Why DC Comics Changed Shazam’s Name to Captain Marvel
DC Comics fans and comic book enthusiasts might have noticed a significant change in the character's name - from Shazam to Captain Marvel. This transformation puzzled many, leading to questions such as why DC opted for this name change and how it fits into the broader history of comics. Let's delve into the intriguing backstory behind this change and explore the various characters and their legal ramifications.
The Original Captain Marvel
Original to the field, Captain Marvel was first published by Fawcett Comics in 1939. Initially, the character was intended to be named 'Captain Thunder,' but was soon renamed 'Captain Marvel' for a reason that would become significant in the coming years. Captain Marvel was one of the early super-heroes to join the ranks of characters like Superman, offering unique characteristics and powers.
A Legal Battle Ignites
The similarities between Captain Marvel and Superman, created by DC Comics, led to a tumultuous legal battle. Fawcett overlooked one crucial detail - the trademarked name 'Captain Marvel.' DC sued Fawcett for copyright infringement, claiming that Captain Marvel looked too much like Superman. The fight between the two companies raged on until 1954 when Fawcett agreed to lay down Captain Marvel due to declining sales and financial difficulties.
Marvel Comics Seizes an Opportunity
During the 1960s, Marvel Comics introduced their own version of Captain Marvel, this time with a trademark on the name. Marvel’s Captain Marvel was a Kree alien, named Mar-Vell, who worked with the superhero team, the Avengers. Marvel's stance was that they had a legal right to the name 'Captain Marvel' due to their trademark, while Fawcett still owned the rights to the character.
DC Comics and the Power of Shazam
When Jack Kirby moved to DC in the 1970s, he brought with him the rights to Captain Marvel from Fawcett Comics. DC wanted to continue using the character, but couldn't do so legally due to Marvel's trademark. Thus, DC introduced Shazam - a name that belonged to a Wizard who provided supernatural powers to Billy Batson, calling him 'Shazam.' This name change was necessary for branding purposes and to avoid legal issues.
A New Rebranding
In 2011, DC decided to officially return Captain Marvel's name to Shazam, a name that had been appearing on the covers of comics for years, to simplify matters. However, in 2020, Scott Lobdell's 'Earth-2 Shazam' series (later retconned into the main continuity with Earth-5) saw the return of the original name in the comics. With the second Shazam movie underperforming at the box office and the departure of James Gunn from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), DC seems to be reevaluating the character's name and history.
Mark Waid's Interventions
Mark Waid, a respected writer in the comic book industry, has taken on the task of bringing the original Captain Marvel back into focus. His proposal seeks a compromise between the classic version and the Shazam iteration. Billy Batson is now known as 'The Captain,' a name that honors both the classic and current continuity. This name change reflects a blend of tradition and modern adaptation.
Clarifying Misconceptions
Despite the name changes, it is important to understand that Captain Marvel, or Shazam, is not a direct clone of Superman. DC Comics initially claimed that Captain Marvel was a rip-off, but the legal battle suggested a more nuanced difference. The idea that Captain Marvel is a version of Superman is a common misconception, as the characters have their own distinct origins and histories.
Conclusion
The evolution of the character from Fawcett Comics' Captain Marvel to DC Comics' Shazam, and now 'The Captain,' showcases the complex world of comic book publishing, legal battles, and the enduring legacy of these characters. As the character continues to evolve, fans look forward to the next steps in this fascinating journey of one of the most iconic super-heroes.