Editing Wizard Shazam (section)

==Fictional character biography==

=== Golden Age ===

==== Fawcett Comics history ====
Originally, the wizard's name was Shazamo, the last letter standing for the hero of magic [[Oggar]]. However, Oggar became corrupt and tried to take power from Shazamo. The wizard defeated Oggar and cursed him to live in the world of mortals. He was given cloven hooves as a sign of his inner evil, and could cast each magic spell only once. Shazamo then dropped the last letter of his name.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Woolfolk |first=William |title=Captain Marvel Adventures #62 |publisher=[[Fawcett Comics]] |year=1946}}</ref>

Shazam informs Billy that he is an ancient Egyptian [[Magician (fantasy)|wizard]] who has been using his powers for many centuries to fight the forces of evil, but that he is now old and not long for this world. He therefore passes along part of his power to Billy, who shouts his name– "SHAZAM!"– to transform into Captain Marvel/Shazam. He also then explains to Billy that his name: is an [[Acronym and initialism|acronym]] for six ancient heroes. Each letter empowers him with certain attributes:

:S The wisdom of [[Solomon]];
:H The strength of [[Hercules]];
:A The stamina of [[Atlas (mythology)|Atlas]];
:Z The power of [[Zeus]];
:A The courage of [[Achilles]];
:M The speed of [[Mercury (mythology)|Mercury]].
Although Shazam is killed, as prophesied, by a giant granite block falling on him, Billy/Captain Marvel/Shazam can summon the [[ghost]] of Shazam for guidance by lighting a special [[brazier]] in Shazam's lair (the [[Rock of Eternity]]). More superheroes soon joined the superhero Shazam in carrying on the legacy of the wizard Shazam, including [[Marvel Family|Shazam Family]] members [[Mary Marvel]] and [[Captain Marvel Jr.]] Shazam tells that once, 5,000 years before, he gave powers to Black Adam, but Black Adam was killed while turning back to his regular self. He died due to his advanced age. +In the Marvel Family series, he was shown in some early issues carving the Marvel Family adventures into the Rock of Eternity.

==== Post-Crisis origin and early history ====
[[File:Shazam (Alex Ross).jpg|thumb|Rendition of the Jebediah incarnation of the Wizard. Art by Alex Ross.]]
In a story written by [[E. Nelson Bridwell]] for ''World's Finest Comics'' #262 ([[cover date]] April/May 1980), his gave him a backstory in which he was a young [[shepherd]] who becomes the '''Champion''', one of the world's first superheroes in ancient [[Canaan]], over 5,000 years ago. By speaking the magic word "VLAREM!" (an anagram of "Marvel"). This background is later explored further in the ''Power of Shazam!'' series, in which detailed during his tenure as a Champion,  At one point, the Champion is seduced by a [[demon]]ess disguised as a beautiful woman, and the two of them conceive two half-demon offspring, [[Blaze and Satanus]], much to the displeasure of the gods. The Champion later creates the [[Rock of Eternity]] from two large rock formations&nbsp;– one from [[Heaven]] and one from [[Hell]]&nbsp;– to hold the [[Three Faces of Evil]], a [[European dragon|dragon]]-like demon whose mother is the same demoness as the one who bore his children, captive. Shazam also later trapped demons of the [[Seven Deadly Enemies of Man|Seven Deadly Sins]] in statues of themselves and imprisoned them at the Rock of Eternity.

Many centuries later, the Champion, now going by the name of "Shazam", feels the need to pass along his powers to a successor. He selects the [[pharaoh]]'s son Teth-Adam to receive the power to become the superpowered Mighty Adam by speaking the word "SHAZAM!" However, Blaze interferes with this succession and Adam is given powers from the Egyptian deities instead. As her mother did, Shazam's daughter Blaze takes on the form of a beautiful woman and seduces Adam, convincing him to kill the pharaoh and take over the kingdom. An angry Shazam draws Mighty-Adam's powers out of him and into a large jeweled [[Dung beetle#Scarab in ancient Egypt|scarab]], thereby killing Adam as he ages to death. Shazam then seals his remains and the amulet in a tomb. A wicked reincarnation of Teth-Adam named Theo Adam would steal the scarab many centuries later and use the power of Shazam to become Black Adam. Shazam was upset by this and did not consider passing on his powers for millennia.
The wizard resurfaces as an aide on the 1940 Malcolm Expedition, one of many [[archaeology|archaeological]] expeditions into the tombs and pyramids of ancient Egypt. The [[Sarcophagus|sarcophagi]] of [[Ibis the Invincible]] and his mate [[Princess Taia]] are uncovered and brought to the United States. Shazam follows the sarcophagi. Once they are on display at the [[Fawcett City]] [[Museum]], Shazam uses ancient spells to resurrect Ibis. Ibis then joins [[Bulletman and Bulletgirl|Bulletman]], [[Spy Smasher]], [[Minute-Man]], and others to fight evil during the [[World War II]] era. In 1955, a thug knocks a weakened Shazam across the head with a [[crowbar (tool)|crowbar]] and causes him to lose his memory. A clueless Shazam wanders around Fawcett for the next forty years until C.C. Batson, a young man Shazam had met on the Malcolm Expedition, recognizes the old man and brings him to the museum to restore his memory. Shazam feels that he has truly found his successor in the upstanding Batson, but before he can act on this, a possessed Theo Adam murders Batson and his wife Marilyn for the magic amulet. He therefore decides to enlist C.C. Batson's young son, Billy, as the successor to his power.

==== ''Day of Vengeance'' ====
In ''[[Superman (comic book)|Superman]]'' (vol. 2) #216, Shazam calls upon the [[Spectre (DC Comics character)|Spectre]] to free [[Superman]] from being controlled by the demon [[Eclipso]]. This action breaks a covenant between Eclipso and the Spectre and sets Eclipso permanently at odds with the wizard. Possessing the body of [[Jean Loring]], the [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|Atom]]'s ex-wife, Eclipso corrupts the confused Spectre into joining forces with her, and begins a war against all magic-powered beings in the DC Universe.

Because of his previous action, Shazam is one of the duo's primary targets. In the ''[[Day of Vengeance]]'' mini-series, Shazam enlists Captain Marvel to keep the Spectre at bay while the wizard gathers all of his power to battle him. With the assistance of the newly formed [[Shadowpact]], a band of magic-based heroes, Captain Marvel fights the Spectre nearly to a standstill, but the Spectre escapes and makes his way to the Rock of Eternity to confront Shazam directly. While Shazam is preparing for his bout with the Spectre, he is confronted by [[Mordru]] who has just escaped the Rock of Eternity. Mordru and the wizard fight for a short time while the Spectre begins to approach, despite being delayed by fighting Captain Marvel. More concerned with escaping and staying out of the Spectre's way, Mordru leaves a slightly wounded and tired Shazam to fight the Spectre, who is already more powerful than him at full power.<ref>''JSA'' #78 (December 2005). DC Comics.</ref> The Spectre overpowers the wizard, absorbs his magics, and kills him. As a result, the Rock of Eternity disintegrates above [[Gotham City]] into "a billion pieces" and explodes, freeing the Seven Deadly Sins along with many other demons and sending a depowered Billy Batson falling into the city.<ref name=":5">''Day of Vengeance'' #6 (November 2005). DC Comics.</ref>

In ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' #1, Billy finds he is still able to transform into the Captain before he strikes the ground by saying the wizard's name as usual. It is also revealed that the entire affair was orchestrated by [[Alexander Luthor Jr.]] and the [[Psycho-Pirate]] to reduce magic to its raw form, the death of Shazam turning his name into a tether for the rest of the raw magic that Alexander could harness to power his tower by acquiring one of Shazam's champions, eventually forcibly 'enlisting' Black Adam for that purpose after failing to capture any of the other Marvels.

In ''Day of Vengeance: Infinite Crisis Special'', the Shadowpact teams up with the majority of the DC Universe's surviving magical characters to rebuild the Rock of Eternity and reseal the Seven Deadly Sins. The final piece of the reconstruction, revealed by [[Zatanna]], is that a new wizard has to be appointed to guard the Rock. Billy, as the only real candidate, is chosen to succeed Shazam as the Rock's new caretaker.

In the comic series ''[[52 (comics)|52]]'', Captain Marvel is revealed to be currently headquartered at the Rock of Eternity, acting in Shazam's stead. He has already imprisoned the Sins again, although he claims they cause trouble at the full moon.

=== Post-Flashpoint ===
[[Image:WizardShazamGaryFrank.jpg|thumb|200px|The Wizard, as seen in ''[[Justice League]]'' (vol. 2) #0 (November 2012). Art by [[Gary Frank (comics)|Gary Frank]].]]The Shazam character is late reintroduced within the New 52 onward, having several origins. The earliest origin cast Shazam as a Kahndaqi-born sorcerer who ascended to godhood and leads the Council of Eternity, a group of wizards overseeing mystic matters on Earth, and was a keeper of magic.<ref name=":53">{{cite web |last1=Plummer |first1=Jessica |date=19 March 2020 |title=Give This Hero a Comic Book: Khalid Nassour (Doctor Fate) |url=https://bookriot.com/2020/03/19/khalid-nassour-doctor-fate-comic/ |access-date=3 April 2020 |website=Book Riot}}</ref> An alternate origin was retroactiely introduced later, revealing himself to be the [[Kunwinjku people|Kunwinjku]] deity '''[[Mamaragan]].''' This retcon instead explains that the character's [[Songline|songlines]] guided him to a seat on the Council of Eternity, where he adopted the title of "Wizard" and the name Shazam.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/942885029 |title=Justice League, Darkseid war : power of the gods |date=2016 |others=Peter Tomasi, Rob Williams, Francis Manapul, Steve Orlando, Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan, Bong Dazo, Scott Kolins |isbn=978-1-4012-6149-8 |location=Burbank, CA |oclc=942885029}}</ref> One sources suggest both origins are known but the latter is the true one<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2021-06-15 |title=DC Universe Infinite Encyclopedia: Shazam |url=https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/encyclopedia/shazam/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615095221/https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/encyclopedia/shazam/ |archive-date=2021-06-15 |access-date=2024-02-09}}</ref> while another suggests he was a Kahndaqi-born wizard who became powerful enough to ascend to godhood early in his life, granting him both Kahndaqi and Aboriginal ties.<ref name=":1" />

As leader of the Council, the character would be responsible for numerous incidents such as being the one to punish [[Phantom Stranger]], an interpretation of [[Judas Iscariot]], for his betrayal of Jesus Christ on behalf of the [[Presence (DC Comics)|Presence]] and Pandora, [[Pandora|based on Greek mythology]], by granting her immortality and scars that constantly burn as a consequence of unleashing the [[Seven Deadly Enemies of Man|Seven Deadly Sins]] upon humanity.<ref name=":1" /> In the latter case, he later believed his and the Council's punishment was too harsh.<ref name="Justice League #0">''Justice League'' (vol. 2) #0 (September 2012). DC Comics.</ref> He was also responsible for empowering the young Amun as his champion, who shared his with his uncle, Teth-Adam. Teth later killed his nephew to consolidate his power and became the Wizard's primary champion. Teth eventually betrays the Council and kills them off save Shazam, who seals him away.'''<ref name=":1" />'''

The ''Shazam!'' backup in the ''[[Justice League]]'' comic book title shows an elderly Shazam in the modern era later apologizing to Pandora for giving her a harsh punishment as his demise nears and Black Adam is resurrected by Dr. Sivanna<ref name="Justice League #0" /> and like past stories, he bestows his powers onto Billy Batson, whom is more abrasive and ill-mannered than previous incarnations but sees potential goodness in him.<ref>''Justice League'' (vol. 2) #2, 7 (May 2012). DC Comics.</ref> Unlike previous depictions, he explains to Billy he must say the word "Shazam!" with intent to transform, as the word itself won't do so before seemingly passing on.<ref name="Justice League #0" /> 

He later appears in the ''[[Darkseid War]]'' crossover title, where he replaces Billy's collection of god following Darkseid's supposed death, which disrupted his connections to his old gods. Both Mamaragan and Billy come into conflict with Yuga Khan (known as Zonzu) when he wishes to  usurp the Powers of Shazam. After his defeat, the wizard makes him part of Billy's pantheon as pentice for his crimes and reveals his aboriginal ties and being among Billy's new set of empowered gods.<ref name=":3" /> 

==== DC Rebirth onward ====
During [[DC Rebirth]], he is also a member of the Council of Immortals.<ref>Dark Days: The Forge, Dark Days: The Casting, [[Dark Nights: Metal]] #2. DC Comics.</ref> He also plays a significant role in the 2018 "Shazam! and the Seven Magiclands''"'' storyline, revealing himself to the Shazam Family as they explore the titular Seven Magiclands. This set into motions of events plotted by [[Mister Mind]] and his [[Monster Society of Evil]], manipulating events for the family to choose Billy's biological father, C.C. Batson, as the seventh champion to gain access to their magic as his secret host while pitting the family against him. After he, the society, and surprise adversary Superboy Prime is defeated, Mamaragan becomes aware of a potential future with a redeemed Black Adam as the eventual seventh champion.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Johns |first=Geoff |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1184122596 |title=Shazam! and the seven magic lands |date=2020 |others=Dale Eaglesham, Scott Kolins, Marco Santucci, Mayo Naito, Max Raynor, Michael Atiyeh, Rob Leigh |isbn=978-1-77950-459-3 |location=Burbank, CA |oclc=1184122596}}</ref>

Mind disrupts the Wizard's efforts to unearthing the threat and manipulates him and Billy into a clash which results in him being sealed away. Mamaragan watches the family battle the society and later a returned [[Superboy-Prime|Superboy Prime]], who was previously imprisoned with magic generating Red Sun energies. Remorseful of not trusting Billy, he comes to believe in his decision and witnesses a potential future where he helps redeems Black Adam and the Shazam Family becomes the spiritual successors of the Council of Eternity.<ref name=":2" /> Mamaragan is also referenced in the ''2021 Shazam!'' limited series, his presence disrupted when his future counterpart is killed by the Unkindness, a future version of Raven, as well as the Rock of Eternity being displaced, causing all of the Shazam Family's power to be disrupted and unreliable. These references also restores his connections with [[Blaze and Satanus]], with Billy referencing events connected to the past ''[[The Power of Shazam!|Power of Shazam!]]'' comics and merging aspects of the Golden Age incarnation.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sheridan |first=Tim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NJk3EAAAQBAJ&q=Shazam!+2021 |title=Shazam! (2021-) #1 |date=2021-07-20 |publisher=DC Comics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sheridan |first=Tim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9mA7EAAAQBAJ |title=Shazam! (2021-) #2 |date=2021-08-17 |publisher=DC Comics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sheridan |first=Tim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hoRCEAAAQBAJ |title=Shazam! (2021-) #3 |date=2021-09-21 |publisher=DC Comics |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":72">{{Cite book |last=Sheridan |first=Tim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=is9GEAAAQBAJ |title=Shazam! (2021-) #4 |date=2021-10-19 |publisher=DC Comics |language=en}}</ref> 

In [[Infinite Frontier]], Shazam is shown as a member of a reintroduced incarnation of the Quintessence and appears alongside other members shortly after the defeat of the Batman Who Laughs at the hands of Wonder Woman, whom is invited as a member. The heroine rejects it and shortly after taking her leave, the group is seemingly an empowered [[Darkseid]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Williamson |first=Joshua |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1252411539 |title=Infinite frontier |date=2022 |others=Xermanico, Romulo Fajardo, Tom Napolitano, Troy Peteri, Mitch Gerads |isbn=978-1-77951-424-0 |location=Burbank, CA |oclc=1252411539}}</ref> Later, it was revealed that the Quintessence was under the control of the Great Darkness (namely Pariah's manipulation of a fraction of its power), eventually leading to the seemingly death of the core members of the Justice League. At the end of the event, after Pariah's defeat and restoration of the Justice League members, the Quintessence, including the Wizard, was revived by the Spectre.

In the ''[[Black Adam]]'' limited ongoing series. The "''East of Egyp''t" storyline includes the Wizard in flashbacks set thousands of years before the present day, in which the events depicted are an altered version of the flashbacks depicted in ''Marvel Family #1'' (December, 1945). These flashbacks also explore Black Adam's history as Mamaragan's champion, Mighty Adam, with several changes made to previous accounts expressed earlier in the [[The New 52|New 52]] and [[DC Rebirth]], including the methodology of how Black Adam was sealed away. After killing his nephew Aman, Black Adam deceived the Wizard and kept the truth hidden although he remained suspicious. He later betrayed the Council of Eternity, eliminating the others but sedates Mamaragan through magical [[Potion|potions]]. As pharaoh under the name "Userkare," Black Adam was confronted by his vizier, Mereruka, who employed Ibac to force him to step down. Black Adam prevailed, but Ibac freed the Wizard and he banished Black Adam from Earth after a confrontation over Aman's fate, sent among the stars.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last1=Priest |first1=Christopher |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6x_CzwEACAAJ |title=Black Adam Vol. 2: East of Egypt |last2=Sandoval |first2=Rafa |date=December 2023 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-77952-089-0 |language=en}}</ref>

In the ''[[Lazarus Planet]]'' crossover, the Wizard is unexpectedly ousted from his role as Keeper of the Rock of Eternity and believes Billy to be responsible. He aligns himself with Hera, who plans to depose Zeus and seek revenge on mortals. Billy and Yara Flor unite to stop Hera, but are surprised to find the Wizard on her side and Billy is subsequently depowered and captured. The Wizard is later summoned by Hera to enhance her powers against [[Wonder Woman]], but when Hera's agenda becomes unpopular, he doubts and abandons her. Billy later calls upon the Wizard through the Rock of Eternity, where it is revealed that the Wizard initially believed Billy had betrayed him. However, witnessing Mary sacrifice her powers to aid Wonder Woman, the Wizard realizes his mistake and deems Mary worthy to be the Champion. Despite his intention to empower both Billy and Mary, Hippolyta intervenes and chooses to bless Mary's powers through her and seven other gods. Both Billy and Mary regain their powers, with Mary's connection maintained through the blessings of the seven goddesses instead of the Wizard's magic, despite still utilizing the "SHAZAM" method.<ref name=":11">{{Cite book |last=Wilson |first=G. Willow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JkrUzwEACAAJ |title=Lazarus Planet: Revenge of the Gods |date=2023 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-77952-408-9 |language=en}}</ref>

In the ''Shazam!'' 2023 comic book series, the Wizard makes a brief appearance and is mentioned by Billy Batson as he recalls his transformation into Shazam. The series reaffirms Billy's previous origin of falling asleep in a subway, but with some subtle changes. These changes include acknowledging Billy's status as a foster child from his New 52 origin and expressing reluctance regarding the Wizard's intentions. It is revealed that the character eventually entrusts Billy with the Rock of Eternity, hoping that he will treat it with reverence.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Waid |first=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iMu4EAAAQBAJ |title=Shazam! (2023-) #1 |date=2023-05-02 |publisher=DC Comics |language=en}}</ref>