Captain Marvel, Shazam

[Redmenace]

For anyone who has read the various books, What is the deal with the word Shazam?

I know what it stands for but can anyone who learns the magic world transform into Capt Marvel or is it only Billy Batson?

Does Black Adam have something similar, I was under the impression he was one full time superhuman as opposed to a super/human timeshare.

Sincerly appreciate any one who can clear this up for me.

[Klytus]

It only works for people to whom the Wizard gives the power too. When Billy and Mary say the word, they are invoking the name of the Wizard, and they then receive the power. Capt. Marvel Junior, on the other hand, was given his powers by Captain Marvel himself, which is why HIS magic word is "Captain Marvel." The main problem these three have is that the magic word always works - they can NEVER say the word without the magical lightning striking.

Technically, there is no limit to how long any of them can remain in their super-forms. It is simply a mark of their sense of obligation and responsibility that they feel they should not weild the power unless there a real need for them to do so.

And yes, Black Adam had a similar gift. Lacking any sense of responsibility, he never chooses to change back into his "mortal" ID. In the original incarnation, this was because he was a 3,000 year old Egyptian warrior, so transforming to normal would have killed him.

[CrosshairCollie]

Originally posted by Klytus
Capt. Marvel Junior, on the other hand, was given his powers by Captain Marvel himself, which is why HIS magic word is "Captain Marvel." The main problem these three have is that the magic word always works -

Which may well make Captain Marvel Jr. the only superhero in the world who can't introduce himself.
"So ... what's your name, sir?"
"Me? I'm Captain Marvel, Ju *KRAKOW!* ... oh crap."

[Chuk]

Originally posted by Klytus
And yes, Black Adam had a similar gift. Lacking any sense of responsibility, he never chooses to change back into his "mortal" ID. In the original incarnation, this was because he was a 3,000 year old Egyptian warrior, so transforming to normal would have killed him.

Isn't that actually what happened to him in the original stories? Uncle Marvel tricked him into saying "Shazam!" and he basically aged to death right away?

[Supreme]

Originally posted by Chuk
Isn't that actually what happened to him in the original stories? Uncle Marvel tricked him into saying "Shazam!" and he basically aged to death right away?
Sounds like what happened to Kid Miracleman. ;)

[OddHat]

Originally posted by Supreme
Sounds like what happened to Kid Miracleman. ;)

Except for the whole unfortunate British Public School sequence...

[Klytus]

Originally posted by CrosshairCollie
Which may well make Captain Marvel Jr. the only superhero in the world who can't introduce himself.
"So ... what's your name, sir?"
"Me? I'm Captain Marvel, Ju *KRAKOW!* ... oh crap."
Which is why in the recent past he changed his name to CM3.

[Enforcer84]

Isn't Adam now in the body of Adam Toth a two bit murderer? When he says Shazam now the pwerosnality in charge changes...

[starblaze]

Captain Marvels Shazam stood for:
Solomon: Wisdom
Hercules: Strength
Atlas: Stamina
Zeus: Power
Achilles: Invulnerability
Mercury: Speed

Black Adams Shazam was:
Powers (Pre-Crisis):
Shu - stamina
Hershef - strength
Amon - power
Zehuti - wisdom
Anpu - speed
Menthu - courage

Powers (New Beginning):
Shu - stamina
Heru - swiftness
Amon - strength
Zehuti - wisdom
Aton - power
Mehen - courage

And just because I like her alot Mary Marvel's is
Selena's Grace
Hippolyta's Strength
Ariadne's Skill
Zephyrus' Fleetness
Aurora's Beautiness and
Minerva's Wisdom.

Holy Moley!

[ChaosDrgn]

This is cut/pasted from DC's website. The full article is at http://www.dccomics.com/secret_files/dc_character.html?sc_dc_itemCode=blackadam

Note if Black Adam says SHAZAM he turns back into Theo Adam.

For years, Teth-Adam acted as a hero throughout Egypt and eventually came into the service of Prince Khufu, whom he would stay with until Khufu's murder. Shortly after the death of Khufu, Teth-Adam lost sight of his purpose and began using his powers for selfish gain. He gained a new name during this period, one that was whispered with fear throughout Egypt: Khem-Adam, translated into English as "Black Adam."
Partly blaming himself for Teth-Adam's horrible corruption, Shazam stripped Adam of his powers, placing them within a scarab amulet. The amulet was entombed with Pharoah Rameses II, and remained untouched until the late 20th century, when husband-and-wife archaeologists C.C. and Marilyn Batson uncovered it. The couple were brutally murdered by an associate, Theo Adam, who soon after unlocked the secret of the scarab and tapped into Black Adam's power and memories. The Batsons' son, Billy, was chosen by the wizard Shazam as his new champion, Captain Marvel.

[Redmenace]

Thanks everyone that helps immensely.