This article consists of nothing butShazam!spoilers.We have a spoiler free review of the film here.
Who is Shazam?
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Youre probably already aware of the confusing history surrounding the Shazam name and franchise.
The problem was that in 1972, DC had a notable competitor named…Marvel Comics.
And Marvel had cannily created their OWNCaptain Marvela couple of years earlier.
Instead of calling the new book Captain Marvel, the title was simply,Shazam!.
DC finally gave in to the inevitable and just changed the characters actual name to Shazam in 2011.
Andthe 2011 story that did that is especially significant for this movie.
(whew) That was a lot.
But speaking of that villain, wed better get to…
Who is Dr. Sivana?
Hes referred to as Thad early on, which is short for Thaddeus.
But in the comics, ol Dr. Sivanas full name is Thaddeus Bodog Sivana.
The change was made for the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank origin story in 2011 and has stuck around ever since.
I dont believe we ever met Sivanas father or brother in the comics.
While not an easter egg, young Sivanas Magic 8-Ball is a wonderful piece of kitsch.
But he was definitely studying others who had been rejected as unworthy.
Ill have to take a closer look the next time I watch this.
So, Billy would say the wizards name to transform into Captain Marvel.
The idea is that the Wizard was a champion himself at some point in the distant past.
Billy has an omnipresent red hoodie, even when we see him as a toddler.
There, his parents died in a car accident and Billy was taken in by his Uncle Dudley.
Billys parents are named Marilyn and C.C.
The first time they were ever actually named in the comics was inJerry OrdwaysThe Power of Shazam.
is named after Charles Clarence Beck, the co-creator of Shazam.
It is said in this movie that Billys mother Marilyn was born in Minnesota, and thats where C.C.
In very recent Shazam comics, Billys father has mysteriously resurfaced.
A Shazam Family History Guide to DC Comics
Who is Freddy?
That would be Freddy Freeman, Billys foster brother.
Freddy wasnt Billys foster brother until the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank Shazam story.
Instead, he was a teenager who had been injured by Captain Nazi.
Ever wonder why Elvis had a fondness for short capes and lightning bolts?
Who is Mary?
Thats Mary Bromfeld, created by Otto Binder and Marc Swayze way back in 1942.
In most versions of the story, shes also Billys long lost twin sister.
The visuals are right on the money.
Also visible in the Rock of Eternity is Mr. She doesnt appear in the movie, but its good to know that she could.
I cant tell if I was imagining some kind of golden lamp in there or not.
Minds Monster Society of Evil, but got a modern update in DCs excellent weekly52series in 2006.
Can someone explain the significance of what comes off as a burning violin in the Rock of Eternity?
Because I am at a complete loss.
What about the tigers?
Throughout the movie theres a repeating tiger motif.
Billy has a tiger patch on his backpack.
There are stuffed tigers visible in the toy store during the first fight with Sivana in the mall.
If you look closely at the clasps on Shazams cape, they are embossed with tigers.
Well, tigers play a major role throughout Shazam history.
Yes, a talking tiger.
Their superheroic versions are perfect translations of what we see in that comic, too.
So…what are their superhero names?
Ummmm…that hasnt been established yet.
Freddy jokingly refers to himself as King Shazam once (remember the Elvis connection I mentioned up above?)
but much about them still needs to be fleshed out.
However, note Darlas last name: Dudley.
Perhaps Darlas uncle will show up in a sequel, too.
Its nice to see that Eugene immediately does a hadouken from theStreet Fightergames and then makes a fatalityMortal Kombatjoke.
The character was created by Otto Binder and C.C.
We have all the details ofwhy they kept Black Adam out of this movie right here.
Shazam Ending Explained
Who Is Black Adam And What Are His Powers And Weaknesses?
Adorning Freddys walls are various newspapers depicting superheroic moments.
One is cut off and it says Cong-…something.
hey god, let this be a Congorilla reference.
Theres a hint of aSuperman IIhomage, as well.
Speaking of Superman, Billy describes the sensation of bullets bouncing off him as It kinda tickles.
Lightning, hmmmm…probably not a coincidence.
Dont hold your breath, though.
Although here, they call Philadelphia home.
Can anyone make out what the book on Freddys desk is?
Is it the David Graves book from the New 52Justice Leaguecomics?
Freddy makes reference to Caped Crusader stuff which is indeed aBatmanthing.
When we meet Freddy, he is wearing anAquamanshirt.
Thats pretty self explanatory.
The magical and horror elements of the movie have a distinctly 1980s vibe.
David F. Sandberg says that the look and feel of the Sins was inspired by the Demon Dogs inGhostbusters.
It was written by the brilliant Tom Waits forhis essential and disturbingBone Machinealbum.
Basically, Sivana and Mr.
Mind have teamed up plenty of times, so this is a great way to set up a sequel.
Oh, you probably want to know who Mr.
He first appeared in 1943 (created by the Shazam dream team of Otto Binder and C.C.
Because comics are crazy but also the best.
Again, because comics are crazy/the best.
Anyway, I love that they even leaned into the tiny speaker hanging around his neck.
And the voice of Mr. That would beShazam!director David F. Sandberg again!
