DC is rebooting Shazam later this month with a new costume and new attitude.
The New York Post recently revealed the new character design for Shazam by artist Gary Frank. The new look sees the hero hooded and with a cloak.
“You’ll notice that Shazam looks different from many of the other heroes we’ve seen in DC Comics – The New 52,” editor Brian Cunningham told The Source. “That was definitely intentional. His powers come from a different place, and we wanted to see that reflected in the design. We’ve removed the ‘circus strongman’ elements from his costume. Rather than a traditional cape, he wears a cloak with a hood; there’s more of a mystical, magical, fantasy feel to that.”
“With Shazam, Gary and I will be focusing on the magic hero instead of the super hero,” added Geoff Johns, who will be writing the rebooted character’s debut in Justice League #7. “For centuries, science has ruled the world, but now magic is returning. We’re telling the story of the hero’s young alter ego, Billy Batson, a foster kid at a crossroads in his life.
“The question is, how does the emotional journey of this troubled teenager collide with the fate of the world? The Rock of Eternity and the legacy of Shazam will be explored in a different way as the extent of Billy’s connection to the magic world around him is greater than ever before.”
Johns previously revealed that the character would no longer be known by the name ‘Captain Marvel’.
The character will feature in the Curse of Shazam back-up feature in Justice League, which will be released on March 21.
I’m confused, isn’t his name captain marvel? Is Shazam the same dude?
Apparently, Marvel Comics holds the right to the name Captain Marvel for their Captain Marvel character. For whatever reason though they’ve apparently been sharing the name, Marvel’s put their foot down.
Also given that he changes into Shazam by saying it, it would only lead to issues. So DC is technically changing everything about him.