This article is part of the DC Database Recommended Reading project, a series of articles written by our editors. They are meant as a guide to help both new and old readers, either getting into comics for the first time or looking to read more on their favorites. These should not be taken as a definitive guide; obviously you can start wherever and with whatever you want, but they're some general suggestions that we think you might find enjoyable.
Don't be afraid to start reading, Billy...
Captain Marvel, also known as Shazam, is a character in the DC Universe who's been around since the Golden Age. Originally conceived as Fawcett Comics' answer to Superman, he is now owned by DC Comics and the character's mythos has grown strongly in its own right. Billy Batson is a young man who is given incredible powers by the wizard Shazam and only has to speak the name to transform into his alter ego Captain Marvel. Later on this position would go to his successor Freddy Freeman. Most of his comics are named after some variation on "Shazam" because of legal issues with Marvel Comics.
New readers
- Shazam!: Geoff Johns and Gary Frank's reboot as part of the New 52, retelling his origin to include the larger Shazam Family. It served as the basis for the hit 2019 movie Shazam!.
- Shazam!: The New Beginning is Roy Thomas' original introduction of the Captain Marvel mythos into the DC Universe, retelling his origin story in a four-issue miniseries.
- The Power of Shazam! is Jerry Ordway's reboot of the Shazam mythology, a graphic novel updating the character and his supporting cast before his new ongoing series.
- Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil is Jeff Smith's beautiful and brilliant version of the Captain Marvel legend, a story that brings out the essential elements of the character and reminds us why we fell in love with him in the first place.
- Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder: a reinvention of the first meeting between Captain Marvel and Shazam by Judd Winick and Joshua Middleton, exploring their similarities and differences, and forming their friendship.
- The Trials of Shazam! is the story of Freddy Freeman becoming the second Captain Marvel after Billy Batson. To prove his worth he must complete challenges held by the Gods themselves and defeat an ancient evil organization in his mortal form.
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