Wizard Shazam
| Wizard Shazam | |
|---|---|
 The current incarnation (Mamaragan) of the Shazam character. Art by Alitha Martinez (penciler), Mark Morales, John Livesay (inkers), and Alex Guimarães (colorist) | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Fawcett Comics (1942–1953) DC Comics (1972–present) |
| First appearance | Whiz Comics #2 (February 1940) |
| Created by | C. C. Beck Bill Parker |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Mamaragan (current) Jebediah (original) |
| Species | Deity (current) New God (former) Homo Magi (former) |
| Team affiliations | Marvel Family Squadron of Justice The Quintessence Council of Immortals Lords of Chaos and Order Council of Eternity |
| Partnerships | Black Adam Shazam (Billy Batson) Mary Marvel |
| Supporting character of | Shazam (Billy Batson) Black Adam |
| Notable aliases | The Wizard, Wizard of Shazam, Jebediah O'Keenan, The Champion, The Great Wizard |
| Abilities |
|
The Wizard Shazam, also known as Shazam (/ʃəˈzæm/) or The Wizard, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Fawcett Comics and DC Comics, first appearing in Whiz Comics #2 (February, 1940) created by C.C. Beck and Bill Parker. A major supporting character in Shazam!-related comic book titles, he often serves as a wise old man archetype who empowers champions to fight evil.
The original version of the character was Jebediah, a young boy of Egyptian and Canaanite origin who served as the Champion, gaining his power through Canaanite gods. In his later years, he forgoes their powers and learned magic before seeking a successor to empower. A revised version of the character is introduced after The New 52. At first introduced as a Kahndaq native who ascended to godhood, this origin was retconned and he is revealed to be Mamaragan, a figure based upon the deity in Kunwinjku culture. This version served as a adjudicator on Earth's supernatural matters as leader of a cabal of six other wizards, making up the Council of Eternity until a betrayal forces him to seek a successor to both his power and that of the fallen Council. Although the characters' motivations and background histories differ, they are intended to be the same character.
The character is an ancient sorcerer who battled the forces of evil for centuries until the betrayal of Black Adam, one of his earliest champions and proposed successors. Shazam was forced to magically imprison Adam and seek another champion to take his place. This would eventually come in the form of Billy Batson, who becomes the hero known as Captain Marvel (later also known as Shazam) and subsequently the rest of the Marvel Family (currently known as the Shazam Family). He often serves as a mentor to the group and is a notable member of the Quintessence, a powerful group of beings who watch over events unfolding in the universe.
The Shazam character has been featured in various media. The original Golden Age incarnation appeared in the live action serial, Adventures of Captain Marvel, portrayed by Nigel De Brulier. He also appeared in animated features such as Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam, voiced by James Garner. Djimon Hounsou portrayed the character in DC Extended Universe films Shazam! (2019), Black Adam (2022), and Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), in which the character's appearance and portrayal is inspired by his The New 52 incarnation.