Superman Loses It When He Finds Out Shazam is Just a Kid

[@thatguyzero]

I've just uploaded a brand-new video exclusively for my Patreon supporters! It helps me create more videos, improve the content, and get closer to doing this full-time. If you enjoy what I do and want to see more, please consider supporting me on Patreon. Every contribution makes a difference! Link To Join: patreon.com/thatguyzero

[@reaper_exd7498]

Good work

[@ratjesus2003]

Your voice work was very well done. Definitely earned my sub.

[@FAKELiamVickers]

I recall this vid from some other dude 2 years ago just the va is different here

[@el-sig2249]

Great work. Love it, especially since you didn't use those miserable AI voices 👍🏾

[@RLucas3000]

Great voice work, but in the pinned comment can you post stuff like Shazam #4 Volume 3 (2018) in case we want to seek out and buy the issue please? (I don’t know the actual issue, that’s just an example)

[@marcus22greene]

There are times, I wish there's a story where Billy got adopted by the kents, I know they would make his life better and help him become a great hero like they did for Clark.

[@davidbyers3928]

Not going to lie I'm 66 and I'd like the point you brought up that would add another side to Billy .❤

[@Karmanara]

yeah theres also this one story where Supes *Lasered off the mouth of Billy*

[@nelsontripp4492]

Dope concept

[@RealMattPowers]

That’s something I want to read now as an ongoing series

[@blechb5317]

@@KarmanaraY’all seriously can’t stop bringing up Injustice when it has no place in the conversation. Anytime Superman and Shazam are mentioned within the same paragraph, no matter what co text, folks just randomly bring in “rEmEmBeR tHaT TiMe SuPeRmAn KiLLeD sHaZAm”

[@JCCyC]

1940s: This is wish fulfillment fantasy. 2020s: This is a child soldier.

[@Til_I_Collapse]

In the 40s, little boys wanted to be soldiers so it's come full circle.

[@theoddegg8462]

@@Til_I_Collapse lol. true. Funny how that works out

[@MichaelDeHaven]

Watch out what you wish for.

[@TheSyncos]

Superman/Shazam: First Thunder was published in 2006, actually.

[@MrBishop077]

we also see this continued in many anime, the young 'school aged' kid becomes an over powered hero/beast.

[@dernordwind8728]

God damn… that shot of Superman calmly asking „Who did this to you?“. Oh boy, oh boy, gave me chills

[@Gilhelmi]

I would sooner face ten thousand soldiers in battle than the anger of a gentle man. Superman gets scary when he gets that calm anger.

[@KamenRiderRaiden]

Yeah how bout 10:19 when the wizards on his bullshit about fate to the LAST FUCKIN KRYPTONIAN THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO APPARENTLY CONQUER EARTH ACCORDIN TO ZODD??

[@Squatz1235]

Don’t say gods name in vain

[@WintryFox]

​@@Squatz1235Don't expect everyone to follow your religious ideals.

[@HiloManx]

@@Squatz1235 Oh my god damn jesus christ what the hell are you on about. it is your religion. keep it that way.

[@eminkilicaslan8945]

"My real name is Clark. Don't forget to like this video, and subscribe to this channel." "Clark, what the fvck are you talking about?"

[@spacecat6022]

😂😂😂

[@thenightking503]

@@PaulCoyJR It's 2006. Patreon hasn't been invented yet!

[@fireironthesecond2909]

Superdementiaman

[@NipplesTheEnchilada2323]

Underrated comment 🤣🤣

[@gabrielesolletico6542]

AHAHAHAAHAHAHAH!! Clark broke the fourth wall worst than Deadpool!

[@jamescousins9216]

I like how The Wizard didn't talk down to Superman, or try to overly emphasize one side of the argument. Billy has a hard life already. Even before he got the Mantle, he was deprived of the life Clark thought he should have. And instead of getting egotistical in the face of Clark's argument, he recognizes that Superman is the type of person who has the same sort of kindness and sense of morals that led him to pick Billy. The Wizard can't be a father-figure, especially not in this time of great tragedy. But Clark can, so The Wizard encourages Clark to be the positive change he wants to see in Billy's life.

[@ShadowIsatis]

This is not common in old wizard types who emphasize the greater good more than anything to achieve the mission. It's a nice change.

[@chrismaguire3667]

The Wizard looks like... Saruman from LOTR. Can't be good.

[@justinalicea1590]

It truly is a look of "If I could have picked...if there was any other person available...I would have never have chosen him." The Wizard is used to fate having him under its grip, his mantle going to whoever fate deemed best, and he would simply have to live with it and t4y to train the chosen one to live up to fate. But here, he meets a man who can confront him about that choice, and he can relax a little. Superman is someone he can lower his guard to and admit that he is just as unpleased with sending a child to fight his battles. Even if it is subtle.

[@zaidalvi-r2l]

​@@justinalicea1590 Oh you're here! Nice to see that you have some semblance of a life outside of that ink tank video.

[@mrskeletone5008]

​@zaidalvi-r2l Idk what the context is, but maybe try not randomly saying someone you've never physically met before IRL doesn't have a life....? Its not exactly a good look.

[@PrometheanConsulting]

For me, the best part is how personal this situation is to Kal-El. He had "the mantle" thrust upon him, too, and through the grace of the Kents and friends, he was able to navigate it. And he doesn't believe ANYONE should have to bear that burden before they are mature enough to give informed consent. But he also concedes that Billy is in that position because he is worthy and accepts the wizard's "challenge". And that's the Clark in him... the same duality.

[@girl1213]

It's why he gives Shazam leeway and allows him to be part of the "grown-up" group. Billy's better off with them in that sense. He has plenty of people to turn to for guidance and help, as well as more eyes to keep an eye those Billy loves. It lessens the burden on the kid. Things Kal-El wished he had when he was young. It is, after all, what The Wizard asked of him to do for Billy

[@johngddr5288]

In a way, you could see the sadness in the Wizard's eyes too. Knowing the huge burden the kid has.

[@KevinDuan7]

This is one of the moments that defines what superman is for me. Unyielding compassion.

[@tomraineofmagigor3499]

Exactly. The moment he sees the tears he instantly flips knowing that's not the time for anger

[@foto19881]

yes, and I really don't need more stories about him being evil... take other heroes for that. Superman should always be a beacon of goodness.

[@DavidDrew-n6z]

Well he is written as an allegory of Christ after all.

[@yalkn2073]

​@@DavidDrew-n6zThe person who created superman was jewish

[@thetruestinsanegamer10]

@@DavidDrew-n6z In some depictions. In others, he's more an allegory of a "Super" man. Of a man we should look up to and strive to be. The ideal of man.

[@therhinosnake6938]

That expression when Superman asked, "Who did this to you?" Was the most threatening panel I've ever seen of him.

[@cmaej28]

He looked like a dad when he saw his child hurt.

[@PatJWilliams]

Look up "Superman Cuts Loose"

[@colossusslayer1234]

“I just want to talk to him” face

[@galaxydragon7891]

There's one Panel of Superman where he has Lazer eyes all glowing after blasting Green arrow with them and saying "Obey or Die" it goes pretty hard.

[@minionyou9167]

Superman voluntarily walking in to a realm of magic, knowing he's weak to magic, just to stand up for a child is such a Superman thing to do

[@Travminer123]

His not weak to magic his just vulnerable to it.

[@minionyou9167]

@Travminer123 You're not serious are you?

[@Travminer123]

@@minionyou9167 have i said something wrong?

[@minionyou9167]

Nah it's just so funny, "He's not weak to it, he's vulnerable☝️🤓", like is it not the same thing?

[@aerodynamiccow3597]

@@minionyou9167 No, it is not. Being vulnerable means he doesn't have any natural defenses to it based purely on his race/physiology. If he was weak to it, a spell would be MORE effective on him than a normal person instead of roughly the same. He has resistances to fireballs and whatever but that came from years of exposure

[@sonzillamariocraft]

The virgin injustice superman vs The Chad Superman.

[@StaceyWard-w5u]

Chad superman it is

[@Courtesyflush52]

Agreed. I’m pretty tired of the whole ‘evil Superman’ shtick too. Clark’s whole thing is that despite his god like powers, the one thing that actually matters is who he is as a man

[@gourdguru]

@@Courtesyflush52 the only good "evil" superman versions were: - the "Gods and Monsters" Superman, where it's NOT the canon version of superman, it's a version that's technically Zod's kid, was raised by different parents instead of the Kents(mexican farmers if i recall), and is still trying to be a decent person but tends to be more willing to make fatalistic decisions that superman won't if it's necessary to do so. - the "Red Son" Superman, who landed 12 hours late and was raised in the soviet union by peasant farmers and then adopted by Stalin, who believes in libertarian socialist principles and tries to do good, but is misled by Stalin's authoritarian socialist ideas and ends up basically screwing it all up and becoming a tyrant by accident for lack of a better way to describe it. these two versions were fantastic because they weren't just a rote "Evil Superman" story, they had depth and character, and they were Elseworld stories that significantly distanced themselves from the "Canon" Superman in order to tell a unique and well thought out story. every other "evil" Superman story i've ever read was trash, whether it's the "oddly colored kryptonite makes me evil" superman, or the "someone killed lois and i'm big mad so now i'm evil" superman. Evil Superman can be done well, just not by lazy hack writers with nothing new to say. sadly, that seems to be the only writers DC will let do evil superman stories anymore.

[@zaidalvi-r2l]

​@@gourdguru I think injustice superman because it's a slow escalation of what superman is willing to do to achieve good. At first, it's just 'lets kill psychotic murderers' then it's 'lets kill people who start wars' and it keeps escalating until superman is killing anyone who dares to oppose him.

[@davidarturogutierrezlugo596]

So just Superman?

[@UltimaKeyMaster]

>Shazam tanks dozens of guns in a battle a couple hours ago >A couple interrogators pull pistols on Shazam Yeah that's a useful back-down technique guys.

[@wadwad1222]

Yeah, I'd be slapping their heads if I was one of their Captain or Director, lol.

[@Jelbun]

I mean, what else are they gonna do?

[@mahpell7173]

What did you expect? They are trained to deal with normal people, not magical superhumans.

[@darthbiker2311]

In Man of Steel, Col. Hardy shot Faora until his gun was empty. When this didn't stop her Hardy pulled out a knife, knowing hand-to-hand combat would be futile.

[@etherealceleste]

@@darthbiker2311 When facing a warrior of overwhelming power, you know you will die. Your only choice is how. It may seem stupid to civilians, but not to veterans.

[@classyrobot5648]

I love it when Superman does Superman shit. He doesn't always need to fight some bigass alien dude or the World's Baldest Capitalist.

[@Nairot]

When did Superman ever fight Jeff Bezos?

[@Fryingpan-s8j]

@@NairotJeff been’s real quite when this dropped…

[@somethingforsenro]

​@@Nairot he's kind of supes's main villain

[@GenericProtagonist7]

*Baldest*

[@gabrielesolletico6542]

@@Fryingpan-s8j Lol!

[@ForWeAreMany]

this is why the relationship between Superman and Shazam is particularly tight knitt. both of them share similar powers despite their difference in how their powers originate, but the truth is Clark sees a lot of his younger self in billy, its an opportunity for him to mentor and guide a hero that could eventually take his place should he fall or become absent. Shazam is to Superman that Tim Drake is to Batman. yes, Tim Drake, not the other ones.

[@robertoj.9509]

It would be great if they were to take this path. But they didn't. And what you said it fits with Superman... it would even make a great story to make Shazam a bigger hero than Superman ever was, because Shazam is just a kid, whereas Superman had to grow without any form of training to become who he is. Kind of what Batman seeks with Nightwing. He wants someone like a Batman but better... Why shouldn't Superman seek something like that? And sure, Superman now has a proper son... But for me it's not the same. Not to mention that Shazam is WAY better character than the empty head son of Superman.

[@rudolphantler6309]

"Tim Drake, not the other ones" I get Jason Todd and Damian Wayne, but why is Dick Grayson so different from Tim Drake in terms of mentorship?

[@n355a7]

Didn’t he kill him?

[@RaptorJesus]

@@robertoj.9509 Have you read any of the 'Super Sons' stuff? Because if you haven't, I'm willing to bet that'd change your mind on Jon.

[@andrewalvarez4975]

@@rudolphantler6309Tim Drake embodies everything batman wanted and should be.

[@Aguyyouprobablyknow]

I wish more comics talk about stuff like this A young superhero loosing a loved one due to the responsibility of being a hero I mean sure there are like Spider-Man or daredevil but like those are grown up adults Not kids like our friend Billy here

[@ethanwayne6973]

Spider-Man's a teen tho?

[@LordOfHades]

Peter Parker was 15 years old when he became Spider-Man.

[@A-V01D]

@@LordOfHadesyeah but in the comics he hasnt been a teen in years, most of his iconic stories take place during or after his college years.

[@HypercomboProduction]

​@@A-V01D like the death of Gwen Stacy? I think he was still in highschool at that point.

[@guyverjay1289]

Spider-man is literally the original archetype that you are describing except Peter learnt the responsibility of being hero from his loss of a loved one. He also lost his first love (Betty Brant) because her brother died in the crossfire from a fight between him and Doctor octopus (ironically on the day Peter was going to reveal his secret identity to her) which Betty blames Spider-man for

[@shipper-of-heart8898]

"He's a child!" Batman, shooing away all the robins he's trained since their childhoods: Yes, of course....children crime fighting is terrible...

[@HubiKoshi]

I remember this one line he dropped in one of the continuations when he was confronted about that. Someone accused him that he was training Robins to be like himself. He countered that he is training them so they Don't become like him. Because he understands that his pain, grief and trauma are not healthy but this is his life and path. But those kids he adopted, he helped them find a life that is healthier than his own.

[@shipper-of-heart8898]

@ yeah I remember Wonder Woman saying that to him, but I forget the context of it.

[@CWSWanderer]

​@@shipper-of-heart8898at least one of the Animated series where they actually bring up Shazam being a kid when transformed and giving Batman some shit about Robin.

[@aetherious57]

Batman : First rule of being a good guy is "No Killing". Jason Todd : But we can always beat them until every bone in their bodies is broken, we can rupture their spleens and make a sieve out of their rib cages. After all that, we can just throw them into the Lazazrus pit. Batman : You should talk to Superman about this, son.

[@jarowan]

One of the few good parts of Injustice - "We don't kill." *knocks out guard* "But what, traumatic brain injuries are just fine?"

[@somethingforsenro]

"I don't have a no-kill rule, I just generally don't kill people" -superman, allegedly

[@Skullhawk13]

@@somethingforsenroSuperman treats killing as an absolute last resort that is regrettable no matter what. Batman treats killing as simply never an option no matter what.

[@RolandTheJabberwocky]

"Who did this to you?" Is probably in my top five lines in all of comics. Its so damn good.

[@DW9427]

The panel where Scott is dead and covered in bullets is still genuinely chilling to me.

[@ingamingpc1634]

Yeah I already knew he was gone

[@PixelTrainer.]

I love how Superman was there to scold him, but when he sees he's genuinely not ok, he sits down and tries to understand what happened That's the kind of humanity that they rarely portray in popular Superman media, but the kind of humanity that makes him great

[@AzraelAlpha]

The Kryptonian ends up being the most human of them all

[@romanov3937]

That was pretty sweet. Super is not the type of guy to scold someone who’s having a breakdown

[@Exis247]

One thing I didnt like about Shazam, I dont believe for a second that Batman wouldn't have at least attempted to adopt Shazam the moment he figure out his situation which, lets face it, was probably very shortly after Shazam's debut.

[@blechb5317]

He likely figured he’s not the parental figure Billy needs. And he’d be right. Gotham would be a horrible place for Billy.

[@mattlemmons6647]

We could end up with another Jason Todd who has powers to rival Superman's.

[@Woogoo336]

I'm not sure batman would want to deal with a super powered sidekick. Captain Marvel in Gotham would also be a pretty big conflict.

[@PuchimonExtreme]

@@blechb5317 You are right but let's not pretend he is a good parental figure to literally anyone. The real reasons it doesn't happen is because 1. Different skillsets. The Bat Family are all about being ninja. If it was a DnD class they'd be rogues or something while Shazam is a warrior. Their approach to combat is different. 2. Like you said, Gotham is a horrible place for Billy. Maybe Billy gets the "better treatment" by not being from Gotham in the first place. I don't remember where all the Robins come from. 3 From a meta perspective. It would make the story boring. Batman can't really do Batman things if Shazam wipes out the enemy too quickly

[@mahpell7173]

​@@blechb5317And he didn't try to find one, because "if not me than noone"? Come on dude.

[@TheMaleRei]

Superman wasn't just curious. Superman was furious - the sort of cold fury that would make even Darkseid, even Joker reconsider their life choices.

[@knotsbygordion]

If I remember rightly the way it was stated was "A rage that would stop Satan himself cold" was the way they described Supes' emotional state when he busted his way into the Rock of Eternity.

[@Tython82]

That was from Kingdom Come after, Shazam sacrificed himself to save the heroes from the Governments WMD.

[@FenZ__]

You got to love the second Superman understood the situation He immediately stopped being angry at Billy and asked who and where the person was that needed his anger directed at

[@FolkloreLover]

I loved this! Superman doesn’t lose it on the kid. His first question is “Who did this to you?” He recognizes the kid is not the root of the issue and works with the kid after to help him with this terrible responsibility he has been given. Superman is the man!

[@nolanstrife7350]

7:44 Love this panel. Moments ago Superman was about to call Shazam to justice for his actions. And not a second later he became concerned for him Love it when writers keep in mind Superman actually has a heart

[@Snapdragon0112]

I adore this Superman moment. It’s always “why didn’t you tell me you were a child.” It’s so much better to have Superman go, “which bastard gave an actual child infinite power and responsibility, and how fast can I go rip them a new one.”

[@natman2939]

Meanwhile, watching a monitor.. Batman: I see absolutely no problem with this. Robin: Lucky kid….

[@Kuraidaku]

i think both moments are definitely in character for supes but i agree this one is better

[@bassettehound]

"Who did this to you" is such a fucking powerful line.

[@Paxchi]

The mini-series is called "Superman/Shazam: First Thunder", and it's honestly great. It establishes that Captain Marvel was actually the third hero of the modern era, appearing only a few months after Superman and Batman and before every other hero, making him the first superpowered hero Superman encountered, and allowed him a unique bonding moment. The nice thing about the Superman / Shazam argument is that both have valid points. Superman is absolutely right in that Billy should not have to deal with this. He's a child, he shouldn't have to worry about fighting villains, risking his life or defending the universe from the kind of evils a Champion of Eternity needs to be able to face. At the same time, Shazam is absolutely correct in that Billy was the only person he could trust with his powers. Shazam's time as a living wizard was coming to an end, and he needed to choose someone who was absolutely incorruptible, who would not let his human vices lead him to evil the way Black Adam did. And Billy proved it in the story by resisting the temptation to murder Sivana, who was completely at his mercy. As a 10 year old, Billy already has the maturity, self-restraint, compassion and courage of someone like Superman, as well as the fortitude of having to have lived a much harder life than Clark did. In the end, Superman knows he can't force Shazam to take away the power from Billy, and basically just pleads "He's just a boy". And the Wizard, rather than fight him further, acknowledges that yes, Billy is a boy . . . who could use some guidance. And there's real pain in the Wizard's eyes because he's stuck in the Rock of Eternity. It's established that the Wizard Shazam loves Billy as a son, but cannot be with him due to being trapped on the Rock. So he can only ask Superman to be there for Billy in ways Shazam cannot. It really does showcase Shazam's wisdom, both in picking Billy as his champion and in how he handles the situation with Superman. Throughout the mini-series, Superman has admitted he has trouble opening up to Captain Marvel because he tries to keep his superhero and personal life separate, and thus while he considers the Captain an ally, he can't trust him enough to really be his friend. Shazam pushes Superman to trust Billy, to open up to him about who he is, and perhaps even take a big brother type role for him. In doing so, Shazam gives both Billy and Clark what they really needed at this stages of their careers: a friend.

[@Perceous_Jackson-Wonka]

Nice summary and very well said. 👍👏

[@seanbigay1042]

"Do NOT talk to me about fate." Had Jor-El simply accepted Krypton's fate, he would never have rocketed his infant son to Earth -- and Kal-El would never have grown up to become *SUPERMAN,* Champion of the Oppressed and Symbol of Hope. 😊

[@jarowan]

Yeah. Thing is, Kal-El didnt' get to choose to be the last survivor of Krypton, but he *did* choose to be Superman. Fate didn't make him Superman, compassion did.

[@namewithheld8115]

Or was it Jor-El's fate to send his son, and Kal-El's fate to become Superman because he landed in a place that believed in truth, justice and the American Way? Maybe if Kal-El had fought his fate he would have become an emo-goth that robbed liquor stores, barely stronger than a normal man because he spend all his time hiding indoors and under heavy make-up, so he didn't get the advantage of our yellow sun.

[@thelaughingrouge]

I love how Clark's immediate reaction is "Who did this to you?" Barley contained rage, not at Billy but at the person who put this responsibility on him.

[@reubenoakley5887]

9:30 "Wizard Shazam stands tall" Wizard Shazam: **is clearly sitting**

[@fishfood8711]

maybe figuratively

[@ParkerAndres-tm8bo]

So let me get this straight a villain had a team of assassins try to kill a young ( immature) superhero ended up killing the hero best friend and with the entire assassins team surviving was not already trying to run yeah that guy is a idiot

[@ParkerAndres-tm8bo]

Sorry about the immature comment it just a child in a man body so the brain not developed enough yet

[@Lhorez]

My question is why a team of assassins would choose pretty much the only way that could possibly fail.

[@HellCromeE]

​@@Lhorezhell, they could try to be low key and surprise attack them from the shadows but nooo they have to confront them and announce that they will k!ll them

[@resurrectionist1]

This is a good point, but it hinges on one thing to make it work. The idea that villains will take advantage of the notion that heroes won't kill has been done in comics and in film and other mediums. Captain Marvel has always been a hero who doesn't kill so it'd make sense that Sivana would assume that Marvel, despite the rage, wouldn't stoop to that level, and the fact that they don't show Captain Marvel kill the assassin helps

[@TheOriginalShadowWolf]

An idiot*

[@seeonaga1524]

No way, so does Superman actually adopt Shazam / Billy Batson? Because that would actually be so adorable

[@DALWAG]

Basically. More of a master mentor relationship though if I remember correctly

[@SuiteBid]

He doesn't adopt him. But he does mentor him. Recall, (during this comic) Clark Kent is a single man with a reporter's salary in a big city comparable to New York (with the living expenses thereof). He's not exactly in a situation where people would just let him adopt a kid the way they'd let Bruce Wayne do so.

[@michaelbarrington2806]

No, more of a mentor. The guidance the wizard mentioned. This all happened before Superman married Lois or had a kid and family of his own like he does now. He did take responsibility for and adopt the two superpowered kids from Warworld recently though.

[@RH-ik1jw]

Grown man walks in to lone child's room. B: "Are you from social services?" C: "No..." Proceeds to loosen tie and unbutton shirt. B: "I need an adult!"

[@backtoklondike]

C: "I am an adult."

[@Huzzy283]

Died. Laughing. Shouldn’t have but did.

[@Jem19681]

@@Huzzy283 Me too lol

[@Tentegen]

Equal parts 😂 & 😭

[@worldcomicsreview354]

-Actual predator walks into this room "Oh, you picked the wrong room!" "Why? Are there cameras?" "No, unfortunately... for you"

[@tytheaniman497]

Superman a real one for looking out for Billy like that.

[@tota2490]

I appreciate that you actually read the comics instead of using an AI voice. Please keep this up so that there will at least be one good comic reading channel

[@Gorypaladin346]

I know it's a breath of fresh air

[@zombiefeast666]

9:52 Superman’s pose has me cryin 😭

[@Paxchi]

There's also a lot of comments about "What if X, Y or Z person adopted Billy", and the thing of it is, while a sweet idea, I prefer Billy being on his own at first, because it helps cement that the Wizard Shazam made the right call in choosing him to be Captain Marvel. Billy Batson, at his best, is someone who combines the best elements of Steve Rogers and Peter Parker's personalities. Like Steve he's got a good, noble spirit, and unbreakable will, while he's also got Peter's sense of humor, his relatability, his sense of responsibility, cleverness and endless capacity to care for other people and want to help them. Billy also has a unique optimism, idealism and sense of wonder that is all his own. Captain America: The First Avenger is actually a great template for a Captain Marvel movie, as it's about a truly good young man who is unable to put all of his good intentions into practice because his physical status, and is then chosen by a wise old man to empower him to be a superhero. The old man had chosen poorly before, empowering a man who would become a monster, and wanted to ensure his next choice would be a truly good person, an incorruptible soul who would not fall to evil. And in the end, the old man's faith is proven right as the newly empowered young man is given a new, powerful form that he uses solely to do good in the world. The part about not being corrupted is, if anything, more important with Billy because he's given the power of literal gods, enough power to be a match for guys like Superman or Thor. The last person Shazam entrusted with that power was Black Adam, who when in Billy's situation here (ie, had a loved one murdered) killed an entire country in response. For Shazam, this was not a mistake he could make twice. It's why Billy being on his own initially was important. Billy is someone who arguably had a rougher life than even Batman. Both are heroes who lost their parents at around the age of 8. Bruce then went back to his mansion, to his loyal butler who became a father figure to him, and used his billions of dollars to become the world's greatest detective and crimefighter. Billy was taken in by an uncle who only kept him around long enough to steal Billy's inheritance, and was then thrown out on the street where he had to live on his own for years. Billy lost his family, his home, everything he ever knew, and was betrayed by the one person he should have been able to rely on. Billy had every right to be a bitter, angry, jaded person. But he refused. He refused to use his circumstances as an excuse to be the worst version of himself. He instead held on to the memories of his parents, the love they showed him, the lessons they taught him, and in doing so held on to his optimism, idealism and hope in a better future. Billy Batson, at 10 years old, was incorruptible, a truly good person, and it's why the Wizard selected him. Don't worry tho, Billy eventually gets his own place, forms his own family, his own friendships, and as Captain Marvel, becomes friends with most of the superhero community, especially people like Superman. I will say though, it would have been nice to see Clark take Billy to the Kents farm for Christmas or Thanksgiving one year.

[@Perceous_Jackson-Wonka]

👍👏

[@Perceous_Jackson-Wonka]

Interesting perspective and not one you see very often. I do agree that Billy not being adopted helped forged the Captain Marvel he became. It's like a Spiderman situation. 👍👏

[@Chrisezo]

And this is why Superman is the symbol of hope and heroism across the DC Universe, because despite his amazing power, he doesn't abuse it and despite him being one of the last survivors of an alien race, he has even bigger morals and humanity than someone like Batman, even though Superman knows that with his powers he could be a god among men, but he doesn't allow for his power to corrupt him, as he truly believes that he is one with the humans he has sworn to protect, and is always surrounding himself with loved ones and being an inspiration, instead of being like Batman where he lets his obsession break off relationships and stuff, all for the sake of his "mission", and like don't get me wrong, I really enjoy Batman too but I just think that Superman is the better hero, as he represents all heroes while Batman is just a vigilante.

[@Gabriluna1]

Yeah until they bring in INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US.

[@OfficialEdwardNewgate]

@@Gabriluna1 injustice can stay in the trash where it belongs lmao

[@blechb5317]

@@Gabriluna1Do y’all ever not bring up Injustice when it was never relevant to the conversation?

[@Chrisezo]

@@Gabriluna1 Injustice was not written by real writers, it was written by a freaking edgelord that wanted to ruin Superman, because the Real Superman has been through worse stuff than Injustice Superman, yet he has always returned to his heroic ways, and Injustice Superman almost became a good guy again while Jon Kent had been in his universe temporarily, which is why Cyborg sent him back, since they didn't want Superman to become a good guy again...

[@MichaelDeHaven]

There's nothing inherently wrong with the idea of Supes losing it. It just has to be done well and *very* carefully. *No one* is unbreakable. That's what makes Superman an ideal, most of us would've lost it long ago in his position. But the idea has been overdone, mostly badly, recently. Doesn't mean someone can't knock it out of the park in the future, IMO. But the older I've gotten the more I appreciate the unbroken idealistic Superman.

[@14bis42]

It was nice that you called him by his real name , Captain MARVEL . and not my his transformation word . He-Man would not look good if they start calling him Greyskull .... :P

[@albertmas3752]

Imagine calling him "By the power".

[@Grubnar]

(Lord) Greyskull ... that is Tarzan, isn't it?

[@MrMaskYT]

It's a dumb name.

[@albertmas3752]

@@Grubnar John Clayton II, Lord Greystoke. That's Tarzan's name and his noble title.

[@Grubnar]

@@albertmas3752 Thank you!

[@just4joebob]

Absolutely one of my favorite stories. That being said, hey Clark, introduce Billy to the Wayne Foundation.

[@ProjectDT88]

That would of been absolutely amazing!

[@ProcyonDei]

Clark: "Hey, Bruce! Meet Billy, he's an orphaned child with secret powers who just had great tragedies in his life." Bruce: "Orphaned child you say?" *pulls out small red and yellow spandex outfit*

[@BobbyMcGuffinZectorsSector]

@@ProcyonDei Billy: "No need! I can summon one of those with a single word! Cape included!"

[@CuppaLLX]

@@BobbyMcGuffinZectorsSector was gonna say the same, afterall youcanspell Shazam without Robin

[@ProcyonDei]

@@BobbyMcGuffinZectorsSector Alfred: "Mission failed! We'll get him next time..."

[@prowlprime]

This is why people resonate with Superman. He has the power of 1,000 exploding suns, but the compassion and humanity of a trillion lives. He always seeks to understand first, punch (if necessary) later. He listens. He cares. He's ....human.

[@azuth11]

7:05 "Sir, you are going to have to account for your actions!" That sounds like something Hank Hill would say, and now I can't help but picture Superman speaking with Hank Hill's voice.

[@ta_pegandofogo]

NOW I CAN'T UNHEAR IT 😭

[@austinwright09]

Now I want a spin-off of Kal-El being raised by the Hill's.

[@yazidefirenze]

@@austinwright09 "That's my purse!" (kicks someone in the nuts so hard they explode) "I don't know you!"

[@Teksura]

Superman comics are at their best when it's not about the super, it's about the man.

[@ta_pegandofogo]

THAT'S... what I always thought, but lacked a way to express it with words

[@omegaacestudios]

What I love about this comic is it shows that even the Wizard agrees with Superman. Billy just a boy, fate is cruel to choose him. The Wizard knows Clark would understand Billy's position the most. In which why he tells Clark, "A boy who is in need of guidance." Cause the Wizard knows he can't be that, not knowing what it's like for Billy, but Clark does.

[@michaelstarr9812]

Actually, that's a good way to end the over 80 year feud between Superman and Captain Marvel. ..old beef from waaay back.

[@an_oracle]

I understand why you skipped to the 4th issue, the first 3 are pretty standard team up, nothing special. However, i think there' value in them, that people should read. Skipping to 4 is like skipping to the plot twist at the end or a movie. The first 3 issues lull you into this standard adventure, giving you a good time, a comfy journey. And then a child is dead. It hits like a train. My heart dropped, and it rattled me. Seeing their interactions for the first 3 issues, seeing how fun the journey is, and then hitting you with that? It also enhances everything after. Its such a good subversion, it really worked for me.

Shazam is actually very, very old - over 5000 years. Billy Batson is a young teenager, and Captain Marvel is even younger, since he was created only a while ago. But, you know, wisdom of Solomon.

[@nickhudson625]

Wisdom and maturity are too different things

​@@nickhudson625I do not think I agree with that. In fact I would argue that wisdom and maturity are synonymous.

[@Ro-po2ej]

I always thought Billy Batson is Shazam Unless it’s just a word or spell he says to activate his powers

[@gulfofmexico1569]

@@Ro-po2ej Billy is Shazam / Captain Marvel. The poster claiming Captain marvel is a seperate guy from Billy is incorrect.

[@Ro-po2ej]

@@gulfofmexico1569 ohh

[@PlanetHouston]

Captain Marvel threatening that dude into talking is arguably the darkest application of "Wisdom of Solomon" I have ever seen. But given the situation, I was fine with it.

[@danielfonseca4849]

Well, I think the only example in canon of Solomon being wise was when he orders to cut a baby in half to reveal who was his real mom. So, very in line haha

[@christianaviles2199]

The Wisdom of Solomon teaches that Batman's tactics are very effective.

[@hariman7727]

@@danielfonseca4849 The order is not what matters in that situation. What matters is the reaction to that order, which is getting both potential mothers to realize they're being selfish and not thinking about the child.

[@ProjectDT88]

@@hariman7727I agree it was for the reaction, but it was more to reveal the true mother because she would be selfless and just want the child to live.

[@hariman7727]

@@ProjectDT88 ...That's the reaction. It's the same thing.

[@un.argentino.mlp_fan]

"who did this to You" brother thats cold💀💀💀

[@mitosisinferno530]

“ open the window, Luther” ahh Shazam 😭 🙏

[@bjmccann1]

That was the BEST Shazam story ever!

[@TheOne2-o6c]

"Be strong be good" Super man

[@Dahaka-rd6tw]

10:21 to Supe's credit, does anyone know any magic story that doesn't involve fate & destiny? Even good ol Harry Potter had that.

[@Goblin_Hater_37]

Funny part about harry is that if I remember one random thing I heard about him is that he wasn’t even the right person, some other kid was and they just got it mixed up. But I could be VERY wrong about it so don’t take my word for it

[@poymannyng1845]

​@@Goblin_Hater_37 Not that they mixed them up but that the other kid could also be the one, I believe you're talking about neville, whose life also fits eerily well into the prophecy. He ends up technically also killing voldemort

[@Japaneseanimeguy]

​@poymannyng1845 so long as the conditions of the mother using her life and love to protect the young child from the killing curse is fulfilled, it works out. Had Voldemort attacked Neville first but the situation played out the same, the series wouldn't change much beyond Neville Longbottom getting a cool scar, dead parents and the accidental horcrux instead of Harry. Few relationships could be different but overall Voldemort's own attempts at trumping fate by killing his potential rivals as babies was the very thing that cemented whichever child he attacked growing up to defeat him (gotta love those self-fulfilling prophecies that only work because of trying so hard to make sure it doesn't happen).

[@80sgamer76]

Stories like these would be good for young kids to read, DC and Marvel need to do things like this more often.

[@digitalcurrents]

A strange adult man starts unbuttoning his clothes in front of Billy Batson. Billy: I'll just stay and see where this goes.

[@LucasGault-rp5dn]

The same thing happened to me but I got groomed

[@captainthez6532]

@@LucasGault-rp5dnget a job

[@kathrineici9811]

To be fair if it was an ordinary man Billy could just transform and break his face

[@serventium4049]

@@captainthez6532 What the fuck is wrong with you

[@JoshuaOctober-ei8bn]

Superman: he's just a boy Wizard:he is a boy....a boy who could use guidance Even the wizard knows this is wrong and asked superman to be a guide for billy

[@TheLastSane1]

He explains it that there was no other choice. He was the only candidate the only one who was fit for the role. He knows it was wrong but he was going to die and had to pass the power on. But he knows he also can’t be there all the time to advise billy and billy needs someone who he can relate too and Superman was also a boy who had god level and chose to help people

[@lefteron6804]

"Do not talk to me about Fate. I have the mf on speeddial."

[@zekesilverstone3475]

10:15 you're talking with SUPERMAN about FATE, blud is asking to be humiliated

[@Animalover205]

Honestly this is one of the few things i actually like about superman (i won't go into why i don't like him, it would be too long) but seeing Supes absolutely lose it when finding out about Billy, even confronting the old wizard, being weak as he is to magic, makes me like him a bit more.

[@ilikewater1575]

Superman: “this dude is friends with a child?? 🤨😠” Also Superman: *befriends a child*

[@hariman7727]

Befriends... mentors... there's a difference.

[@ilikewater1575]

@ I know, I was making a joke…

[@nerdlingeeksly5192]

6:03 anyone else see how thin his ankles are compared to his calfs?

[@Milliardo__Peacecraft]

the whole artstyle is pretty bad tbh. It gives me low budget n64 cutscene vibes.

[@timdoe8895]

Really bad artstyle

[@Fgway]

🐔

[@ArachnidYouth]

Im sorry but Supermans face when Shazam calls Scott his best friend is way too hilarious

[@Sigmarr]

Makes me burst out laughing everytime

[@ambersummer2685]

The more I think about it, the more I realize how traumatizing his life is. He's living as an adult and child all at once and has witnessed so much violence, evil and mistreatment to others and himself. If any kid was granted powers, why wouldn’t they want to be like their favorite superhero without considering the consequences. Especially a child in the foster system. Being captain Marvel is an escape from his rough life. Poor baby. I’m tearing up just thinking about it

[@kingmasterlord]

"are you from social services?" -"no." **starts removing clothing** 0.0

[@ryszakowy]

thank you for NOT calling captain marvel "shazam"

[@actionman9451]

This is why I like Superman he has a heart of gold and cares for others before his own well-being. I glad Shazam has him for a teacher.

[@AugustDreamScape]

I love how you not only go over comics, but you actually read the dialog! This is lacking in a lot of comic reviewers. Props to you! 😊

[@SlayXemnas]

Wisdom of Solomon: "You know what would look cool? Let them bullets ricochet off your body and let them fly through the room where your friend stands."

[@Poldovico]

To be fair, having fractions of a second to react doesn't always offer perfect tactical options.

[@jorgecarreras4214]

Captain Marvel jumped between the gunmen and the other children. He had no control over the bullet ricochets. He did his best.

[@sizablekoala6879]

Shazam: He's a boy that needs guidance. In my head: How about the self proclaimed wise old wizard give him guidance? You're the one that put the kid in this position.

[@mrrd4444]

You have no idea how relieved i am that you're a real person and not an AI generated comic summary

[@AngryNerdBird]

When I want to show what I consider to be the ideal Superman, I point to this comic.

[@lightingdragon4143]

And yet Superman has no problem with this when it's batman who does this with all his robins. Or any other superhero with a kid sidekick.

[@Concealed.Revealed]

He couldn't do anything about it anyway. That's perhaps why. lmao!

[@Kal-El_09]

Batman doesn’t allow other heroes to interfere with anything happening in Gotham and Superman respect that and for the other heroes with sidekicks idk

[@Comicbroe405]

Cuz the Robin's are well trained by Bruce. Billy was a normal kid.

[@Eye-Am-exclipse]

@@Kal-El_09respect doesn’t matter if he’s not gonna hold other to the same standard

[@AyminAlhumdi-ly6fu]

the robins were trained.Shazam wasn’t.

[@robertlawson7329]

I really liked the story line but having a strange man enter your home in the slums, then the man starts taking off his clothes... I had to laugh. maybe some heat vision or anything would have been better.

[@philipsalama8083]

One thing I like about this story is that Supes tries to comfort Shazam *before* he realises that he's really a kid.

[@gabrieldinix]

Man, great dubbing. You really did a great voice acting job

[@R4v3nB14ck]

Clark concerned about a grown man calling a child his best friend but didn't hesitate to step in to a child's room and unbutton his shirt as a stranger

[@x64600]

- The original Captain Marvel had it hard. His parents died in a car crash when he was 6 months old. For a time his uncle Ebenezer Batson took him in. Abused him, tried for force him to steal. Then ran away with Billy's inheritance. Billy had it harder than Harry Potter. - Billy was out on the streets. almost dying from the cold. He made money as a paper boy. Until he was given magic powers. - He had a best friend Freddy who got his own Shazam powers, & he eventually found he had a sister, Mary, who also got her own version of the shazam powers. --- Captain Marvel has been rebooted a dozen times like Superman. Sometimes more people around him get Shazam powers. Depends on the era/version.

[@KadeCameron]

honestly props to you for the dedication to the voice acting!

[@TheSyncos]

I love this comic, soo much. A go to for people who want to know more about either superman or captain marvel.

[@notmyrealname4488]

I wish people would form their ideas of who Superman is from comics like this and not injustice

[@The-Real-Perfect-Cell-from-DBZ]

2:17 scott got the maria treatment

[@agdtone]

The 'Who did this to you' frame is genuinely terrifying. A line was crossed. You can smell anger and outrage coming of him.

[@kevinbaumhoer7359]

Batman : Welcome to the Batfamile

[@3ftninja132]

Remember people. His name is Clark Kent. And Superman is what he can do.

[@Night-Mayor]

You really need to take this argument to your friend Batman. He takes mortal human boys and places them in danger. And there have been consequences. Barbara crippled for a time. Robin killed, brought back and mentally scarred. I gave Billy power that protects him from almost all harm.

[@lampostsamurai2518]

For real, it's okay when batman uses his wealth and adopts troubled children to use as tools in his violent therapy sessions, but one dude grants a magic form to a kid and it's a bridge too far?

[@blechb5317]

I see your point, and I’m normally not one to defend Batman. But Bruce doesn’t actively seek out Robins. The Robins are either kids he took in who eventually discover he’s Batman, and then want to join him as Robin (Dick and Jason), or people who sought him out in some way after already knowing he’s Batman (Tim and Damian). He never forced them into it. They’re free to leave or quit if they wish.

[@IceColdPistol]

He enables the danger, I'll admit, but he never places them in that danger. Bruce never told anyone "You're Robin now, training starts tomorrow", if anything he tried on a few occasions to tell them "No. This life is one of the worst things I've done to myself, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone". When that doesn't work, he then provides as safe on an environment as he can for them by providing best-in-the-world training, equipment, and constant supervision to ensure their safety as best as possible. The danger is still there, but to a mentally screwed up man like Batman, there's a logic to it. But for sure those Robins tend to be better off under Bruce's care and supervision (except the one time) than Billy is having to be subjected to the terrors of the world with nobody to guide him and only fellow children to lean on for support. Under Bruce, the Robins developed discipline, critical thinking, and maturity in an environment that allows them to fail or misstep. Billy on his own is taking a thermonuclear warhead, giving to a child, and telling him to save the world, and it's why there's a godlike being flying around with only a vague sense of emotional maturity or restraint.

[@samuelelias5115]

First, Superman isn't okay with batman having kids as sidekicks. Second, Batman isn't okay with Batman having kids as sidekicks. He didn't want them fighting crime either, in most of their cases he wanted them to have normal lives but they couldn't and would try to fight crime on their own. So he accepts them and trains them since if they do that anyway, may as well be under his supervision and councilling... Then there is the case of the spawn of Satan that Damian is, he took him in so that he could lead him away from the life of his maternal lineage. Third, it's also a matter of responsibility. When a Robin fails, nobody blames them, they blame Batman. Robin doesn't shoulder the responsibility of lives, Batman does. When it comes to Shazam, Shazam was shouldering all the responsibility on his own. When he failed it was his failure and his alone, that is too much on a kid. Fourth, also about responsibility. When you are a good person and you have power, doing good isn't a choice but an obligation, or at least that is how it feels to you as an individual. Superman understands that, he knows that feeling of responsibility. If he forced Shazam to stop being a hero he knows that it would crush him because he is a good kid that would be eaten inside by watching bad things happen around him, have the power to help but be forced to turn a blind eye? That would be cruel. The best thing Superman could really do is help guide the kid and shoulder the responsibility.

[@albertmas3752]

Barbara never was a sidekick. She took the Batgirl mantle with no involvement from Batman. When he discovered Batgirl he trained her not to make her his sidekick, he knew she wouldn't stop being Batgirl so he gave her the tools to survive. And she wasn't shot ending in a wheelchair because of being Batgirl, she was shot because Joker wanted to hurt Commisioner Gordon and assaulted his daughter. Thus Barbara would have ended in a wheelchair being Batgirl or not; even worse not having a stronger body thanks to her training she probably wouldn't have ended in a wheelchair but a coffin.

[@nikhilsangtani3966]

And that ladies and gentlemen is how you write Superman and Shazam, BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@oakenshadow6763]

Your voicecacting is awesome. Your voice had so much pain in it. Well done.

[@georgeyounan5816]

same guy that killed shazam before he had the chance to turn into a kid.

[@victor.faustus]

I like how he meant the Wizard, not Sirvana

[@JosephShemelewski]

Damn this guy should be a voice actor he's pretty good

[@namewithheld8115]

There's a lot of irony in this comic. Billy wrecks a police station and injures some civilians when he is involved in the death of his best friend. Just imagine what sort of "Injustice" the Superman would perpetrate if he were involved in Lois' death.

[@kathrineici9811]

He’d probably dangle the guy from a sky scraper before putting him safely down on the roof or maybe he’d fly the guy to the morgue “Look what you did” or he’d fly him to a battlefield or a gang shootout and go “There is so much suffering in this world, how dare you add to it.”

[@larrygoodyear6875]

Storyline that should not be forgotten. Kudos for bringing it back. Don't understand the confusion, why writers try to turn Captain Marvel into a kid in a hero's body. Capt. Marvel has a personality all his own enhanced with godlike traits that should make him utterly unique. Wisdom of Solomon would know that every battle is a risk to innocent bystanders & speed of Mercury could wrap them up in an eyeblink, before someone gets hurt. Atlas' sense of responsibility would compel him to approach each battle that way. He should be better to have around than Superman, who's still building the experience Capt. Marvel accesses magically. IMO, writers playing this angle are lazy. Capt. Marvel isn't DC's creation, though, so they're not gonna let him outshine Supes. Kind of sad.

[@gigagines]

Top notch voice acting! I find it funny however at the ending, since your Superman voice and normal voice are the same, it becomes Superman said: "I'm Superman, don't forget to like video and subscribe." to Billy, lol.

[@jessebridgeman767]

Angry Superman is scary. Riteously furious Superman is genuinely terrifying.

[@mostly_accurate]

3:10 did you get a phone notification or am I going crazy.

[@HitTheFloor16]

I heard it too so either we're both crazy or neither of us are

[@Findyourflame355]

Nope you guys aren't i heard it too it was whatsapp notification

[@spencer-mi7si]

I heard it

[@kaialter9990]

imagine your a kid in the slums and some dude shows up at your door and starts unbuttoning 0-0

[@Somewhatequaltohevean]

Sick voice acting I actually forgot that it was just you telling the story 😅

[@Literaturayebria]

I always wondered why in several comics or adaptations when Billy shows his identity, none of the superheroes in the group hug him or try to think about everything a child had to go through. I would like them to do something like Frost's conversation with Spiderman, she was genuinely shocked to see Peter's memories and broke down seeing everything that happened to a child. Dc It really wastes this opportunity that would be pure gold for comics.

[@gulfofmexico1569]

So basically this entire story happened because the writer forgot Billy has the Wisdom of Solomon. Why do writers always forget that and continue to write Billy / Captain Marvel like a little kid? Billy should be wiser and more mature than any man on Earth.

[@blechb5317]

Writers don’t seem to quite know how to adapt the wisdom of Solomon. It varies depending on who’s writing. Plus at his core, he is after all just a kid.

[@pinecactus9672]

thw wisdom of solomon kicked in and stopped CM from being a cold blooded murderer.

[@yasininn76]

Solomon threatened to cut a damn kid in two, my guy

[@TheOriginalShadowWolf]

Why? Because both parents were being selfish and not caring about what the child wants.

[@TheOriginalShadowWolf]

Or should I say both women.