Billy Batson, an orphan boy, is granted the power to transform into the superhero Shazam (formerly Captain Marvel) by the wizard Shazam. This timeline covers his creation in 1939, Golden Age peak, introduction of the Shazam Family, rivalry with Black Adam, and modern revivals.
Captain Marvel debuts in Whiz Comics #2, published by Fawcett Comics. Created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck, the character becomes an instant hit, outselling Superman. #comics #goldenage )
Fawcett launches Captain Marvel Adventures, a solo series that becomes one of the best-selling comics of the 1940s, with circulation over 1.3 million copies per issue. #comics #goldenage
Captain Marvel Jr. (Freddy Freeman) and Mary Marvel (Mary Batson) debut, expanding the Shazam Family. The trio becomes a staple of Fawcett's lineup. #comics #family
Black Adam, an ancient Egyptian prince empowered by the wizard Shazam, appears in Marvel Family #1. He becomes Captain Marvel's arch-nemesis. #comics #villain
Republic Pictures releases a 12-part movie serial starring Tom Tyler as Captain Marvel. It is the first film adaptation of the character. #film #serial
DC Comics sues Fawcett, claiming Captain Marvel infringes on Superman's copyright. The lawsuit drags on for years, eventually leading to Fawcett ceasing publication. #comics #lawsuit
Fawcett settles the lawsuit with DC and agrees to stop publishing Captain Marvel comics. The last issue of Captain Marvel Adventures is published in November 1953. #comics #end )
DC Comics acquires the rights to Captain Marvel and the Marvel Family from Fawcett. The characters are integrated into the DC Universe. #comics #acquisition )
DC launches Shazam! #1, reviving Captain Marvel under the title 'Shazam!' due to Marvel Comics' trademark on 'Captain Marvel'. The series reprints classic stories. #comics #revival )
Filmation produces a live-action TV series starring Michael Gray as Billy Batson and Jackson Bostwick as Captain Marvel. It airs on CBS for three seasons. #tv #liveaction )
DC publishes a four-issue mini-series by Roy Thomas and Tom Mandrake, updating Captain Marvel's origin for the modern era. #comics #reboot )
A new ongoing Shazam! series begins, written by Roy Thomas, featuring the Marvel Family in the post-Crisis DC Universe. It runs for 33 issues. #comics #ongoing )
Jerry Ordway writes and illustrates The Power of Shazam!, a hardcover graphic novel that retells Billy Batson's origin and establishes a new status quo. #comics #graphicnovel
Following the graphic novel, DC launches an ongoing series written and drawn by Jerry Ordway, lasting 47 issues. It is critically acclaimed. #comics #series
Black Adam returns in JSA #45, becoming a complex anti-hero and later a member of the Justice Society. This revitalizes the character. #comics #villain
In Day of Vengeance, the Spectre destroys magic, including the Rock of Eternity. Billy Batson loses his powers but later regains them. #comics #event
Written by Judd Winick, this series sees Freddy Freeman become the new Shazam, while Billy Batson becomes the wizard. #comics #transformation
In Final Crisis, Billy Batson is killed by Darkseid's forces but later resurrected. The one-shot explores his role in the event. #comics #crisis
In The Flash #6 (Brightest Day), Billy Batson is resurrected and given a new origin, tying his powers to the Seven Deadly Sins. #comics #reboot
As part of DC's New 52 reboot, a Shazam! backup story runs in Justice League #7-21, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Gary Frank. It reimagines Billy Batson as a troubled foster kid. #comics #new52 )
The New 52 Shazam! backup stories are collected as a graphic novel, introducing a darker, more modern take on the character. #comics #graphicnovel )
Shazam appears as a member of the Justice League in the Throne of Atlantis storyline, solidifying his place in the team. #comics #justiceleague
DC launches a new Shazam! ongoing series as part of the New 52, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Gary Frank. It runs for 20 issues. #comics #ongoing )
Warner Bros. announces a live-action Shazam! film starring Zachary Levi as Shazam and Asher Angel as Billy Batson. #film #announcement )
The Shazam! movie is released to critical and commercial success, grossing over $366 million worldwide. It is praised for its humor and heart. #film #superhero )
DC launches a new Shazam! series as part of the Rebirth initiative, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Dale Eaglesham. #comics #rebirth )
A new graphic novel by Jeff Smith, adapting the classic Monster Society of Evil storyline, is published. #comics #graphicnovel
Sequel to the 2019 film is announced, with Zachary Levi returning. It is set for release in 2023. #film #sequel
A new Shazam! ongoing series begins as part of the Infinite Frontier era, written by Tim Sheridan and drawn by Clayton Henry. #comics #ongoing )
The sequel film is released, receiving mixed reviews but performing moderately at the box office. #film #superhero
A new Shazam! series launches under the Dawn of DC initiative, written by Mark Waid and drawn by Dan Mora. #comics #dawnofdc )