How SHAZAM Changed the Comic Book Industry (By Getting Screwed Over By DC and Marvel)

[@MattDraper]

Read the complete history on Comic Book Herald: www.comicbookherald.com/how-shazam-changed-the-comic-book-industry-by-getting-screwed-over-by-dc-and-marvel/

[@monokid2932]

Matt Draper Your previous video on Shazam, Jeff Smith’s Monster Society of Evil, brought me back to comics. I’d all but abandoned them after growing tired of the lifeless and gritty iterations of some of my favorite characters. Through that video, and one on The New Frontier, I rediscovered my love for comics. Is there any possibility of possibly doing an analysis on Niel Gaiman’s The Sandman, now that the audiobook has been released?

[@MattDraper]

That's great to hear! I've been thinking about covering Sandman, I'm sure I will someday soon.

[@monokid2932]

Matt Draper Will be expecting it! 👍 By the way, i’d like to show my appreciation for having helped revive my interest in comics. Do you mind receiving artwork through email?

[@srstriker6420]

Matt Draper I wonder what if Captain Marvel aka SHAZAM was in Marvel comics universe?

[@themoofs6925]

The amount of times he’s been “remade” shows that children will always have the fantasy of being able to transform into a superhero.

[@brandon1942]

I think it’s more so dc keeps trying to fix him. And less fan interest

[@srstriker6420]

Ibena827 I thought new 52 was worst?

[@alishaherwin9440]

I can see your new here. Its all about money for them not the interests of the children.

[@themoofs6925]

@@alishaherwin9440 Nah I know. They just use comics to capitalize off movies now and "try" to bring in new readers.

[@timmybarns3917]

Exactly

[@Hy93Ri0n]

I know that comics and characters becoming darker and grittier has been in vogue for a while now, but that’s also the reason why characters like Shazam, Superman, Captain America and Spider-Man are always going to be my favorite heroes. I’m a sucker for paragons of good who do everything they can not to compromise and follow through on their ideals, no matter the cost to themselves.

[@BronzeAgeBryon]

I met and chatted with Jackson Bostwick (CBS TV Shazam) in 2018 at a South FL Comic Con. We talked for some time as I seemed to be the only one who made the drive to meet him. I was a Shazam freak as a kid and LOVED the Saturday morning live action series. I was quite surprised how passionate Bostwick was about the character and how upset he was for Geoff Johns abandoning the Captain Marvel portion of the hero's title. It was a great day for me and I am appreciative for the time he took to speak to me about the show and his experiences making it. He got a real kick out the story of me running outside yelling Shazam, then throwing a Shazam style cape (actually a weird towel my Mom owned) around my neck and trying to put out a kitchen fire in a trash can in our house when I was 7. I threw as big a log that I could carry from the porch on it, but fortunately my Dad showed up and stopped that foolishness.

[@jasonnewsham7724]

Glad to see another who calls him Captain Marvel.

[@Chandasouk]

Matt Draper cannot make a bad video!

[@Eleven17Studios]

When I saw the movie Shazam the theater was giving out the first issue of the new 52 run. While it was super similar to the movie, I definitely felt that the character needed a lighter art style and tone, so I'll have to check out that post-Rebirth run. Another great video, Matt!

[@slothbaby2104]

There is no way to do a "realistic" Shazam movie its all the way or no way

[@fernandoluna6589]

that bit in the end about how a child can became the adult that he or she needed speaks to my soul, always great Matt and always speaking the truth

[@MattyStoked]

I've always thought Captain Marvel was a cool character with enough to stand apart from Superman. I think I've always backed the underdog but it's a shame to see him not find success with comic book readers.

[@PhantomLantern2814]

I’ve literally been wanting to make a video on Shazam’s history for months now. I’m of the opinion that DC lost the right to call him Captain Marvel the moment they sued Fawcett. Marvel took it fair and square. The gall DC had to ask them for permission to publish stories featuring the character they tried so hard to get rid of. It’s so insanely scummy and it has not ceased to irk me since. Great video though, did a better job than I ever could.

[@vincentfranklin17]

I completely agree with you. Only my opinion, but to me, calling the character Shazam makes sense.

[@antondelacruz9362]

Was it the same people tho? Or just same company?

[@zemox2534]

@@vincentfranklin17 No it doesn't. If someone asks him his name and he says shazam he turns into Billy and expose his secret ID. Calling him Shazam is bloody lazy. Either call him by a different name that ties into his origin or don't use the bloody character.

[@tripdefect87]

I remember when I first got into comic books my mom also shared that hobby with me. I recall that she bought two of the three oversized treasury editions of Shazam! from the 70's and I just totally fell in love with them. Captain Marvel/Shazam meant a lot to me as a young kid and the property still does. It disappoints me a lot that DC won't re-release the original Fawcett comics proper

[@blackermarket123]

Captain Marvel is also eventually a large part of Johns's classic JSA run. Of course peaking at the "Stealing Thunder" finale. His interactions with the supposedly heroic Adam were interesting. Plus there were the awkward implications of his attraction to Stargirl, when no one on the team knew his alter ego. I miss Sand.

[@BoyNamedSue4]

Still bummed the movie didn’t do better. Thought it was probably the best origins movie we got in a decade

[@Ovan188]

sadly didnt do better coz wb in they infinite wisdom put the movie between two mcu movies

[@Zartak343]

Man, DC really did my boy Billy Batson dirty.

[@misterymindz]

DC means Dick Comics

[@zemox2534]

Yes they did

[@darkclaw1462]

Yeah Billy deserves better truly not only from this broken fandom, but more Importantly from DC Comics. The fact that he was outselling Clark In the 40s and now Is just equated to a numb-skull Immature kid by the modern day general audience and comic readers, just breaks my heart. Hopefully Mark Waid can bring back to being one of the Worlds Greatest Superheroes, where he belongs. 🙏

[@dr.sackman1683]

Man everytime this dude posts I gotta stop everything I am doing,make a drink and watch all the way through

[@pudlordtynan919]

Comic book Lawsuits are wild! I'd love a small mini series on the Angela Spawn debacle or the Miracleman/Marvelman stuff, or even the slightly less convoluted Flex Mentallo case.

[@harryflintham5322]

Dude the way you were able to cover the history of the world's mightiest mortal in 20 minute video is astounding, keep up the great stuff dude cause everything you're doing is beyond impressive!

[@headthesizeofamelon]

I've recently fallen so in love with this character. I'm 26 and have read comics my entire life but these last two months of reading every Shazam comic in sight... I think he may be my favorite comic character of all time. This feels lame to say but Gary Frank's drawings of him has pushed me to buying a gym membership to lift weights (gyms aren't closed in countries where people wear their masks 😳 )!!! Can't wait to watch my favorite KZbinr's video of my favorite hero.

[@JTR_3]

Kieran Cunnane Jeff Smith take on him is my favorite one.

[@slothbaby2104]

hey remember to drink lot of water and take it slow with wights you don't wanna hurt yourself and lift with your legs

[@timmybarns3917]

It’s my favorite character of all time

[@The_Cold_Slither]

National Comics/DC lawsuit always sounded like bs to me and they just didn't want the competition. Every superhero comic was derivative of each other.

[@KCKingdomCreateGreatTrekAgain]

The d I guess was for d*&%$????

[@KingofTheGojiras]

He's playing my favorite 80's synthwave song in the background Gloria by The Midnight. Great work dude btw love your channel.

[@pat2430]

I prefer shazam over superman and I'm a giant superman fan. Shazam is just a look at a different part of time and is fun.

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

DC should have renamed Captain Marvel (Billy Batson) the character's name from "Captain Marvel" to "Captain Marvelous" because back when Billy Batson was with Fawcett, his creators were trying to think of a superhero name for his alter-ego. The original name was going to be "Captain Thunder", but there was already a character named Captain Thunder. So then, Billy Batson's alter-ego was renamed "Captain Marvelous". But here was a problem: the name "Captain Marvelous" could not fit on the covers of the comic books, inside the comic books, word balloons, thought balloons and narrator boxes so the name was shortened to "Captain Marvel". Renaming the character "Shazam" was a stupid idea because there is already a character named Shazam, who was the wizard who passed on his powers to Billy Batson.

[@uncannydcmarvelous5732]

Plus there's the whole thing about Billy transforming with saying "Shazam" then when he says it normally like when introducing himself there's no effect.

[@zemox2534]

Great video on the history of Captain Marvel. THE REAL CAPTAIN MARVEL. I wish DC would just depict Billy as he was meant to be portrayed. An optimistic, kind hearted young boy who wants to help others because it is the right thing to do and have fun at the same time. The problem with Superhero comics these days (especially from DC) is that superheroes are not allowed to have fun. They have to be brooding and miserable because writers and editors do not believe Heroes should have happy lives. Again, thank you for honouring the history of Billy Batson.

[@davidwilliams4837]

Exactly. The animated movie: Return of Black Adam, I feel, captured the essential goodness and heroism of Billy.

[@MutantsInDisguise]

@@davidwilliams4837 that short film made me love Captain Marvel.

[@davidwilliams4837]

@@MutantsInDisguise He's such a great character. Not every hero should be grim-dark. There ARE good people in the world and they are inherently likable even if rare.

[@MutantsInDisguise]

@@davidwilliams4837 Plus, he's very relatable, more so than both Batman and Spider-Man (I love Batman though), since he became a hero because he endured poverty, not because of either death or recklessness.

[@davidwilliams4837]

@@MutantsInDisguise Agreed

[@undead923]

Now that it was brought up, I wanna see a video that expresses how the Convergence tie-ins were able to maintain the original spirit of a hero/group of heroes adventures and tone despite the massive event landscape

[@bobbyshewan4229]

Big fan of this one. Shazam is my 2nd favorite DC hero of all time (the first obviously being Batman), and his history has always been pretty interesting to me in a way most superheroes aren’t. Good vid, Matt👍🏿

[@aurahoneydew9607]

My feathers are still ruffled and no one ever thought he was called "Shazam!"

[@CryptidMech]

Another fantastic video! Billy will always be the true Captain Marvel to me

[@BoyNamedSue4]

And to think. If you follow the miracle man thread and the lawsuits get even crazier and more pity

[@CRIS_IS_ON_INFINITE_EARTHS]

Hell yeah Matt, thank you for doing this deep dive for the big red cheese!! It's videos like these that help people realize even though this character isn't Superman, he symbolizes something just as important.

[@SnapperChannel]

Not only was this a great video on Shazam’s history but I loved how the video starts with Gloria.

[@cha5]

Otto Binder and C.C. Beck’s Captain Marvel and Whiz Comics are some of my favorite comics to read for humor and whimsy and clever story telling, I really wish DC would reprint them all, especially the original Captain Marvel and The Monster Society of Evil storyline.

[@Daniel_i-s5b]

beck is a racist btw..

[@rcbmmines4579]

While I do enjoy Geoff Johns’ Shazam and the film, I wish we’d get a full ongoing title on Earth 5 like Thunderworld Adventures. Classic Captain Marvel.

[@SuperSilver316]

Otto Binder and CC Beck don't get enough love Also I really don't think New 52 is byproduct of that era's style of storytelling, it to me represents a more complete journey for this character, I like that Billy has to earn this power, and that he's not even the best fit for it when the Wizard makes his choice. Most of this arc is predicated on a lot of what Johns has done at DC, telling stories about characters that emphasizes bonds not being tied to blood. The idea of finding your family in places where you wouldn't expect and that you initially might reject. Its okay for him to not be perfect, he has his new family to make up for his flaws, that's the core of Shazam! to me anyways.

[@Daniel_i-s5b]

beck is a racist btw...

[@jonseyjones321]

I think it was only due to Alan Moore asking about Captain Marvel that DC pursued the rights and acquisition of the character. I feel like that's something neat to know about why DC wanted him

[@cha5]

DC getting Captain Marvel happened back in the early 1970’s, long before Alan Moore came on the scene.

[@septiarezano1008]

Such a great content. Kinda shame this doesn't attract loads of viewers. Anyway, have you ever thought of making your video essay based on movie or any other kinds of literature?

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

Grant's Thunderworld Adventure was story of the true Captain Marvel, one that died almost a century ago.

[@captainmarvel-ology7503]

Sorry, but it is important to stress this: It has not ever been and still is not accurate to say, "Captain Marvel, now known as Shazam." People need to realize that at DC, there are different versions of a character, usually by which era they appear in. In which case, we're talking about pre-Crisis, post-Crisis, and New 52 DCU. Both pre-Crisis and post-Crisis Captain Marvel are still called Captain Marvel. They, at no point, have ever been called Shazam. That's right, the original Captain Marvel still goes by his original name. New 52 Shazam, who has never been called Captain Marvel at any point, has only ever been called Shazam.

[@brennanshane146]

100%

[@tysonlehner6759]

Loved this little history episode on one of my favourite characters.

[@MutantsInDisguise]

My favorite video of the channel. I am fascinated by Captain Marvel as a character and his, painfully ironic, problematic history at the hands of DC and Marvel.

[@DzustComics]

That ending gave me chills right there! Yet another amazing v video, Matt! 👍I'll have to read more Shazam someday. So far I've only read the poetry good Monster Society of Evil and the New 52 run, the ladder being among my favorite DC books ever.

[@thema1998]

I never knew that Captain Marvel/Shazam had such an interesting history! 🤓

[@jdjjdjd2667]

For the kooky storylines Marvel Comics has come to maintain a flagship name Captain Marvel

[@joedee9811]

So much great art in this episode! I will always have a soft spot for the big red cheese thanks to Alex Ross and his use in Kingdom Come which is what got me into comics in the 90’s and remains my favorite comic

[@darkroninmarvel]

Me: I loved the captain Marvel movie! Marvel: really? Me: yeah, I liked the part where he shouted "SHAZAM!" Marvel: Motherf.... I'm sorry, I couldn't resist

[@ii3lazelordz267]

I loved your video and how it showed the disrespect the character got, keep up the good work!

[@mr.sand7899]

He should be called Captain Sparkle Figures.

[@Thenameless1]

Even though I think I'm more interested in Miracleman when talking characters, I will always be so fascinated by Shazam's legal history.

[@jonmayhew4468]

when can we expect Gran Morrison's Batman Part 2 Matt? loved the first ep, keep up the good work friend!

[@MattDraper]

It's probably going to be another month or two

[@Karls_Clips]

The most interesting story arc for shazam is his legal issues with dc and his return to the comics.

[@friedfrog5447]

That could be a real thing

[@RayOnRoundball]

Captain Marvel should never be a man child. Billy Batson should never be a morally ambiguous, angsty teen either. He represents the best of humanity. He’s an orator, with a superb intuition and unrivaledmoral compass. He prevails, no matter how difficult the world around him is. It pains me to see adaptations like the “Shazam” movie. This may be tangential, but “Shazam” should just be called Captain Thunder now.

[@robertonline6543]

Personally I like to see a graphic novel of Billy growing up from the time he was a kid to becoming an adult to dealing with superman and batman as an adult. Seeing Billy actually growing up would be interesting as he grows into his superhero self, I also like maybe seeing a version where he's one up on superman and doesn't get lobotimized or mind control by Luthor.

[@ervingarcia874]

I wish Shazam could have kept the name Captain Thunder, it suits him very well, they would never have had to change his name because of the problems with Marvel Comics. Personally, I think that if your superhero alias is the same word that gives you powers but at the same time takes them away, it's very stupid. It's like you save someone and that person asks you, "Who are you?", And you answer "I'm Shazam", and POOF! you don't have the power and they also know your secret identity. Captain Thunder is better, but apparently DC Comics can't use it. Shazam is a great title for the comic book, but not for the character itself.

[@louisconstantine8578]

Can you do a Constantine one. I love your videos mate

[@pulsarstargrave256]

BRLLIANT! This is the BEST KZbin video about the character I've ever seen! Captain Marvel fans know what the problems are but we're FRUSTRATED by the company's ignoring us and coming up with one bizzaro approach after another! Simply out, the original concept was the best, the style of humor needs upgrading! But will DC listen? Have they so far???

[@marcusjavier8901]

Hey matt draper what your favorite version of Captain Marvel/Shazam to me it is The Power Of Shazam version

[@Hellismary]

I would LOVE a in depth on The Flash 🥺 , hes got such an amazing publication history I’m shocked you haven’t done one video of him yet

[@MattDraper]

I'm a little shocked I haven't done a Flash video either, actually.

[@srstriker6420]

Matt Draper well you should like flash Blitz and year one

[@huntergarrett6602]

Do you plan on hitting "The Killing Joke" at some point?

[@slothbaby2104]

When will they bring back Uncle Dudley he was awesome

[@timmybarns3917]

Shazam / Captain Marvel is my favorite superhero.

[@joshmcguire1911]

great video I love shazam he's one of my favorites

[@datamag2018]

Awesome video as always! Curious... I have been in a Golden age hero kick lately, tacking in all I can find on old school golden age heroes and even older ones. I wonder if you have read Project Superpowers (or any of the spin-offs, like Black Terror) from Dynamite Entertainment and if you had plans or thoughts on analyzing these public domain Golden Age hero reboots?

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I haven't read those, I'll have to check them out.

[@datamag2018]

@@MattDraper Cool, not sure if you are subscribed to Amazon or Comixology, but the first 2 chapters (basically collected editions of like 7-12 issues) of Project Superpowers are free to read on there now if you have a membership, I'm pretty sure if you have an amazon prime membership then you also have a Comixology membership... I think... I had memberships to both at one time or another so I'm not sure when they became connected but I'm pretty sure they are now. Don't quote me on that tho, lol!

[@markuscriticus8278]

Ok, is "how Y changed Y" (by screwing over Q)" a whole genre of essays? Hey, that's Midnight's Gloria! Odd.

[@Chaogardenx]

What other videos with that formula you’ve seen? Im interested

[@mttylerdurden9]

Grant Morrison should write the next Shazam ongoing series

[@MattDraper]

I'm a big fan of his Thunderworld issue, he'd be a great fit for more.

[@kayanorudog2638]

My only experience with shazam(captain marvel) was the awesome movie that came out recently. I wish more people knew about the character.

[@whoisyouranime]

9:14 Is this character the original "The Detachable Kid" from the film "The Suicide Squad"?

[@Duck_Dodgers]

Geoff johns put the final nail in the casket for DC

[@kerijervis1]

I actually love the ongoing Shazam book. Such a shame to see it go! Hopefully we can get him on a rebooted JSA team.

[@tg300050]

What you think about the new Midnight album man? I'm enjoying it quite a bit! Enjoying this video immensely as well. Great stuff as usual.

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I like it but don't love it, there's a few great tracks but maybe I need to relisten some more before I get its vibe.

[@chilliciouspatrioticmeatlover]

Shazam DIDN'T DISSAPEAR in the new 52. He just was in the JUSTICE LEAGUE COMIC.

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

Shazam was probably the second best comic book movie of last year (after Joker)

[@eduardoruiz7600]

I’m honestly surprised to find out that Shazam’s current ongoing is getting cancelled. I haven’t read it but it looked good

[@srstriker6420]

Eduardo Ruiz yeah especially the return of the monster society of evil

[@jokoney9318]

Shazam!

[@TevyaSmolka]

Great video man on shazam captain marvel interesting history

[@srstriker6420]

Tevya Smolka now I wonder what it would be like for 2 things 1 they made a SHAZAM movie around the 80’s and what if he was in the Marvel universe

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@srstriker6420 good question i wonder that myself

[@srstriker6420]

Tevya Smolka well I keep thinking that he would been friends with Spider-Man

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@srstriker6420 that actually would be tons of fun :)

[@srstriker6420]

Tevya Smolka yeah especially Captain America since he was one of the first Marvel heroes

[@SpensaVenture]

Wait the newest Shazam run The seven magiclands is getting canceled?

[@thedreadtyger]

you have earned my gratitude. thank you.

[@AlienBusDriver1]

Speaking of superman like characters,recently I've been reading Robert Kirkmans invincible for the first time and am honestly in love with it, would you ever want to do a video on it? i would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@youraveragecrownofthorns8919]

I did not know that about Wellman, i knew he ghosted The Spirit for Eisner during WW2, but never that he worked on Captain Marvel also.

[@sineater2283]

Hey Matt!I am following you for 4 months and ı am really pleased with your work with the channel.I want to recommend you a content idea which i think is very suitable for your channel.What about reviewing and talking about most hated comic books for example Dark Knight Strikes Again or Ultimatum.💪💪💪

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I actually have some ideas about Dark Knight Strikes Again, so that should be happening at some point. Probably after I finish the Morrison Batman videos.

[@sineater2283]

Matt Draper asthonishing news man 👌👌

[@ajayfiction5262]

Shazam! has a solo digital first series running now, it’s not really advertised, each issue is $1, and it’s only one issue in, but it was a really fun issue.

[@SeriousRereader]

I’m sorry, but the only reason the Captain Marvel movie did better in the box office than Shazam was because it was part of the MCU. It definitely wasn’t because it was the better story. Awesome video, by the way

[@deepankarnakarmi8215]

shazam underrated dc hero that is why i a poor guy bought an expensive collectible figurine of him............

[@connerklein2873]

great video as always, i would love to see one on silver surfer requiem

[@kelbo1963]

I loved this video! But on an unrelated note to captain marvel; i was curious if anyone here has read the elongated man mini series "Europe 92"? Im in the midst of finishing it and i must say its quite a treat! The art is simple but clear, and i always love a good mystery! It makes me said to know we may never see this version of ralph and sue again. I say check it out!

[@jamainegardner4193]

Y'know, I wonder how different the comic industry would be if Captain Marvel had fully belonged to Marvel Post-Lawsuit, given how he's 1: The first Child Superhero 2: The perfect fit for Marvel's Superman role 3: Is tied to the gods. How would that have changed the Comics Landscape, both in and out of universe?

[@shadowclaw7210]

Thats good question.

[@elijahbowers1]

Oh gosh comics and lawsuits go together so we'll unfortunately. I wonder what would've happened if DC just left em alone? Or maybe the character would've faded into nothing if they didn't pursue legal action like they did. Who knows! Great character hope someone figures out what to do with him!

[@TevyaSmolka]

I love shazam! captain marvel billy baston and the marvel family and it still pisses me off till this day he keeps getting screwed over for bullshit by DC comics and Marvel comics.

[@RSEFX]

Virtually every re-birth/revision/re-imagined take on the original character and style reeks of pretension and by-now shopworn cliches of angst and recycled anger issues. The original concept of science-fictional fables told with the whimsical air of modern fairy -tales is the only really compelling mode in which Captain Marvel truly comes to life and thrives..in my opinion

[@DeltaAssaultGaming]

Captain Marvel really changed everything

[@cellmate1]

He’s still called Captain Marvel in animated DC shows.

[@robertonline6543]

What bothers me is they refuse to return the hero as an adult but rather make him a superhero kid who acts bufoonish. He is actually the original he man.

[@thomasalexanian927]

I still remember seeing the movie with my vocational school class Edit: imo if they just named him Shazam, then half of that stuff with marvel would have been avoided

[@Nicknakhon]

Im so luck that i found this Channel

[@rondajones7526]

Great video

[@melad3588]

Nice.

[@W-West5555]

Captain marvel is in the public domain so if anyone is mad at how dc is handling him and wants to they can create there own story’s with him

[@louisgonzales7512]

The Midnight!

[@roguebritgravy1]

I like Shazam! New 52 captain Marvel comic.

[@rogergoza3180]

I’d love to write for Captain Marvel

[@turbotime1964]

I remember the 1970s television show. Always liked Captain Marvel

[@person14876]

Are you gonna do another swamp thing video