Shazam!

Shazam, previously known as Captain Marvel until 2011, is a fictional superhero of the same name appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created in 1939 and first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 (February 1940) published by Fawcett Comics. 
When Mego Corp. produced this character for its "World's Greatest Super Heroes!" series of 8" action figures, the 1973 packaging used the title "Shazam!" DC has branded and marketed the character using this trademark since his 1970s' reintroduction. This led many to assume that "Shazam!" was the character's name, and DC officially renamed him "Shazam!" when The New 52 relaunched DC Comics' properties in 2011, with his associates known as the "Shazam Family". The DC Comics Encyclopedia : the definitive guide to the characters of the DC universe, ISBN: 9781465453570, DK Publishing (New York, NY), 2016, p 272
==Canon==
Shazam is a series about the alter ego of Billy Batson, a boy who, by speaking the magic word "Shazam", can transform himself into a costumed adult with the powers of superhuman strength, speed, flight, and other abilities. In classic Shazam! stories, the name is an acronym of the six figures from whom Billy's magical powers derive: Solomon (Wisdom), Hercules (Strength), Atlas (Stamina), Zeus (Power), Achilles (Courage), and Mercury (Speed).
Based on book sales, the character, then known as Captain Marvel, was the most popular superhero of the 1940s, outselling even Superman. The publishers than expanded the franchise to include other "Marvels", primarily Marvel Family associates Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr., who can share Billy's powers. 
===Main Characters===
* Shazam (previously Captain Marvel) aka Billy Batson
* Mary Marvel aka Mary Batson
* Captain Marvel Jr. aka Freddy Freeman
* Black Adam
* Isis
* The Wizard Shazam
===Other Adaptions===
* Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941)
* 1943 had a radio serial, although no transcripts or information survived.
* Shazam! (1974-1977)
* Legends of the Superheroes (1979)
* The Kid Super Power Hour with Shazam! (1981-1982)
* Superman: The Animated Series (1998 episode "Obsession", cameo appearance)
* Justice League Unlimited (2005 episode "Clash")
* Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2009-2011)
* Young Justice (2011-2013) 
* Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)
* Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
* Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010 animated short)
* Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2011)
* Justice League: War (2014)
* Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)
* Shazam (2019), part of the DC Cinematic Universe
==Fandom==
Despite the popularity of the character, the fandom behind Shazam/Captain Marvel is actually quite small. There is only a few works posted to FanFiction.Net and Archive of Our Own. LJ seems to only have a few non-active RPG accounts.
Since the release of the films in 2019 and 2023, fans have grown greatly in number, including a large number of RPF fans. 
===Shipping===
* Billy Batson/Courtney Whitmore
* Billy Batson/Damian Wayne
* Billy Batson/Freddy Freeman
==Fanworks==
===Fics===
* Neverland by Anynomous at YJ Anon Meme, Billy Batson does not age
===Artwork===
* Icons at capes_and_cowls by emeraldstag
==Archives & Fannish Links==
* Captain Marvel/Shazam & crossover works at FFN (comics)
* Shazam! works at FFN (TV Series)
* Shazam (Comics) works at AO3
* Captain Marvel (DC) works at AO3
* The Five Earths Project: Marvel Family Fanfiction
* Captain Marvel section at Twisting the Hellmouth (crossovers with Buffy)
*The Marvel Family Fan Club
==References==
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