History of the Shazam Family

What is the comic book history of the SHAZAM Family? We break it down for you in this episode!
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#Shazam #shazamfamily

[@Actionfan19]

Let's be real, the shazam family that was used in the movie was one of the few good things that came out of the new 52.

[@tonyb7615]

Yeah, it was too jarring for me. Having only read certain things for years after growing up reading everything I could, I dropped most superhero comics after the early 2000s and the new 52 cemented my decision of not going back. I didn't even bother with the relaunch. JLA levels of good books being worth it are gone. And the new social crap has killed it. I haven't bought any book since dark horses conan. Sword and sorcery got ruined going back to marvel. So it was fun while it lasted but the industry has been dead to me for a while.

[@jessetorres8738]

Sometimes when I look at the Shazam Family in either comics or movies, I cant help but think they are essentially a team of Power Rangers without their helmets on.

[@keithharrissuwignjo2460]

With capes

[@1eyeddevil929]

It's pretty much Mahou Sentai Magiranger

[@zettovii1367]

​@@1eyeddevil929 Or as everybody else knows them: Power Rangers Mystic Force.

[@CaptainMarvelCulture]

There actually is a Power Ranger named "Captain Marvelous."

[@1eyeddevil929]

@@CaptainMarvelCulture Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger... ugh

[@bobitzathegodofcomedy5979]

Speaking of the Shazam Family...could you do a top 10 video focusing on all the families of heroes in comics (like the Bat-Family, Flash Family, Spider-Family etc)?

[@davido1985]

I'd actually love that.... please Aris and everyone at Variant Comics

[@livestreamgaming420]

Too bad the BatFamily would be number 1 by default cause Batman

[@treek10k]

Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross. Repent and believe in him or you will be separated from God The Father for all eternity and face hell forever, never ending.

[@myrineae]

GREAT idea!

[@parafright7569]

that sounds great!

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

*Fun fact:* Due to Freddy's popularity as the favourite super-hero of Elvis, Shazam Jr has expressed numerous times his great admiration for the popular rock and roll singer, to the point of even calling him a great philosopher. Interestengly, Freddie's appearance in the Kingdom Come's continiuity is heavily based on Elvis 70's look

[@CaptainMarvelCulture]

More interestingly, Elvis's 1970s look was inspired by Captain MArvel Jr.

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

Shazam is perhaps one of the most underrated superheroes in comic book history. A character who went from being a simple cheap copy of Superman to a hero so based that the number one fan of his sideckick Shazam Jr was no one less than Elvis "The King" Presley. LONG LIVE BILLY BATSON 😎💪

[@zachariahjonahmaldonado5897]

That's selling him a little short. Superman and Shazam were like Godzilla and Gamera. What Captain Marvel was doing differently was obviously working and they started copying off each other. Supergirl was a response to Mary Marvel and Superman started flying to keep up with Shazam. And yes, I love how that new Elvis movie is a spiritual adaptation of old Captain Marvel comics.

[@myrineae]

Surely the most underrated one might be ForgetMeNot

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

​​@@zachariahjonahmaldonado5897 Shazam was not a rip-off, but you can't deny he was created just to imitiate Superman's popularity. He was lucky enough to be considerably more popular than the other imitations, which allowed him to even influence Superman, forming a relationship between them similar to the one The Simpsons and Family Guy have

[@chikedardaine8198]

I am ready for shazam 2 fury of the gods baby shazam family are awesome

[@dave047]

Why does the MCU not follow the original stories from the comics. The comics are dope 😢😅

[@ishbuelbrooks4621]

The worst thing they ever did (other than calling Billy SHAZAM)was adding more members.Should have stuck with my Billy,Mary and Freddy. And Billy will always be THE ORIGINAL CAPTAIN MARVEL!

[@vincentfranklin17]

I'm looking forward to the film. I've been a Shazam fan for years, so I love this!

[@treek10k]

Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross. Repent and believe in him or you will be separated from God The Father for all eternity and face hell forever, never ending.

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

Billy Batson: "I have an opinion..." Injustice Superman: "AND I TOOK THAT PERSONALLY!!!" *Activates heat vision*

[@JTCH22]

I’m glad Mark Waid and Dan Mora are finally restoring Captain Marvel like Rebirth planned.

[@CynthiaJFinnegan]

Waid isn't going to use the name Captain Marvel, just "the Captain."

[@JTCH22]

@@CynthiaJFinnegan I know. There’s but restoring Captain Marvel isn’t just changing the name back. People don’t realize just how drastically Johns changed everything about the r character’s core mythos and characterization. The current versions about as true to the character as an Elseworlds comic.

[@xanderg.1070]

I hope they don’t get rid of the Shazam Family, because it was something that I enjoyed and characters like Darla Dent were one of my favorites that was added in the Shazam lore. Especially how much they are portrayed in Fury of the Gods.

[@JTCH22]

@@xanderg.1070 I don’t think you mean Darla Dent 😂. That’s a different character, Jokers Daughter. But I know what you mean. I think if Waid can make them all distinct and serve a roll then they can stick around. They just feel really redundant to Mary and Freddy right now. But Rebirth was able to integrate Wallace West into the Flash family and make him distinct. So maybe the same can be done for the new kids.

[@xanderg.1070]

@@JTCH22 My bad, I knew her name was Darla but I didn’t know her last name, but in seriousness, I do think, if done, correctly they can integrate the new characters like Darla into the classic Shazam/Captain Marvel mythos. Cuz DC really did a great job with integrating Wallace West into the classic Flash Family mythos while adding some new elements in their history to the point that you sometimes forget that he was supposed to be a rebooted black version of Wally West. Hell, Wallace has a much better relationship with Wally than Barry, and thanks to rebirth he is his own character I like said, I enjoy Fury of the Gods, and one thing I love was how the new Shazam Family is important to Billy and how greatly they support each other like an actual family, especially since they are a foster family which isn’t represented too much surprisingly. And I think it would be wasting a lot of good characters that have some potential to be pushed into limbo and then obscurity.

[@jendaar]

Yay! It's the whole damn Shazam Fam!

[@zachariahjonahmaldonado5897]

Also, Trials of Shazam!. Freddie Freeman takes over the mantle of Shazam! After Billy is forced to take over as the Wizard. As such, he has to undergo a trial by each of the Gods to gain that aspect of the Power of Shazam while competing with a witch seeking to steal it. 12 issues, one of my personal favourite comic lines.

[@stg4theglitchog768]

Fawcett's Shazam is in the public domain but if you want to use him, you'll have to change him and change his name.

[@CaptainMarvelCulture]

It s the specific stories by Fawcett that were published more than 75 years ago that are in public domain. So you can reprint the stories, but you can't use the characters the way DC uses them.

[@ervingarcia874]

Shazam will get a new ongoing series written by Mark Waid and art by Dan Mora in May 2nd!

[@ervingarcia874]

I'd recommend The Power of Shazam by Jerry Ordway, it ran from 1995 to 1999. It was really good.

[@Cavillier1970]

One of the best story arches for the Marvel Family started in World's Finest Vol 1 264 where Mr. Mind reforms the Monster Society; (Doctor Sivana, IBAC, Mister Mind, Black Adam, Oggar the Accursed, Mister Atom, King Kull). It was a four part story where THE Captain Marvel needs Mary, CM jr, and the Three Lts Marvels to stop the Society. It was one of the best I read and gave newer readers Marvel Family /Major Villian histories, without it being cheesy. I wish it'd been reprinted in the various vols out there

[@joshuaingobo1559]

It’s reprinted in the Shazam: World’s Mightiest Mortal TPB in the third volume.

[@Cavillier1970]

@@joshuaingobo1559 thanks for the info I'll have to pick up a copy. That was one of my favorite story arches for Shazam

[@joshuaingobo1559]

@@Cavillier1970 You’re welcome.

[@quentinfogger5755]

Apart from Billy_Batson, Who do you think is the best member of the Shazam family? Is each of them able to use one of the six Powers like:- Mary - Wisdom Freddie - Flight Darla - Speed Eugene - Lightning control Pedro - Strength

[@quentinfogger5755]

Can you do history of Cyclone, Rhino, Sandman, Kraven the Hunter, Chameleon, Scorpion and the Human Fly along with Kurt Connors the Lizard. Also can you do the history of the Flash Villains like Turtle, Magenta, Cobalt Blue, Mirror Master and Top?

[@ragingsilver]

I would've been cool if each family member took a letter and the associated power with it

[@rjstar5805]

In the Flashpoint comics and later movie they do and only can become Shazam when they're all together I fact that reverse flash exploits by killing Hugo and thus him

[@GwapoSoldier]

The whole damn Shazamly!

[@rubyrubio3970]

Can you do the history of zorro judge dredd Cassie hack qwenpool hit monkey, vamperrella moon girl & devil dinosaur and league of extraordinary gentlemen

[@quentinfogger5755]

What do you think is the best thing about the Shazam family? Which one their powers and abilities do you think is the best? Is Black Adam part of the Shazam family since he got his powers from the same wizard? What do you think he would be like if he appeared in the upcoming Shazam Fury of the Gods movie to help Billy_Batson and the rest of the Shazam family?

[@CynthiaJFinnegan]

Okay, some MINOR corrections on the Marvel Family. First, Freddy Freeman/Captain Marvel Junior was created by Ed Herron, C.C. Beck, and Mac Raboy and appeared in Whiz Comics #25, which was published almost TWO YEARS before Mary Batson/Mary Marvel's first appearance in CMA #18. Second, Otto Binder last name was pronounced Bin like vegetable bin, not like a binder. Third, "Crocodile Man" had a name. It's Herkimer.

[@jamalvargas6146]

Can You Do The History Of Spider Jerusalem Of Transmetropolitan fame I hope It gets adapted someday

[@quentinfogger5755]

Since you did history of Marvel's Black Knight, Can you do history of Marvel's Dreadknight? If you seen the recent episodes of season 7 of the Flash, can you do history of Impulse, XS, Psych, Fuerza, Steadfast, Chillblaine, Abracadabra, Rainbow Raider, Mirror Master and Top in your next video?

[@king2kx]

So they all have the same powers? I like the movie idea that gave them each 1 of his powers better.

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

*Fun fact:* Shazam is so badass that the great Tobey yelled his name from another reality while practicing web-slinging in his first movie. Simply beautiful 🥲

[@quentinfogger5755]

When are you going to do history of Clea, America-Chavez, Speed and Wiccan in honour of the release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness?

[@Kimm134Saya]

He basically shared the same ethical and moral ambiguities with his adoptive siblings. 😅

[@gettuffstudios]

Thank you for doing this, I've been wondering how the other kids got the powers too

[@BoxingGeek8502]

If shazam was to have kids would his kids inherit some type of power?

[@quentinfogger5755]

Can you do history of the characters mentioned in this video? Is Billy_Batdson Shazam the only one to have a team of heroes who have the same powers as him?

[@alessandroortiz379]

I like to call them the Shazamily I heard someone comment once

[@haroldalan7080]

Its a good thing I watched the first movie of Shazam billy baston was lighting strong and saw the Shazam family in live action, now I'm going see how the second film will probably show Black adam⚡⚡.

[@kelvinowaeghahe2879]

I'm curious does Billy/Shazam powers weakened when he shares them?

[@davido1985]

Thanks for the info. Love your content Aris👍💙

[@quentinfogger5755]

Who do you think is the Marvel version of DC Shazam and the rest of the Shazam family? What would happen if Billy_Batson officially called himself Captain_Thunder?

[@quentinfogger5755]

Is the modern origin of the Shazam family exactly similar to the DCEU and that too in the first Shazam movie? Which version is the best?

[@kali3665]

Creating the modern-day foster family of Billy Batson is probably the best thing DC ever did with the good Captain. They worked so well together, and I like each of them. So, naturally, DC is once again trying to screw it up. Just like they have ALWAYS done with "Captain Marvel" from the moment they first obtained the right to the character. DC simply doesn't know what to do with Shazam.

[@henricusaquae867]

Don’t forget the new Shazam series is starting in a few months!

[@haroldalan7080]

The Shazam is very impressive with god like powers of Zeus and Hermes their team can rival the strength of marvel teams like X men and the Squadron supreme🔥🧨.

[@landocalrisian2014]

I've always loved Shazam since I was a kid, but this new-era long-cape look is a pass for me. I loved that his original cape was short and not typical. O well.

[@theeric]

“Captain Sparkle Fingers.” 😂😂😂

[@quentinfogger5755]

How long till you do history of the Thunderbolts team and the Young Avengers since they're slowly forming in the MCU?

[@OmegaBlack999]

Thanks for covering the whole Shazamily. Love you guys.

[@quentinfogger5755]

How come Shazam have a very short rogues gallery? What do you think the Shazam family is going to be like against the daughters of Atlas in the upcoming Shazam Fury of the Gods?

[@Y2JFan94]

Where's the History of Huntress video?

[@ll7868]

Don't forget the Shazam 70s tv show along with Isis that Hercules and Xena co-creator Rob Tapert was a fan of in his teens. John Schulien was more of a Ray Harryhausen guy and collaborator/director Sam Raimi was Sam Raimi fresh off Army of Darkness, but there was definitely some 70s Shazam and Isis vibes in Herc and Xena.

[@parafright7569]

I loved this video! I always love to see another DC video from Arris

[@jasonbethea7929]

I like calling him captain thunder

[@seabookfarno8656]

HERE HERE!!! **LOVES THE NEW 52 COMICS!!!! AND NEVER A HATER!!** ((Also the ORIGINAL COMICS will always have the special place in anybody's hearts. SORRY REBIRTH))

[@juanmata9814]

I'm a Absolutely huge fan of Shazam I can't wait to see Shazam Fury of The Gods tonight

[@UCONN_HUSKIES]

I didn't know there was a whole family 🤩

[@bmorebirdsnest92]

You never seen the first Shazam movie?

[@mikeywhtshoes2353]

Early boys!!!!!! Love the channel my dude!!! Long time supporter!!!!!

[@trinity-hopetricia3241]

Love this and keep it going please 🏆🐐 🙏

[@lonemotheomatshaba9640]

I feel each of the Shazam family should've been given 1 of the powers of Shazam just to make them more unique..... With only Billy having all of them since he's the leader 1. Tawky Tawny would have Wisdom of Solomon 2.Darla Dudley would have the Speed of Mercury 3.Eugene Choi would have Courage of Achilles 4. Freddy Freeman would have the Power of Zeus 5. Mary Bromfield would have the Strength of Hercules 6. Pedro Peña would have Stamina of Atlas All of them having the same power set gets kind of dull like with the Superman family right now and this way you can explore how each power operates individually

[@kennymiles1481]

I've always been intrigued by Shazam because is one of the most nerfed super heroes along with Superman and the Flash. If you look in details at his powers, the guy is almost unbeatable. All his powers other abilities are supposed to be enhanced with the power of Zeus. So in reality his strength for example should be greater than Hercules since its enhanced by the power of Zeus. Even though the movie is fun, it's frustrating how his powers portrayed especially his wisdom. He has the wisdom of an idiot in the movie and his completely goofy. In reality his wisdom should surpass that of Solomon since it's enhanced by Zeus's power.

[@desmondnaugler4452]

I like the movie updated version .but I love the original comic storyline.thats what my generation had and loved.

[@DrSlump-fz9ki]

Glad someone else loves the Geoff Johns take on Shazam. Awesome vid

[@1amazingtutorialchannel380]

I need more Shazam

[@anthonypierre2094]

The movie was such a pleasant surprise! I really enjoyed it and am excited for the sequel

[@djtripmix]

Thanks for the info

[@amirrobinson2731]

I wonder why they don't call them the Shazam-ily

[@TheVarunkulkarni]

Great video ! Can we please have a origin video on the marvel character web-man. 😊

[@powerbadpowerbad]

Gary Frank's artwork in that Shazam story is-GREAT !!! And the up dated origin of the other MARVELS was long over due.

[@insanemakaioshin]

7:37 - Wrong! In Justice, it was clearly stated that the speed of Mercury made him faster than both Superman & Flash. The same should apply to the rest of the Acronym. Lesser-known member: Tawky Tawny Dudley H. Dudley Mary Dudley Mary Batson, Billy's twin, not the older sister in new 52 Lieutenant Marvels

[@AlexGatsby]

Cover Moongirl and Devil Dinosaur! With the cartoon out I'd love to learn more about them and their adventures

[@kingshadow8782]

🙂

[@alisonsmith4436]

Thank you 😊

[@yukimurasanada5209]

so could he theroretically make all people with kind hearts "which exempts villains" on earth a Captain Marvel Planet and pretty much be like a New New Genesis?

[@jackieanderson9408]

This was sweet 🎂

[@quentinfogger5755]

So how long till you do history of Arno_Stark Iron Man, Ezekiel Stane, Titanium Man, Crimson Dynamo, Whiplash, War Machine and Pepper Potts AKA Rescue?

[@zachariahjonahmaldonado5897]

My only problem with Mary as Shazam is Mary was never Shazam, she was Mary Marvel, she was her own thing. Derivative sure, but I don't think it made the most sense in the world for her to co opt the name Shazam!.

[@mewow483]

Tbh I think there are too many shazam family members now. Billy, Freddy and mary were enough (dudley, the lieutenants and tawny are more like mascots and helpers than actual members)

[@njerisonko1384]

Do Superman family next.

[@mrmysterious8124]

Can you look at the History of The Brain from Teen Titans/Doom Patrol🧠🤖

[@temwananinkana3419]

That random guy laughing, after eric says ," the modern take on shazam family works in a modern setting", ... yeah 😂😂😂😂😂 that aged well

[@devonjohnson9483]

Kind of like the Shazam family when it's just Uncle Dudley Billy Freddie Freeman and Mary adding a bigger extended family kind of ruins the flow completely

[@Marc_YTC]

Finnaly

[@mattyboyb523]

Cool! Thank you !! On our way to see Fury of the Gods. I’m thinking Black Adam was originally supposed to be in a post credit scene but obviously that was squashed

[@keithjohnson4342]

These are good but any update on when the podcast will be coming back?

[@KamenDragon]

mary marvel vs. supergirl... who would win?

[@XAlucardmoonX]

You forgot about when Shazam met TMNT LOL JK 🤞🏼

[@Dave-of2mm]

What about Billy's dad joining the family ?

[@petroglyph888mcgregor2]

A documentarian (I forgot her name, sorry) said that Elvis Presley once revealed that he based his "look" on a comic book superhero. The documentarian found an OLD Shazam comic book where Captain Marvel Junior had a hairstyle and a sneer just like Elvis Presley.

[@paulkokorotsis8215]

What about Tawny the tiger?

[@quentinfogger5755]

It would be awesome if that talking Tiger appeared in the DCEU or DCU

[@nareanmano]

Make a video about daughters of atlas

[@Geauss14]

Hey can you maybe do a thaddues thawne aka inertia origin? And maybe on how he got his green lightning

[@fredlloyd-ward6141]

But what does each member of the family go by as their superhero Manohar

[@benyaakov6453]

Billy Batson is no longer known as Shazam as of the new Shazam series by Mark Waid he will henceforth be simply known as the Captain & has his classic costume back this version is a hybrid of classic Captain Marvel & new 52 Shazam please do a video about this!!!

[@benyaakov6453]

You forgot the Lieutenant Marvels.

[@scoobydoo316us]

lol at shazam check list casting for family.

[@chaddrake1276]

Shazam should go back to being called Captain Marvel

[@isaiahoudkerk7561]

Variant GT: Give me a shout out !!!!

[@kingshadow8782]

Howdy!

[@angelovillasanta2606]

ngl not a fan of the short meme cuts and edits but it's just me. you do you, variant team.

[@Cyclonus84]

Superman may be equal in Strength to Shazam but he has a weakness to Magic.

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

With the Strength of Hercules, Billy Batson’s strength level is absolutely limitless in his empowered form back in the day.

[@nelboogie6642]

I saw the movie and was confused now 🙏🏽💯

[@real16t.v71]

Not gonna lie shazam should be maxin superman out. Light magical ass whoopin in my opinion