Black Adam has premiered in theaters, allowing Dwayne Johnson to excel as one of DC’s most cherished antiheroes. The film effectively illustrates Black Adam’s divine powers, as no individual on Earth can defeat him.
Consequently, in the film’s end-credits scene, Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) dispatches extraterrestrial reinforcements to subdue Black Adam: Henry Cavill’s Superman.
A conflict appeared imminent in the DC Extended Universe, particularly with Cavill’s official return as Superman poised to confront Johnson’s Black Adam. Regrettably, the setup for Black Adam will remain unresolved, as Cavill is no longer part of the DCEU.
What is the status of Billy Batson (Asher Angel/Zachary Levi)? Isn’t Shazam intended to be the arch-nemesis of Black Adam? If that is the case, may Shazam prevail over Black Adam in an even confrontation?
Eventually, the DCEU must determine who possesses greater strength, Black Adam or Shazam; however, DC Comics already provides a definitive perspective.
Comic Book Rivalry between Shazam and Black Adam
Conceived by Bill Parker, C.C. Beck, and Jerry Ordway for the 1945 publication of The Marvel Family #1, Black Adam was intended to serve as a malevolent counterpart to Billy Batson.
Similar to Billy, the initial version of Black Adam has identical abilities: the knowledge of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the endurance of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the valor of Achilles, and the swiftness of Mercury.
The designation of the heroes and deities is “S.H.A.Z.A.M.,” which serves as the incantation that Teth-Adam and Billy require to acquire or relinquish their powers.
Thus, it may be asserted that both metahumans have equivalent raw power on the battlefield. Nevertheless, Billy was a youth endowed with abilities by the Council of Wizards, whereas Teth-Adam was an adult proficient in all forms of fighting, possessing extensive experience as the merciless ruler of Kahndaq.
Black Adam has a distinct advantage, and Billy triumphed in their initial encounters by deceiving Teth-Adam into uttering his magical word, so forfeiting his powers.
Subsequent renditions of Black Adam in the comic books augmented his powers. Initially, they restructured his original skills to resemble those of Egyptian deities. At present, Black Adam possesses the endurance of Shu, the agility of Heru, the might of Amon, the intellect of Zehuti, the energy of Aton, and the bravery of Mehen.
Although the alteration should still designate him as a Champion of the Wizards akin to Billy Batson, Black Adam’s enhanced abilities confer a distinct advantage in some scenarios. For example, Zehuti’s intelligence enables him to enchant individuals, whilst Stu’s stamina grants him immortality independent of sustenance, hydration, or oxygen.
As he is solely susceptible to magic, even Superman is incapable of inflicting any lasting harm on Black Adam.
Owing to his extraordinary abilities, Black Adam has independently vanquished the Justice Society of America, the Justice League, and the Teen Titans. Moreover, he battled numerous DC heroes and demonstrated his invincibility in a fair confrontation.
Although Shazam typically relies on his family for assistance, Teth-Adam possesses his own allies. The film features Adrianna (Sarah Shahi) and Amon (Bodhi Sabongui), both humans with whom Black Adam occasionally shares his powers.
In summary, Black Adam ought to be Shazam’s equal; nonetheless, certain talents he possesses surpass those of Billy Batson. Black Adam possesses allies that assist him in defeating entire teams of superheroes.
Black Adam have extensive battle experience, whereas Shazam is just a youngster. Ultimately, Shazam adheres to a superhuman code, whereas Black Adam disregards trivialities such as a moral compass. Shazam can only defeat Black Adam by employing his childish ingenuity to deceive the antihero into uttering the magic word that nullifies his powers.
Creativity is a formidable asset; but, in many instances, Shazam requires substantial support to combat Black Adam. It is advantageous that Superman is being reinstated.
Will Black Adam Face Shazam in the DCEU?
The DCEU is seeing significant transformations following the appointment of James Gunn and Peter Safran as the new leaders of DC Studios. The duo is tasked with formulating a decade-long strategy to integrate film, television, animation, and video games into a unified narrative.
Given the disarray of the DCEU in recent years, it is unsurprising that Gunn and Safran must discard numerous concepts and reset the framework before establishing a robust foundation for the new DCEU.
Regrettably for fans, one of the most recent casualties of this process was Cavill, who will not be reprising his role as Superman. Gunn assures a new Man of Steel film centered on a younger iteration of the character, which we anticipate will be linked to the Legion of Superheroes animated series.
The loss of Cavill from the DCEU is regrettable, as it has disrupted Johnson’s strategy to orchestrate a significant cinematic confrontation between Black Adam and Superman. It is premature to ascertain whether Black Adam will be incorporated into the new DCEU canon.
In Superman’s absence, Shazam would be the subsequent formidable contender to confront Johnson’s superhero. The anticipated superhero confrontation could be the defining battle of the decade; nevertheless, Black Adam may be excluded from the new DCEU universe due to its difficulties in achieving financial viability.
In the following months, we will gain clarity on Gunn and Safran’s approach to Shazam and Black Adam, particularly as Billy Batson’s next film is set for release in 2023.
Although the specifics of Gunn and Safran’s universe remain uncertain, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is among four films scheduled for theatrical release next year, alongside The Flash, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and Blue Beetle.
As these initiatives were initiated under the previous DC Studios administration, their viability is precarious. However, if Shazam! Fury of the Gods generates substantial profit, we may witness the hero confront Johnson’s Black Adam in theaters sooner rather than later.
Are you keen to explore the profound conflict between Black Adam and Shazam? For further insights into the DCEU’s developing landscape and the future of your preferred heroes, visit our website today! Remain informed on the most recent news, film critiques, and additional captivating material.