a character. ... The Marvel Family is a group of fictional characters, a team of superheroes in the Fawcett Comics and DC Comics universes. ... Otto Oscar Binder (August 26, 1911 - October 14, 1974) was a writer of American science fiction, non-fiction UFO, and comic books. ... Clarence Charles Beck, (July 9, 1910_November 22, 1989), was an American cartoonist. ... Kahndaq is a fictional country in the DC Comics Universe. ... The Freedom of Power Treaty is a fictional treaty in the DC Comics Universe. ... The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. ... The Injustice Society (also called the Injustice Society of the World) is a group of fictional supervillains in the DC Comics universe. ... The Secret Society of Super Villains (SSoSV) is a group of comic book villains that exist in the DC Universe. ... Suicide Squad is a name for a number of fictional organizations created for and owned by DC Comics. ... Mister Mind is a fictional supervillain created by Fawcett Comics, now owned and published by DC Comics. ... A comic book is a magazine or book containing the art form of comics. ... Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... Otto Oscar Binder (August 26, 1911 - October 14, 1974) was a writer of American science fiction, non-fiction UFO, and comic books. ... Clarence Charles Beck, (June 8, 1910-November 22, 1989), was an American cartoonist. ... Whiz Comics #2, the first appearance of Captain Marvel, the companys most popular character. ... Whiz Comics #2, the first appearance of Captain Marvel, the companys most popular character. ... The Marvel Family is a group of fictional characters, a team of superheroes in the Fawcett Comics and DC Comics universes. ... Doctor Doom, one of the most archetypal supervillains and his arch-enemies The Fantastic Four (in background). ... DC Comics is an American comic book and related media company. ... This article is about the DC Comics character. ... The pyramids are the most recognizable symbols of the civilization of ancient Egypt. ...

Since the turn of the 21st century, Adam has been redefined by DC writers Jerry Ordway, Geoff Johns, and David S. Goyer as a corrupted anti-hero attempting to clear his name. Featured roles in comic books series such as JSA, Villains United, Infinite Crisis, and 52 have elevated the character to a level of prominence in DC Comics.^{[verification needed]} The covers of both the hardcover and the softcover versions of the Power of Shazam! graphic novel by Ordway. ... Geoff Johns (born 25 January 1973 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics. ... David S. Goyer is a comic book writer, screenwriter, and film director. ... In literature and film, an anti-hero is a central or supporting character that has some of the personality flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also have enough heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of readers or viewers. ... The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. ... Villains United is a six-issue comic book limited series, written by Gail Simone with art by Dale Eaglesham and Wade von Grawbadger, published by DC Comics in 2005. ... Infinite Crisis was a seven-issue limited series of comic books published by DC Comics, beginning in October of 2005. ... 52 is the title of a comic book limited series published by DC Comics, which debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. ...

Publication history

Fawcett Comics

The original Fawcett Comics version of Black Adam, which appeared only once during the original Fawcett run of Captain Marvel comics, is an ancient Egyptian prince named "Teth-Adam", who is chosen by the wizard Shazam to be his successor. Whiz Comics #2, the first appearance of Captain Marvel, the companys most popular character. ... The pyramids are the most recognizable symbols of the civilization of ancient Egypt. ...

Black Adam's origin. The Marvel Family # 1 (1945). Art by C. C. Beck and Pete Costanza.

When Adam says the magic word "Shazam", he is transformed into a super-powered being, Teth Adam (literally translating into "Mighty Human"). Possessing the same powers that Captain Marvel would later be granted, Adam is soon corrupted by the vastness of his powers. The wizard Shazam originally gives him ancient powers derived from Greco-Roman deities (Later stories establish that the names of gods from the Egyptian pantheon make up the acronym Shazam for Black Adam). Image File history File links Blackadamorigin. ... Image File history File links Blackadamorigin. ...

Deciding that he should rule the world, Adam overthrows the pharaoh and assumes the throne. An angry Shazam gives his errant champion a new name -- "Black Adam" -- and banishes him to the most distant star in the universe. For other uses, see Pharaoh (disambiguation). ...

Adam spends the next 5000 years flying back to Earth. By the time he makes it back, in 1945, Shazam has appointed three new champions to take his place: Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel, and Captain Marvel Jr. Adam does battle with the trio, known as the Marvel Family, but since all are equally invulnerable, the fight goes on and on without resolution. At the suggestion of the wizard Shazam, Uncle Marvel tricks Black Adam into saying the wizard's name, transforming him back into his mortal form. Adam's natural aging process takes hold, and he withers away into a skeleton within moments. Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... This article is about the DC Comics character. ... Mary Marvel is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine, originally published by Fawcett Comics and now owned by DC Comics. ... Captain Marvel Jr. ... The Marvel Family is a group of fictional characters, a team of superheroes in the Fawcett Comics and DC Comics universes. ... The Marvel Family is a group of fictional characters, a team of superheroes in the Fawcett Comics and DC Comics universes. ...

Adam's original design bore a resemblance to actor Boris Karloff, albeit with pointed elfin ears. He wore a costume similar to Captain Marvel's, except that the red portions were black, and Adam did not wear a cape (some mid-2000s depictions of the character gave him a black cape similar to the ones worn by the Marvel Family). Boris Karloff (born William Henry Pratt) (November 23, 1887 – February 2, 1969) was an English actor who emigrated to Canada in the 1910s. ... For other uses, see Cape (disambiguation). ...

DC Comics

Pre-Crisis and Shazam!: The New Beginning

While he is defeated in the same story in which he debuted, Adam is resurrected nearly thirty years later (by Doctor Sivana) in DC Comics' Shazam! revival of the Marvel Family characters. According to Shazam! #28, Black Adam gets his powers from Shu (stamina), Hershef (strength), Amon (power), Zehuti (Thoth) (wisdom), Anpu (speed), and Menthu (courage). After several more defeats at Captain Marvel's hand, Adam joins Mister Mind's final pre-Crisis version of the Monster Society Of Evil. Adam's origin is revised for the 1987 miniseries Shazam! The New Beginning, in which the need for Captain Marvel to oppose him is made an integral reason of why Billy Batson is recruited. Soon after that call, the corrupted champion is drawn from the netherworld by an interdimensional transport device created by Dr. Sivana, whom Adam attempts to make his slave. Doctor Thaddeus Bodog Sivana is a fictional comic book supervillain. ... DC Comics is an American comic book and related media company. ... This article is about the DC Comics character. ... In Egyptian mythology, Shu (meaning dryness and he who rises up) is one of the primordial gods, a personification of air, one of the Ennead of Heliopolis. ... For other uses, see Amun (disambiguation). ... Thoth (Ramesseum, Luxor) Thoth (his Greek name derived from the Egyptian *, written by Egyptians as ) was considered one of the most important deities of the Egyptian pantheon, often depicted with the head of an ibis. ... For other uses, see Anubis (disambiguation). ... In Egyptian mythology, Menthu was a hawk-god, of war. ... Mister Mind is a fictional supervillain created by Fawcett Comics, now owned and published by DC Comics. ... Crisis on Infinite Earths was a 12-issue American comic book limited series (identified as a 12-part maxi-series) and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify their then-55-year-old continuity. ... Mister Mind is a fictional supervillain created by Fawcett Comics, now owned and published by DC Comics. ... Year 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar). ... Doctor Thaddeus Bodog Sivana is a fictional comic book supervillain. ...

Fictional character biography

The Power of Shazam!: revised origin

(Left to right) Blaze, Shazam, and Black Adam, on the cover of The Power of Shazam! #10 (1995). Art by Jerry Ordway.

Black Adam is reintroduced to the DC Universe in The Power of Shazam! graphic novel by Jerry Ordway in 1994. In that story and the subsequent Power of Shazam! ongoing series, Adam is a deadly and evil adversary for Captain Marvel. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (400x604, 80 KB) Summary The Power of Shazam! #10 (1995). ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (400x604, 80 KB) Summary The Power of Shazam! #10 (1995). ... Blaze and Satanus are demonic supervillain siblings in the DC Comics Universe. ... Shazam is a comic book character created by Bill Parker and C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics. ... The covers of both the hardcover and the softcover versions of the Power of Shazam! graphic novel by Jerry Ordway. ... The covers of both the hardcover and the softcover versions of the Power of Shazam! graphic novel by Ordway. ... The covers of both the hardcover and the softcover versions of the Power of Shazam! graphic novel by Jerry Ordway. ... The covers of both the hardcover and the softcover versions of the Power of Shazam! graphic novel by Ordway. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) The year 1994 was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by the United Nations. ...

In this revised origin, Teth-Adam is the son of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II, and impresses one of the high priests, the wizard Shazam, with his good deeds. The wizard gives Teth-Adam the power to become the superhero Mighty-Adam by speaking the name "Shazam", an acronym for Mighty Adam's powers: the stamina of Shu, the swiftness of Heru (Horus), the strength of Amon, the wisdom of Zehuti, the power of Aton, and the courage of Mehen. The pyramids are the most recognizable symbols of the civilization of ancient Egypt. ... For other uses, see Pharaoh (disambiguation). ... Nomen: Ramesses meryamun Ramesses (Re has fashioned him), beloved of Amun. ... Shazam is a comic book character created by Bill Parker and C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics. ... Ihy redirects here. ... [1] Aten (or Aton) was the disk of the sun in ancient Egyptian mythology, and originally an aspect of Ra. ... In Ancient Egypt, Mehen is both what appears to be a mythological character, and a board game. ...

Mighty Adam serves as Egypt's champion for many centuries, but becomes corrupted by the charms of a mysterious woman, revealed to be Shazam's evil daughter Blaze in disguise. The bewitched Adam is convinced that he and his mistress should rule Egypt, so he kills the Pharaoh and appoint himself ruler. Shazam learns of this treachery and strips Adam of his powers, encasing them in a mystical scarab necklace. Adam's depowered body rapidly experiences the aging process that the magic had staved off, and the former hero withers away into a dried cadaver in seconds. Blaze and Satanus are demonic supervillain siblings in the DC Comics Universe. ...

Shazam buries both the body and the scarab in the tomb of Ramesses II, where he plans for it to remain for all eternity. In death, the former hero is referred to as "Khem-Adam" ("Black Adam"). Disillusioned by what he perceived as Adam's betrayal, Shazam waits several millennia before appointing a second champion to fight evil in his name. Nomen: Ramesses meryamun Ramesses (Re has fashioned him), beloved of Amun. ...

Thousands of years later, during the late 20th century, an unscrupulous archaeological aide named Theo Adam finds himself assigned to the Malcom Expedition, financed by the Sivana Foundation to excavate the tomb of Ramesses II. Adam uncovers Khem-Adam's tomb in a secret passageway, and leads his superiors, C. C. Batson and his wife Marilyn, to the discovery. Upon first sight of Khem-Adam's scarab, Theo Adam becomes obsessed with the artifact, and kills both Batsons in order to steal it. Escaping Egypt, Theo Adam soon made his way back to America.

The Batsons' son, Billy, has been left behind in the United States, and is drafted by Shazam to become the wizard's second champion, Captain Marvel. When Theo Adam first encounters Captain Marvel, he notes both Marvel's identical appearance to C. C. Batson and the lightning-bolt insignia on Marvel's chest that had also decorated Khem-Adam's tomb. Adam therefore has a revelation, and realizes that he is a reincarnation of Khem-Adam. Grasping his stolen scarab, Adam speaks Shazam's name and is transformed into the super-powered Black Adam. Black Adam reveals himself to Captain Marvel as the Batsons' killer, and the two battle. Captain Marvel emerges victorious by snatching Adam's scarab, and therefore his power, away from him. Marvel brings Theo Adam to Shazam, who wipes Adam's memory and takes away his voice, so that he can not access his powers. This solution proves temporary, as Blaze re-enters her former lover's life and helps restore his voice, his memory, and access to his powers.

JSA series: Black Adam reforms

Artwork for the cover of JSA # 41 (2003) featuring Shazam's champions, Captain Marvel and Black Adam. Art by Rags Morales.

Although Adam appears during the Power of Shazam! ongoing series' first year of publication as a villain, towards the end of the series' run, Adam returns and announces that Black Adam and Theo Adam are separate personalities. Black Adam stands trial again for the murders of the Batsons, and is acquitted when it is revealed that his fingerprints do not match those of Theo Adam's. black adam File links The following pages link to this file: Black Adam ... black adam File links The following pages link to this file: Black Adam ... The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the DC Comics character. ... Rags Morales (born ?) is a comic book artist. ...

The reformed Black Adam is still vulnerable to his murderous host's influence, and he attacks the Justice Society of America under Theo Adam's control in JSA #6 (1999). In subsequent issues, Adam joins supervillain Johnny Sorrow's Injustice Society after Sorrow removes a malignant brain tumor from Adam's brain. Adam soon betrays Sorrow, and he and the JSA defeat the Injustice Society. Claiming to be free of Theo's evil influence again, a repentant Black Adam requests membership in the Justice Society, and is granted a probationary membership in JSA #21 (2002). The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. ... Johnny Sorrow is a DC Comics supervillain and a recurring Justice Society of America foe. ... The Injustice Society (also called the Injustice Society of the World) is a group of fictional supervillains in the DC Comics universe. ...

During his tenure in JSA, writers Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer redefined Adam's personality and background, focusing on the character's old-fashioned and militant ideals of justice, and his officious and strongly opinionated attitude. Despite this, he has stated on many occasions that he respects the Justice Society, particularly members such as Jay Garrick. Several other JSA members are shown to be skeptical of Adam's reformation; primary among them is Atom Smasher, who later becomes Adam's close friend. The writers also created added tension in the book by having Captain Marvel, who is wholly unconvinced that Adam has reformed, join the team. One JSA story arc (issues 39 through 44) features Marvel, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific venturing back in time to ancient Egypt, where they meet Mighty Adam before his corruption. During this visit, Mighty Adam is grateful to meet Captain Marvel, as Marvel's presence demonstrates that his legacy will survive him even with his children gone, and, when Marvel transforms back into Billy Batson, Adam expresses admiration for the young man's ability to handle the power of Shazam at such a young age, something he doubts he could have achieved himself. Geoff Johns (born 25 January 1973 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics. ... David S. Goyer is a comic book writer, screenwriter, and film director. ... Jay Garrick is a fictional character in the DC Comics Universe and the first Flash. ... Albert Rothstein (known by the aliases Nuklon and Atom Smasher -- sometimes spelled Atom-Smasher) is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics Universe. ... Hawkgirl is the name of several fictional superheroines all owned by DC Comics and existing in that companys DC Universe. ... Michael Holt is a fictional character in the DC Comics Universe. ...

Johns and Goyer used this story arc to slightly alter Adam's origin. The hero now hails from the fictional Arabian nation of Kahndaq, not Egypt, although he serves for the Egyptian prince Khufu (who is later reincarnated as JSA member Hawkman). The character of Blaze is completely removed from the origin story, and Adam's rage is described as having resulted from the conquering of Kahndaq (and the murder of his wife and children) at the hands of a magically powered supervillain named Ahk-ton (whose powers resemble future hero Metamorpho), who is working with the notorious DC immortal Vandal Savage. Mighty Adam kills Ahk-ton during the struggle, and returns to Kahndaq to reclaim it by any means necessary, including murder. The wizard Shazam does not agree with Adam's actions, and robs Adam of his powers and kills him. Kahndaq is a fictional country in the DC Comics Universe. ... For other meanings of the term, see Hawkman (disambiguation) Hawkman is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. ... Metamorpho (Rex Mason) is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. ... Vandal Savage is a fictional character and supervillain in the DC Comics universe. ...

JSA: Black Reign

Kahndaq's rulers: Black Adam's vigilante group, on the cover art for JSA #56.
Art by John Watson.

In JSA #45 (2003), Black Adam and his teammate Atom Smasher both defect from the Justice Society. During the next few issues, Adam forms his own organization, which administers justice the way Adam wants it: "an eye for an eye". His roster includes a mix of DC heroes and villains, including Atom Smasher, Brainwave (who is possessed by Mister Mind), Northwind and the rest of the society of Feithera, Nemesis, and former JSA museum curator Alex Montez, the human host of the demon Eclipso. Adam's collective executes Kobra, a villain who has been acquitted by the legal justice system. Adam then turns his attentions to his old homeland of Kahndaq, now ruled by a militant dictator whose actions had long been ignored by the United Nations. Image File history File links Jsablackreign. ... Image File history File links Jsablackreign. ... Kahndaq is a fictional country in the DC Comics Universe. ... John Watson was born in the 1970s in Blackpool, England. ... Albert Rothstein (known by the aliases Nuklon and Atom Smasher -- sometimes spelled Atom-Smasher) is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics Universe. ... Brainwave or Brain Wave is a name shared by two characters in the DC Comics Universe, who are father and son. ... Mister Mind is a fictional supervillain created by Fawcett Comics, now owned and published by DC Comics. ... Northwind is a fictional avian human hybrid published by DC Comics. ... Nemesis is the name of two fictional characters in the DC Comics universe. ... Eclipso is a fictional character, a villain in the DC Comics Universe. ...

Late 2003 began the publication of a JSA/Hawkman crossover story arc titled "Black Reign", written by Geoff Johns alone, which features Adam and his militia's hostile takeover of Kahndaq. A war soon breaks out, with Adam, his comrades, and the Kahndaqi people on one side, and the Justice Society on the other. By the end of the arc, the JSA leaves Adam in control of Kahndaq, provided that he does not leave its borders, convincing him that he can't enforce his rule on the world or he is no better than the dictator he'd defeated. Brainwave is saved by the JSA, Mister Mind is apprehended thanks to the actions of the Atom, and Nemesis and Alex both die during the battle when Alex loses control of Eclipso. Only Northwind and Atom Smasher remain at Adam's side. As Kahndaq's ruler, Adam is depicted as fiercely working to protect his people and his nation. The Atom is a DC Comics superhero, introduced during the Silver Age of comic books in Showcase # 34 (Sep-Oct 1961). ...

Infinite Crisis

Black Adam is featured heavily in DC's 2005 Infinite Crisis crossover, primarily in the Villains United miniseries as a member of the Secret Society of Super Villains (which he only joins to protect Kahndaq from the Society). Concurrently, in JSA, Atom Smasher leaves Adam's side to return to the JSA. Infinite Crisis was a seven-issue limited series of comic books published by DC Comics, beginning in October of 2005. ... Villains United is a six-issue comic book limited series, written by Gail Simone with art by Dale Eaglesham and Wade von Grawbadger, published by DC Comics in 2005. ... The Secret Society of Super Villains (SSoSV) is a group of comic book villains that exist in the DC Universe. ...

The Society is run by Alexander Luthor, Jr., a character from the alternate world Earth-3, who disguises himself as the Lex Luthor of the post-Crisis Earth. The Infinite Crisis limited series centers around Alexander Luthor's plan to restore the Multiverse. Needing a member of the Marvel Family to power the apparatus he has designed to recreate the alternate earths of the Multiverse, Luthor has the Society betray and capture Black Adam. With the help of the mind-controlling powers of the Psycho-Pirate, Luthor is able to control Adam and have him call down the magic Shazam lightning bolt to fuel the apparatus; the Spectre's rampage during the Day of Vengeance storyline has reverted all magic in the DC Universe to a raw, chaotic structure, and the death of the wizard Shazam has transformed him into a tether that can be used to harness the magic and use it to power his equipment. By the end of the miniseries, Black Adam is freed by Superboy and Nightwing. Adam quickly kills Psycho-Pirate and, following a failed attempt to defeat Superboy-Prime (which reveals that magic does not affect Superboy-Prime, as Adam's blows allegedly only 'tickled'), joins the heroes- although he is generally regarded as being on his own side by the other combatants- in the Battle of Metropolis, destroying Amazo shortly after his arrival. Alexander Luthor, Jr. ... Earth-Three is a fictional alternate universe set in the DC Comics Universe. ... Lex Luthor is a fictional DC Comics supervillain and the archenemy of the superhero Superman. ... Infinite Crisis was a seven-issue limited series of comic books published by DC Comics, beginning in October of 2005. ... A depiction of several alternate Earths within the Multiverse and the different variations of the Flash inhabiting each Earth. ... The Psycho-Pirate was the name of two DC comics supervillains. ... Day of Vengeance #1; cover by Walter Simonson. ... Superboy, also known by his Kryptonian name Kon-El and his human alias Conner Kent, is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics Universe. ... This article is about the DC Comics hero and former sidekick of Batman. ... Superman Prime (formerly known as Superboy Prime) is a fictional character, a superhero turned supervillain in the DC Universe. ... Amazo is a fictional android from DC Comics. ...

52

Main article: 52 (comic book)

Artwork for the cover of 52 Week Twelve featuring Adam and Isis.
Art by J. G. Jones.

Black Adam appears as a featured character in DC's weekly 52 comic book. Depicted as the violent protector of the nation of Khandaq, Adam kills several super-villains in public and on television to demonstrate his views. As a result, he is distrusted by the superhuman community. He creates an international metahuman coalition against the perceived metahuman supremacy of the United States. In 52, DC introduces Adrianna Tomaz, a slave offered to Adam by Intergang as a token to curry his favor. After Adam deals harshly with the slavers, Adrianna becomes Adam's love interest, and her counsel proves wise to him. In week 12 of the series, Adam uses a magical amulet, hidden on the scarab in which Shazam imprisoned him, to transform Adrianna into the superheroine Isis. Weeks later he proposes, and the two are married under the auspice of Captain Marvel and the rest of the Marvel Family. 52 is the title of a comic book limited series published by DC Comics, which debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. ... Image File history File links 52twelve. ... Image File history File links 52twelve. ... 52 is the title of a comic book limited series published by DC Comics, which debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. ... Isis is a DC Comics superhero, as well as a separate goddess also living in the DC Universe. ... J. G. Jones is an American comic book artist. ... 52 is the title of a comic book limited series published by DC Comics, which debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. ... Intergang is a fictional organized crime organization in Superman comics. ... Isis is a DC Comics superhero, as well as a separate goddess also living in the DC Universe. ...

In 52 Week 23, Black Adam and Isis, with the assistance of the Question and Renee Montoya, find Isis' brother Amon. Due to a failed escape attempt, Amon suffers near-fatal wounds. In order to save his life Black Adam bestows a portion of his own power on the boy, as Captain Marvel did for Captain Marvel Jr. Isis' brother then becomes a new addition to the Marvel Family under the name Osiris. The Question is an American comic book superhero. ... Renee Montoya is a fictional character in DC Comics. ... Captain Marvel Jr. ... Osiris is the name of three fictional characters in DC Comics. ...

Osiris is accepted into the Teen Titans. Upon returning from a mission, he and the rest of the Black Marvel family are attacked by the Suicide Squad. The Black Marvels successfully defeat the Squad, but not before footage of them in battle (including Osiris' accidental killing of a Squad member) is captured by Amanda Waller, who uses it to further ruin the Black Marvel Family's reputation. Meanwhile, Khandaq is struck with a number of natural disasters, which seem to have a supernatural origin. The Teen Titans, also known as “The New Teen Titans”, “New Titans”, or “The Titans”, a DC Comics superhero team. ... Suicide Squad is a name for a number of fictional organizations created for and owned by DC Comics. ... Dr. Amanda Blake Waller is a fictional character published by DC Comics. ...

Wracked with guilt over the death of the Persuader, Osiris ventures to the Rock of Eternity and pleads with Captain Marvel to have his powers removed, as he fears Black Adam's influence (and those of his gods) has tainted him with evil. Black Adam arrives and the two battle until subdued by Isis and the Marvels. Osiris relents and accompanies the Black Marvel Family back home, only to be betrayed and brutally devoured by his friend, the talking crocodile Sobek, while in his mortal form. This article is about the DC comics character. ... Sobek is a fictional character appearing in DC Comics series 52. ...

Isis and Adam confront Sobek, who reveals that he is Famine, the Fourth Horseman of Apokolips, one of four creatures created by Intergang to attack Black Adam. Adam swiftly disposes of Sobek, and does battle with the other three Horsemen. One of them, Pestilence, infects Isis with a deadly disease before Adam kills him and his partner War. A gravely ill Isis saves Adam from Death using her powers, and tells Adam with her dying breaths that she was wrong to try to change his views on justice, and that he should avenge both her and Osiris. In the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips was the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirbys Fourth World series. ...

World War III

Cover to 52 Week Fifty. Art by J.G. Jones.

Seething with fury, Adam flies to the neighboring nation of Bialya, where Death has taken refuge. Adam slaughters everyone within Bialya - the government, the army, and the citizens - while hunting for Death, whom he defeats in battle, then tortures the creature into revealing the whereabouts of its masters. Intent on revenge, Black Adam flies to Oolong Island, hideout of a coalition of evil DC Universe scientists who created the Horsemen. However, the scientists subdue him and he suffers weeks of torture at the hands of Dr. Sivana. The "Science Squad" then announce to the world that they plan to sell Black Adam as a living weapon to the highest bidder. The Justice Society assaults the island, freeing Adam. It is revealed that Chang Tzu had built the Horsemen under orders of China, who wanted Adam and his family to be assassinated after Adam left the Freedom of Power Treaty. Adam refuses to be taken into custody and once more flies off, seeking revenge for the death of his family This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Bialya is a fictional country in DC Comics. ... 52 is the title of a comic book limited series published by DC Comics, which debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this comics-related article or section may require cleanup. ...

Enraged to the point of madness, and with his gods' blessings, Black Adam flies to China, causing massive civilian casualties and billions of dollars in property damage when various superhumans get in his way. He tears through the ranks of the world's superhumans, killing Young Frankenstein and Terra of the Teen Titans, and seriously injuring several others. He attacks China, continuing the destruction until the decimated Great Ten allows the Justice Society and a coalition of other metahumans onto Chinese soil. Captain Marvel, though unable to take away Black Adam's powers, works with a group of mystics, including Zatanna and the Phantom Stranger, to transform Black Adam into the mortal Teth-Adam. Using his abilities as the new guardian of the Rock of Eternity, Marvel changes Adam's magic word from "Shazam" to an unknown one (Later revealed to be "Chocolate Egg Cream")^[1] to prevent him from ever changing back. Despite his defeat, Teth-Adam escapes thanks to the intervention of his one-time ally Atom Smasher. He is left a mortal wandering the Middle East, unsuccessfully guessing at the word that will restore his power. Young Frankenstein is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. ... Terra is a fictional character in the DC Universe. ... The Teen Titans, also known as “The New Teen Titans”, “New Titans”, or “The Titans”, a DC Comics superhero team. ... The Great Ten are a team of fictional superheroes sponsored by the government of the Peoples Republic of China. ... The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. ... Zatanna Zatara is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. ... The Phantom Stranger is a fictional character of unspecified paranormal origins who battles mysterious and occult forces in various titles published by DC Comics, sometimes under their Vertigo imprint. ... An egg cream is a classic New York City beverage consisting of chocolate syrup (Almost always Foxs U-bet chocolate syrup in New York), milk, and seltzer (soda water), probably dating from the late 19th century, and is especially associated with Brooklyn, home of its inventor, candy shop owner... Albert Rothstein (known by the aliases Nuklon and Atom Smasher -- sometimes spelled Atom-Smasher) is a fictional superhero in the DC Comics Universe. ...

Black Adam: The Dark Age

In this six-issue mini-series, which begins sometime after his defeat in World War III, the still-powerless Teth-Adam orders his remaining loyal minions to savagely beat his face in order to alter his physical appearance. Effectively disguised, he leads the group to Kahndaq to retrieve the bones of Isis, while the JSA is in Bialya searching for him. Adam and his men are attacked by unidentified soldiers (who are also searching for Teth-Adam) while leaving the tomb of Isis and Osiris. Adam's followers sacrifice their lives so that he can escape with his wife's remains. Adam then travels to the frozen Himalays, where he cannibalizes the corpse of his last henchman after running out of food. The text indicates that his henchman voluntarily sacrifices his body to keep Black Adam alive. This serves to indicate both Black Adam's undying dedication to resurrecting Isis as well as the equally powerful loyalty that his remaining followers had for him.

Finally reaching a secluded cave, Teth Adam resurrects Isis using a Lazarus Pit. The process is imperfect however, and Isis' new skin decays and her body literally falls apart. Adam returns her to death to end her suffering. Teth-Adam then journeys to Doctor Fate's tower, hoping to retrieve Isis' amulet. He encounters Felix Faust, who offers his assistance in return for being freed from the tower, in which he was trapped by Ralph Dibny during 52. It is also revealed here that Teth Adam's previous attempt at bringing Isis back at the Lazarus Pit failed because one of Isis's fingers was missing; an individual's remains must be fully intact for a Lazarus Pit to work properly. A Lazarus Pit is a fictional natural phenomenon in the DC Comics universe. ... Doctor Fate is a DC Comics superhero and wizard, best known as a member of the Justice Society of America. ... Felix Faust is a fictional sorcerer and supervillain who appears in stories published by DC Comics. ... The Elongated Man is a fictional comic book superhero in the DC universe. ... A Lazarus Pit is a fictional natural phenomenon in the DC Comics universe. ...

With Faust's help, Black Adam's power source is changed from his six patron gods to the residual mystic energy contained in Isis' corpse. "Isis" now works as his new magic word of transformation. Once again in his superhuman form, he sets off to retrieve the scattered pieces of Isis' amulet. Faust warns Adam that this is only a temporary solution, as every time he draws power from Isis' bones, they become more fragile and less able to sustain her resurrection.

In retrieving the first part of the amulet, Teth Adam encounters Hawkman. The two have a savage battle in the sky, leading to Hawkman's serious injury. After the fight, the Justice League is notified and the team begins trying to find Black Adam. Meanwhile, while resting at a riverbank and contemplating his mission to bring back his wife, Teth Adam is shot down and badly wounded by members of the same organization that attacked him in issue one. He is, however, strong enough to speak the magic word "Isis" and transform into Black Adam. After promptly dispatching the assassins with extreme prejudice, he visits a veterinary hospital to have his wounds repaired. For the animated television series, see Justice League (TV series) or Justice League Unlimited. ...

After leaving the hospital, the doctors who save Teth Adam's life are attacked by the assassins. Teth Adam sees this happening, saves the two doctors, and kidnaps the two assassins. He kills them both, one by striking him with lightning and one by flying him up into the thermosphere, after getting information from them. The Justice League talk to the two doctors as part of their hunt for Teth Adam, and learn about his heroic act of saving them from the assassins. This further develops Teth Adam's anti-hero character, as it is one of his first acts of heroism since the events of World War III. The thermosphere is the layer of the earths atmosphere directly above the mesosphere and directly below the exosphere. ... For the animated television series, see Justice League (TV series) or Justice League Unlimited. ... In literature and film, an anti-hero is a central or supporting character that has some of the personality flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also have enough heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of readers or viewers. ...

Black Adam arrives at Fawcett City and accidentally discovers that the new transformation word Captain Marvel changed back in 52 was in fact "Chocolate Egg Cream". With his original power returned, he flies to Fate's Tower and confronts Faust. Faust attempts to resurrect Isis, but the resurrection fails, and Isis' bones crumble to the floor. Faust blames Black Adam for using Isis' power too much, and distraught, Black Adam flies away, ending up in the Kahndaq embassy in Gotham City. It is revealed that the bones that Faust showed to Black Adam belonged to Ralph Dibny, and Faust resurrects Isis successfully. With her under his power, he exits the tower.

Countdown

In Countdown #49 a depowered Mary Marvel stumbles upon Black Adam at the embassy and finds that he has killed several others that have had the misfortune to find their way into the building. It appears that Adam is about to harm Mary as well, but transfers all of his powers to her (including those he recovered from Isis). He departs in his mortal form, telling her to tell Billy Batson "Sorry". Appearing again in the final issue, Black Adam is once again empowered by unknown means (possibly when Mary lost her power above Earth against Eclipso.) Mary Marvel seeks to join forces with him in a new Black Marvel Family, but he dismisses her as arrogant and childish, leaving her entirely alone. Countdown, retitled as Countdown to Final Crisis from issue 26 onwards, is a comic book limited series published by DC Comics, which debuted on May 9, 2007, directly following the conclusion of the last issue of 52. ... Mary Marvel is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine, originally published by Fawcett Comics and now owned by DC Comics. ...

Powers and abilities

When Teth Adam/Theo Adam says the magic word "Shazam", he is transformed into Black Adam and granted the following powers derived from ancient Egyptian gods:

Additionally, Adam's senses are acutely sharpened. Black Adam has repeatedly been described as a warrior who had proven himself to be highly skilled even before he was given the power of Shazam. In Egyptian mythology, Shu (meaning dryness and he who rises up) is one of the primordial gods, a personification of air, one of the Ennead of Heliopolis. ... Ihy redirects here. ... For other uses, see Amun (disambiguation). ... Superman is a fictional character and comic book superhero , originally created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian artist Joe Shuster and published by DC Comics. ... This article is about the DC Comics character. ... For the animated television series, see Justice League (TV series) or Justice League Unlimited. ... The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. ... The Teen Titans, also known as “The New Teen Titans”, “New Titans”, or “The Titans”, a DC Comics superhero team. ... Superman is a fictional character and comic book superhero , originally created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian artist Joe Shuster and published by DC Comics. ... This article is about the DC Comics character. ... Thoth (Ramesseum, Luxor) Thoth (his Greek name derived from the Egyptian *, written by Egyptians as ) was considered one of the most important deities of the Egyptian pantheon, often depicted with the head of an ibis. ... [1] Aten (or Aton) was the disk of the sun in ancient Egyptian mythology, and originally an aspect of Ra. ... In Ancient Egypt, Mehen is both what appears to be a mythological character, and a board game. ... Telepathy, from the Greek τῆλε, tele, remote; and πάθεια, patheia, to be effected by, describes the hypothetical transfer of information on thoughts or feelings between individuals by means other than the five classical senses. ... Mind control (or thought control) has the premise that an outside source can control an individuals thinking, behavior or consciousness (either directly or more subtly). ...

Saying the magic word again initially changes Black Adam back into Theo Adam, although when the Spectre strips him of his powers during the Black Vengeance affair, he reverts to Teth Adam, the ancient Khandaqi farmer who was Mighty Adam. Subsequent depictions in the 52 series also show Teth Adam as Black Adam's default mortal identity. However, Black Adam very rarely voluntarily changes back to his non-powered form. The Spectre is a fictional cosmic entity and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. ...

In other media

Adam appeared in the "Black Adam's Return" episode of episode of the 1981 Shazam! Saturday morning cartoon, which aired as one-half of the Kid Superpower Hour with Shazam!. As in his original comic book appearance, he is tricked into saying "Shazam!", and turns to dust, presumably killing him. However, he returns in a later episode; this time, he is tricked into saying "Shazam" and is sent back to the days of ancient Egypt. He was voiced by Lou Scheimer. The Kid Superpower Hour with Shazam! was a NBC Saturday morning cartoon produced by Filmation Studios in 1981. ... Lou Scheimer was one of the original founders of Filmation animation-company and also an executive producer of many of its cartoons (though only by name due to standardized crediting in most toons, Hal Sutherland received similar treatment). ...

Although he has not appeared in any other television programs or films, the character is briefly mentioned by his alter-ego's name, Teth-Adam, during a flashback in the "Ancient History" episode of Justice League Unlimited. DC Direct has released two action figures of Black Adam, the most recent based on the work of artist Alex Ross. Justice League Unlimited (or JLU) was the name of an American animated television series that was produced by and aired on Cartoon Network. ... DC Direct[1] is the exclusive collectibles division of DC Comics, the Time Warner subsidiary that publishes comic books and licenses characters such as Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Batman, Batgirl and Hawkgirl. ... Nelson Alexander Alex Ross (born January 22, 1970) is an American comic book painter, illustrator and plotter, acclaimed for the photorealism of his work. ...

New Line Cinema is currently developing a Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam! live-action feature film, with Peter Segal (The Longest Yard, 50 First Dates) as director and Michael Uslan as producer. Actor and former wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has agreed to appear in the film as Black Adam ^[3] New Line redirects here. ... Peter Segal is a film director born in 1962. ... The Longest Yard is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name. ... 50 First Dates is a 2004 romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore and directed by Peter Segal. ... Michael Uslan is the originator of the Batman movies and was the first professor to teach Comic Book Folklore at an accredited university. ... Dwayne Douglas Johnson[6] (born May 2, 1972)[4], better known by his former ring name The Rock, is an American actor and former professional wrestler. ...

He also appears as a character in the Graphic Audio audiobooks for Infinite Crisis (in a small role) and 52 (in which he plays a major part).

Additional reading

• Shazam! and the Shazam Family! Annual #1 (2002). Reprints Black Adam's origin from Marvel Family #1 (1945), among other Marvel Family stories. Stories by Otto Binder; art by C. C. Beck, Pete Costanza, Mac Rayboy, Marc Swayze, Bud Thompson, and Jack Binder.
• The Power of Shazam! (1994), written and painted by Jerry Ordway. A trade paperback collection depicting Captain Marvel's and Black Adam's current DC Universe origin stories. (ISBN 1-56389-153-0, paperback)
• JSA: Savage Times (2004). Trade paperback reprinting stories from JSA #38–45 (2002–2003), which feature Captain Marvel meeting Black Adam during Adam's tenure as Mighty Adam in ancient Egypt. Stories by Geoff Johns & David S. Goyer; art by Leonard Kirk, Patrick Gleason, Keith Champagne, and Christian Alamay. (ISBN 1-4012-0253-5)
• JSA: Black Reign (2005). Trade paperback reprinting stories from JSA #56–58, and Hawkman #23-25 (2003–2004), which feature Black Adam's invasion of Kahndaq and his war with the Justice Society. Stories by Geoff Johns; art by Rags Morales, Don Kramer, Keith Champagne, and Michael Bair. (ISBN 1-4012-0480-5)

Otto Oscar Binder (August 26, 1911 - October 14, 1974) was a writer of American science fiction, non-fiction UFO, and comic books. ... Marc Swayze was an American comic book artist. ... The covers of both the hardcover and the softcover versions of the Power of Shazam! graphic novel by Jerry Ordway. ... The covers of both the hardcover and the softcover versions of the Power of Shazam! graphic novel by Ordway. ... The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ... Geoff Johns (born 25 January 1973 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics. ... David S. Goyer is a comic book writer, screenwriter, and film director. ... For other meanings of the term, see Hawkman (disambiguation) Hawkman is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. ... This article is about the DC Comics character. ... Clarence Charles Beck, (July 9, 1910_November 22, 1989), was an American cartoonist. ... Bill Parker was an American comic book writer. ... The Marvel Family is a group of fictional characters, a team of superheroes in the Fawcett Comics and DC Comics universes. ... This article is about the DC Comics character. ... Mary Marvel is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine, originally published by Fawcett Comics and now owned by DC Comics. ... CM3 redirects here. ... Shazam is a comic book character created by Bill Parker and C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics. ... The Lieutenant Marvels were a group of fictional characters, a team of superheroes in the Fawcett Comics and DC Comics universes. ... Hoppy the Marvel Bunny is a fictional comic book superhero and funny animal originally published by Fawcett Comics as a spin-off of Captain Marvel. ... Isis is a DC Comics superhero, as well as a separate goddess also living in the DC Universe. ... Osiris is the name of three fictional characters in DC Comics. ... Sobek is a fictional character appearing in DC Comics series 52. ... Prominent members of the Monster Society of Evil, which at various times included many of Captain Marvel and the Marvel Familys enemies. ... Doctor Thaddeus Bodog Sivana is a fictional comic book supervillain. ... Mister Mind is a fictional supervillain created by Fawcett Comics, now owned and published by DC Comics. ... Captain Nazi is a Fawcett Comics and DC Comics supervillain, a rival of Captain Marvel and Captain Marvel, Jr. ... Although rarely called by its name, IBAC is the method of placing digital TV stations on channels in the existing analog TV bands. ... Mister Atom is a fictional comic book supervillian, a radioactive robot who is regularly seen as an enemy of Captain Marvel. ... Sabbac is the name of two comic book supervillains appearing in Fawcett Comics and/or DC Comics. ... Blaze and Satanus are demonic supervillain siblings in the DC Comics Universe. ... Whiz Comics #2, the first appearance of Captain Marvel, the companys most popular character. ... Fawcett Publications was an American publishing company founded in 1919 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota by Wilford Hamilton Captain Billy Fawcett (1883-1940). ... Whiz Comics was a monthly ongoing comic book anthology series, which was published by Fawcett Comics from February 1940 to June 1952. ... Master Comics was a monthly ongoing comic book anthology series, which was published by Fawcett Comics from March 1940 to April 1953. ... Wow Comics was a monthly ongoing comic book anthology series, which was published by Fawcett Comics from winter 1940 to March 1952. ... The covers of both the hardcover and the softcover versions of the Power of Shazam! graphic novel by Jerry Ordway. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... JSA may stand for: Japanese Government Team for Safeguarding Angkor Japanese Standards Association Job Seekers Allowance Justice Society of America JSA (Korean movie) aka Joint Security Area Junior State of America - A student run organization This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might... The Secret Society of Super Villains (SSoSV) is a group of comic book villains that exist in the DC Universe. ... Fawcett City is a fictional city, and the home of DC Comics Captain Marvel. ... Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941) is a twelve-chapter film serial directed by John English and William Witney for Republic Pictures, adapted from the popular Captain Marvel comic book character then appearing in Fawcett Comics publications. ... Jackson Bostwick as Captain Marvel in the Shazam! television show. ... The Kid Superpower Hour with Shazam! was a NBC Saturday morning cartoon produced by Filmation Studios in 1981. ... Barbara Joyce as the Huntress from Legends of the Superheroes. ... Isis is a DC Comics superhero, the main character of The Secrets of Isis, a live-action American Saturday Morning television program that served as the second half of The Shazam!/Isis Hour. ... Holdings Fawcett Publications Captain Marvel comic strips proven to have plagiarized those of National Comics Superman character. ...

Footnotes

External links

• DCDP: Black Adam - DC Database Project
• Marvel Family Web entry on Black Adam
• Cosmic Teams entry on Black Adam
• Black Adam's secret origin on dccomics.com