DC officially unveils a new design and codename for Shazam, ahead of his debut in Absolute Superman. One of DC’s signature heroes, Shazam has a long history in comics as well as deep lore. For 80+ years, Shazam has entertained generations of fans, and now a new take on the venerable character will premiere soon.
DC’s Absolute line, launched in late 2024 with Absolute Batman, has been a massive success for the publisher. When combined with DC’s new Compact Comics initiative, the Absolute line has led to a banner year for the publisher. Fans have taken to these bold new approaches to some of DC’s biggest icons.
The Absolute Universe is built upon a central concept: that the heroes are stripped of the advantages they have enjoyed since their debuts. For example: Batman does not have his wealth, and the Flash does not have the guidance of previous speedsters. Into this highly volatile situation comes a radically new Shazam.
“King Shazam” Is Coming to DC’s Absolute Universe
King Shazam Is a Bold New Take on the Classic Character
In the forthcoming Absolute Superman #19, Shazam makes his Absolute Universe debut. DC’s description of the issue, which will be written by Jason Aaron and drawn by Rafa Sandoval, reads as follows:
KING SHAZAM IS HERE TO SHATTER THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE! King Shazam has risen with a power unlike anything Superman has faced before. What connection does he have to Brainiac and the mysterious Father Box? Plus, another classic character has made their Absolute debut, though it remains to be seen if they’re a friend or foe of the Man of Steel…
DC had already teased Shazam’s return, as well as his new codename of “King Shazam” in previous months.
Absolute Superman 19 COVER
However, DC did remain mum on the identity of the new Shazam, leading to speculation amongst fans. Absolute Superman writer Jason Aaron has since disclosed that King Shazam is in fact Teth-Adam, better known to comic fans as Black Adam. Neither DC nor Aaron have divulged any more details.
One of Comics’ Oldest Rivalries is Coming to the Absolute Universe
How Will Shazam Fare Against a Rougher Superman?
Absolute Superman #19 will redefine one of the greatest rivalries in comics for a new generation. The legal battles between Fawcett Publications, Shazam’s original publishers, and DC Comics are well documented, and ended with the former going out of business. DC believed Shazam was a “copy” of Superman. In reality, Shazam’s books outsold Superman’s.
After Fawcett ceased publication in 1953, Shazam and his allies slipped into obscurity, but ironically, DC would be the character’s salvation. Twenty years after driving Shazam out of town, DC began publishing new adventures for the character, after licensing him from the rights’ holders. DC would eventually buy the franchise by the early 1990s.
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From the moment Shazam arrived in the DC Universe in the early 1970s, fans began clamoring for a showdown with Superman. Since DC acquired Shazam, he and Superman have fought on several occasions. In every instance, one party was being mind-controlled, meaning the other combatant had to pull their punches. The world may never truly know who is stronger.
Superman finally met Shazam in Justice League of America #135.
How exactly this rivalry will translate to the Absolute Universe also remains to be seen. In the Absolute Universe, Superman, while having access to all of his powers, is far rougher around the edges than his Earth-0 counterpart. Other DC heroes are in similar situations, so it stands to reason Shazam will be darker as well.
DC is Giving Absolute Shazam a New Origin
Will the Wizard Even Be in the Absolute Universe?
Black Adam and Isis
The arrival of King Shazam also adds a new wrinkle to the character’s lore. When he debuted in 1940’s Whiz Comics #2, Shazam was young Billy Batson, an orphan who made his way to the Rock of Eternity, where the Wizard bestowed upon him great powers. Yet here, Billy Batson is nowhere to be found, at least at first.
As noted earlier, writer Jason Aaron has explained that King Shazam is in reality Black Adam. In Shazam lore, Black Adam was a previous champion of the Wizard. However, the power proved too much for him, and he went rogue. Adam would return to menace Shazam, before becoming an anti-hero in the mid-2000s.
DC attempted a retooling of the Shazam mythos in the mid-2000s, with Freddy Freeman taking over the role.
DC also made no mention of the Wizard in their advanced solicitations, leading to questions about whether he even exists in the Absolute Universe. The Wizard was an invaluable mentor to Shazam, and if the Absolute line is stripping the heroes of their advantages, it possibly means the Wizard is gone too. There was also no mention of the Shazam Family.
Shazam Will Be A Huge Deal for the Absolute Universe
Pitting Shazam Agasinst Superman So Soon Will Make for One of 2026’s Can’t Miss Stories
Shazam aka Captain Marvel casts lightning to his chest emblem on an overcast day in DC Comics cover
Shazam’s new codename and appearance are the biggest changes the character has experienced in his 86-year history. DC was right to bring him into the Absolute Universe. By pitting him against Superman out of the gate, the publisher is positioning Shazam as one of the Absolute line’s heaviest hitters.
Absolute Superman #19 is on sale May 6 from DC Comics!