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How are Shazam and Black Adam Related?


Close view of Shazam.

From what we have seen in the Black Adam movie, Teth-Adam shouts “Shazam!” to power up, just like Billy Batson. This left fans wondering how Shazam and Black Adam are connected.

Shazam and Black Adam are among DC's most powerful characters, along with Superman and Wonder Woman. Both of them have to speak the word “Shazam!” and are struck by lightning, which then grants them godly abilities. They also share similar powers, such as flight, super strength, speed, stamina, durability, and other lightning abilities. Read on to know more about how Shazam and Black Adam are related, and how they differ.

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Both Shazam and Black Adam's Powers Are Granted by The Same Wizard

The Wizard Shazam talking to Billy Batson.
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Credit: Warner Bros.

The biggest similarity between Teth-Adam/Black Adam and Billy Batson/Shazam is that they were both chosen as champions by the wizard called Shazam. Black Adam is basically Billy’s predecessor, but they are not related by blood. He just received his powers from the same Council of Wizards as Billy. In the DC comics, the Wizard Shazam first chose Black Adam as his champion, then chose Billy Batson 5000 years later. And this is where their link ends.

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Shazam and Black Adam Draw Their Powers from Different Gods

Black Adam powered up with lightning.
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Credit: Warner Bros.

Although Black Adam and Shazam have similar powers, the legends behind their powers are not the same.

Shazam derives his powers from heroes of Biblical, Greek, and Roman mythology, including Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. On the other hand, Black Adam derives his powers from Egyptian gods, including Shu, Heru, Amon, Zehuti, Aton, and Mehen.

But it’s their connection to the Wizard Shazam that grants them these powers. Thus, both of them must say his name to access their powers.

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Shazam and Black Adam: A Hero and an Anti-Hero

Shazam saving civilians.
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Credit: Warner Bros.

Although they were given powers by the same wizard, the two certainly have a different moral compass. Shazam has always been a hero. Black Adam has been Kahndaq’s protector, but he uses lethal force against all those who stand in his way.

Further, their backstories differ, which greatly affects the way they choose to use their powers. Billy Batson’s parents died when he was young, which made his childhood difficult. But then the Wizard chose him as a champion to fight for good as one of the world’s mightiest heroes.

On the other hand, Teth-Adam used his power for revenge against a tyrant and all who threatened his city. He was seen as a villain and anti-hero, and the Wizard considered his actions as a misuse and abuse of power. Consequently, Black Adam was locked away until he was unleashed from his prison.

Black Adam and Shazam are both powerful beings, but they clearly use their powers differently. Shazam grew up a troubled orphan, but he uses his power for the greater good. Black Adam perfectly shows what would happen if great powers were given to the wrong person.

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Will We See Shazam and Black Adam Together on the Big Screen?

Black Adam and Billy Batson/Shazam have a long history in the DC comics, and fans would absolutely love to see this history developed on the big screen. However, nothing seems quite certain following James Gunn taking over as co-head of DC Studios.

Gunn recently made the headlines on the internet, following announcements on his new DCU slate. Additionally, Black Adam star Dwane Johnson reportedly turned down a cameo on Shazam! Fury of the Gods and announced that he would not be in Gunn’s DCU “first chapter”, which means he won’t be returning to the big screen as Black Adam anytime soon. Nevertheless, even if Shazam and Black Adam never meet on the big screen, the relation of these two still remains.

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Shazam! Fury of the Gods is currently on theaters, while Black Adam is available to stream on HBO Max.

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