Now that it’s Shazam! #9, it looks like his power problems are just getting started after being all over the place for a few months.
Summary
Warning: contains spoilers for Shazam #9!
Although Shazam’s abilities have been established for quite some time, they are currently seeing a dramatic transformation in DC canon. Powers have been changing for Shazam (or the Captain) ever since his solo series returned last year. His powers were initially altered by his patron gods, but they are now evolving on their own, which could reveal his true nature (Shazam #9).
Mark Waid wrote and Emanuela Lupacchino illustrated Shazam #9. You may have seen Billy on Jack Ryder’s news programme. Before dropping Billy off at his house, Ryder gets him into uttering “Shazam.” Angry, the captain expresses his incredulity that Billy fell for Ryder’s con. Curious, Ryder inquires, “Aren’t you Billy?” The captain muses, “less so every day,” but he doesn’t respond to the query.
Clearly, something is changing for the Captain.
Since regaining his own title, Shazam has been through a lot of changes.
The Name and Abilities of Shazam Have Been Changing
Mark Waid and Dan Mora ushered Shazam into a daring new age last year by rebranding him as “the Captain” and reviving the character’s signature sense of humour. The run began spectacularly when the captain lost command of his abilities. He was hit hard by his six patron gods because they thought he was wasting their blessings. Since the rest of the family is currently on the sidelines, Billy and Mary are the only two Shazam champs.
His powers seemed to be back to normal after the Captain repaired relations with his patron gods, but they seem to be in a state of flux again. It was previously believed that Billy had constant access to Shazam’s powers, but Waid and Mora have shown that this is not true. Billy said in one issue that he was considering quitting the Captain’s form due to the overwhelming knowledge of Solomon, who appears as an inner voice that is never-ending. In a departure from earlier methods, Waid is now portraying Shazam and the Captain as two distinct individuals.
Bad things might happen if Billy and Shazam keep growing apart.
Could Billy and Shazam turn against each other?
It’s not clear what this means for Shazam or the Captain’s future. Waid and Lupacchino have broken with the norm by making the Captain more like an adult version of Billy. It is clear that Billy is becoming his own person, with thoughts and actions that are different from those of the Captain. Since Billy is getting older and his body and mind are changing, it wouldn’t be surprising if he and the Captain became two different people. There is a chance that they will be enemies, which would really mess up Shazam’s skills. More likely, they will work together.
DC Comics now has Shazam #9 for sale!
