Best Shazam Comics (Updated: September 2025)

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Shazam is a very early superhero, and for a time, was actually more popular than Superman. Originally called Captain Marvel, the character became less well-known after a legal battle with DC Comics, who claimed he was too similar to Superman (who debuted only a year earlier). Eventually, DC acquired the rights to Shazam and rebranded him with the name of his transformation word. The most celebrated Shazam comic books were published during his time with DC, and we’ve highlighted our top picks below.

Best Shazam comics as of 2025

Shazam hasn’t always had successful revivals since his original comics ended in 1953. Although his famous magic word remains well-known – even becoming part of a popular false memory involving a non-existent Sinbad movie called “Shazaam” – the hero himself was largely forgotten until the 2019 film starring Zachary Levi. It looked like young Billy Batson might finally have a comeback, but the 2023 sequel, *Shazam! Fury of the Gods*, performed poorly in theaters, leaving the character’s future uncertain once again.

Superman/Shazam: First Thunder

Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder is a four-part comic book series published between November 2005 and February 2006. It tells the story of the very first meeting between Superman and Captain Marvel. The series was written by Judd Winick and illustrated by Joshua Middleton.

This story arc delves into the challenges faced by a young, homeless boy who unexpectedly gains immense power. It also beautifully portrays Superman taking on a mentor role, understanding the responsibility that comes with such abilities. What really stands out is the story’s realistic depiction of Billy Batson’s youth – suddenly having godlike powers is a huge shock, and the story doesn’t shy away from the emotional fallout. A particularly moving scene shows Billy realizing someone he cared about was killed by a stray bullet, marking a profound loss of innocence. The connection between Superman and Billy feels genuine and well-developed, highlighted by the touching moment when Superman shares his true identity. The artwork is straightforward but effectively enhances the story, capturing both the power of these heroes and their quieter, more human moments. While not necessarily the definitive Shazam story, it’s a fantastic entry point into the world of Shazam and solidifies Billy’s role within the DC universe.

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The Trials of Shazam

Following the death of the Wizard Shazam, Billy Batson must complete a series of challenges to become the new Wizard and protect the Rock of Eternity. At the same time, Freddy Freeman, formerly known as Captain Marvel Jr., embarks on his own journey to earn the power of Shazam and become a champion. This 12-issue story is written by Judd Winick, with art by Howard Porter and Mauro Cascioli.

The “Trials of Shazam” comic is a bit controversial – some people love it, others don’t – but it’s worth checking out. It’s a departure from the typical, lighthearted Shazam stories, opting for a darker and more mature feel. While not everyone agrees with the changes, it’s admirable that the series tried something different. Importantly, it gives Freddy Freeman a chance to shine as more than just a sidekick, and his quest for power is a compelling part of his story. Even if it doesn’t fully succeed, it’s a risk-taking series that expands the magical world of DC and delves deeper into the mysteries of the Rock of Eternity. It might not be your favorite, but it’s interesting enough to give it a try and form your own opinion.

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Monster Society of Evil

Billy Batson is a young boy living on the streets who unexpectedly finds himself at the Rock of Eternity. There, he’s granted incredible powers by Shazam – simply by saying the word “Shazam,” he becomes a powerful superhero. At the same time, a dangerous alien creature named Mr. Mind breaks out of prison and starts assembling a team of evil monsters to take over the Earth. Billy has to learn to control his powers, defeat Mr. Mind and his monster army, and also find a sense of family. This story, both written and illustrated by Jeff Smith, was first published in 2007.

Even if it’s not strictly for longtime Captain Marvel fans, *The Monster Society of Evil* is a standout Shazam comic. It perfectly captures the heart of what makes Shazam great while also offering a fresh take on the character’s world. The story has a classic, almost fairy-tale quality, and appeals to readers of all ages – both kids and adults will enjoy it. It proves that a story doesn’t need to be dark or gritty to be good. Billy Batson feels authentically like a child, with dialogue and actions that fit his age and situation. The return of Mr. Mind and his Monster Society is a fun nod to the past. The writer understands what made these classic villains work and successfully updates them for today’s readers, paying tribute to the original creator, Otto Binder, while still making the story his own. It feels like a natural continuation of those beloved classic tales, but with some creative new twists.

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The Power of Shazam

The story opens with a tragic event: Billy and Mary’s parents are tricked and killed during an archeological expedition by Theo Adam. Later, back in Fawcett City, Billy is selected by the ancient wizard Shazam and granted the ability to become Captain Marvel simply by saying the word “SHAZAM!” This graphic novel, written and illustrated by Jerry Ordway in 1994, follows Billy as he learns to control his newfound powers and discovers the truth behind his parents’ deaths, ultimately facing off against villains Black Adam and Dr. Sivana.

If you’re curious about the world of Shazam, *The Power of Shazam* is a great place to start. It successfully updated the classic stories from the 1940s for today’s readers while still capturing the original charm, particularly the sense of fun and importance of family. The story gives Billy Batson, the boy who becomes Captain Marvel, a lot more depth, showing him as a relatable kid who struggles with his new powers before ultimately using them for good. Though it revisits the origin story, it stays true to the original Fawcett Comics version with only minor updates. The graphic novel was so popular it led to a long-running series that lasted until 1999, introducing characters and villains that are now a key part of the DC Universe.

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Kingdom Come

In the not-too-distant future, Superman and the original generation of superheroes have stepped down, feeling unwanted by a world that’s changed. They’ve been replaced by a new, more aggressive group of heroes who prioritize power over saving lives. When a disaster in Kansas – caused by these newer heroes – throws everything into chaos, Superman comes out of retirement to fix things. He teams up with Wonder Woman, Batman, and the other classic heroes to form a new Justice League and challenge this dangerous new generation. The story focuses on the growing conflict between these two groups, and how ordinary people are affected by their battle. It’s written by Mark Waid and features stunning artwork by Alex Ross.

While not a traditional Shazam story, ‘Kingdom Come’ is widely considered a standout comic featuring the character. It offers a particularly powerful and sad take on Billy Batson, portraying him as an adult who’s been brainwashed by Lex Luthor and turned into a weapon against Superman and other heroes. Seeing the once-compassionate, orphaned hero become a force of destruction is truly heartbreaking. The artwork, by Alex Ross, is stunning – painted in a way that captures both Shazam’s power and his lost innocence. The contrast is incredibly impactful and memorable. If you’re looking for a more mature and high-stakes Shazam story, this four-issue series is a must-read.

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How we chose the best Shazam comics

These Shazam comics prove why Billy Batson’s story remains popular after over 80 years. They’re full of the magic, excitement, and heartfelt moments that make Shazam comics so enjoyable, whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just discovering them. Perhaps we all secretly wish we could say a magic word and become stronger, or maybe it’s the consistently good storytelling. What are your favorite Shazam issues?

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2025-09-26 06:18