Episode 26: Who is Billy Batson (aka Shazam! aka Captain Marvel)

With his movie coming out next month, we look at the comic history of Billy Batson, the original Captain Marvel, aka Shazam!

At least the car Superman threw in his first appearance was empty!

At least the car Superman threw in his first appearance was empty!

That’s Uncle Marvel playing the piano. And no, he doesn’t actually have powers. He just likes the suit.

That’s Uncle Marvel playing the piano. And no, he doesn’t actually have powers. He just likes the suit.

The Original! Take that Marvel Comics! What’s that? Lawyers? Oh, never mind…

The Original! Take that Marvel Comics! What’s that? Lawyers? Oh, never mind…

DC Legends. But not of Tomorrow. That’s a different team.

DC Legends. But not of Tomorrow. That’s a different team.

Probably the only time in this book that Captain Marvel doesn’t smile.

Probably the only time in this book that Captain Marvel doesn’t smile.

Finally telling his official DC Universe origin, just seven years after he appeared.

Finally telling his official DC Universe origin, just seven years after he appeared.

The New 52 Shazam Family. Disregarding theme park safety rules since 2011.

The New 52 Shazam Family. Disregarding theme park safety rules since 2011.

Slightly darker than his heroic counterpart.

Slightly darker than his heroic counterpart.

Probably the exact look on Zachary Levi’s face when he was told he gets to be a superhero.

Probably the exact look on Zachary Levi’s face when he was told he gets to be a superhero.