He may share their names, but that doesn’t mean that Shazam’s namesakes ever agreed to it. A solicitation for an upcoming issue of Shazam! reveals that the gods from which Billy Batson draws his abilities are attempting to seize his power.
DC has recently released solicitations for its numerous offerings for June. In addition to new series such as The Penguin or Steelworks, there will also be a swath of content celebrating Pride Month, such as themed variants and the latest edition of DC Pride. But hidden in among the offerings is a curious solicitation for the second issue of Shazam’s latest series.
Billy Batson was given the powers of the gods by the Wizard Shazam—but Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury never gave the Wizard their permission. Displeased with how Billy is representing them, the disgruntled gods engage in a six-way fight for sole control of the World’s Mightiest Mortal…or, if they get their way, the World’s Mightiest Puppet.
According to the issue’s summary, the mythologic figures that the Wizard Shazam channeled the power of to create his champion aren’t happy with having their powers stolen. Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury are upset with how Billy has been using their power and are challenging one another for the right to claim the Champion as their own. Trapped in a battle between six of the most powerful deities, Billy will have to find a peaceful resolution or risk becoming one of the gods’ puppet for eternity.
Shazam is Taking on His Divine Namesakes
When Billy Batson was first approached by the Wizard Shazam, he was given the power of six deities that enhanced his wisdom, strength, stamina, power, courage, and speed. Though Billy retained this powers solely for himself, he eventually passed it on to his family, giving his five siblings the same set of abilities, albeit with each one specializing in one over the other. The gods have always been an important aspect of Shazam lore, and while he’s taken on numerous mystical threats before, Billy’s rarely had problems with the gods themselves.
That’s all changing now that it’s been revealed that the gods’ power was actually stolen by the Wizard Shazam. This is going to have a drastic impact for numerous reasons. For one, it’s never a good thing when the gods of the DC Universe go to battle, because it’s always the mortals that wind up suffering. And for Billy, he’s going to have all six of the figures looking to control him and turn him into a champion acting on their orders. The gods generally don’t look kindly on mortals, meaning the World’s Mightiest Mortal could be becoming the World’s Mightiest threat.
The Gods Are Fighting For Control of Shazam
It’d be bad enough if the gods were fighting among themselves, but fighting for control of Shazam is a nightmare scenario. The hero is as strong as Superman, but without the weakness to kryptonite or magic. The best thing about Shazam is his strong moral compass that leads him to always making the correct choices. Becoming a tool of the gods will throw that to the side, and potentially turn Shazam into a weapon the gods could use directly on humanity. Will Billy be able to find a solution to this dilemma? Fans will have to find out by reading Shazam #2, on sale June 6th.
