Black Adam is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. He is a supervillain and sometimes antihero who possesses superhuman strength, endurance, and the ability to fly. Black Adam was created by writer Otto Binder and artist C. C. Beck and first appeared in Fawcett Comics’ The Marvel Family #1 in December 1945.
Black Adam was originally a champion of the ancient Egyptian gods, but he was corrupted by his own power and turned evil. He was banished by the wizard Shazam, who granted his powers to Billy Batson, the superhero known as Captain Marvel (also known as Shazam). Black Adam has since become one of Captain Marvel’s greatest foes and has also clashed with other superheroes in the DC Universe, such as Superman and the Justice Society of America.
Black Adam’s origin and background have been explored and revised over the years, but the basic concept remains the same. He was originally an ancient Egyptian named Teth-Adam who was chosen by the wizard Shazam to be the first champion of the gods. Teth-Adam was granted the powers of six Egyptian gods – Shu, Heru, Amon, Zehuti, Aton, and Mehen – which he could access by speaking the wizard’s name.
Teth-Adam was a noble and just ruler, but he became corrupted by his power and began to use it to enforce his will upon his people. The wizard Shazam took back his powers and banished him to the furthest star in the universe. Black Adam remained imprisoned for centuries until he was freed by the villainous Dr. Sivana, who sought to use his powers for his own purposes.
Upon returning to Earth, Black Adam clashed with the hero who had inherited the powers of the gods, a young boy named Billy Batson who became Captain Marvel (also known as Shazam). Black Adam has since become one of Captain Marvel’s greatest foes and has also clashed with other superheroes in the DC Universe, such as Superman and the Justice Society of America.
Black Adam’s backstory and motivations have been expanded upon in various comics, including his own solo series. In some versions, he is portrayed as a tragic figure who was once a hero and a champion of his people but was ultimately corrupted by his own power. In other versions, he is portrayed as an unrepentant villain who seeks to establish his own rule over the world.
Powers and Abilities
Black Adam possesses superhuman strength, endurance, agility, and reflexes, as well as the ability to fly. He also has the ability to manipulate magic, which allows him to access the powers of the six Egyptian gods that he was granted by the wizard Shazam. These powers include:
- The strength of Shu gives him incredible physical strength and the ability to lift heavy objects.
- The speed of Heru, allows him to move at superhuman speeds and fly at incredible velocities.
- Amon’s stamina gives him the ability to endure extreme physical exertion without tiring.
- The wisdom of Zehuti gives him incredible knowledge and the ability to communicate with the dead.
- The power of Aton, allows him to project powerful blasts of energy.
- Their courage of Mehen gives him the bravery to overcome any obstacle.
Popular Adaptations of Black Adam
Black Adam is a character from DC Comics who was originally created in 1945 as the main villain of the superhero Captain Marvel (now known as Shazam). Over the years, he has become a popular and complex antihero in his own right and has appeared in various forms of media. Here are some of the most popular adaptations of Black Adam:
- DC Animated Universe: Black Adam first appeared in the 2002 animated series “Justice League” in the episode “The Return”. He later appeared in the “Justice League Unlimited” episode “The Greatest Story Never Told”, where he was voiced by actor Arnold Vosloo.
- Video Games: Black Adam has appeared in various DC Comics video games, including “Injustice: Gods Among Us” (2013), “Injustice 2” (2017), and “DC Universe Online” (2011).
- Television: Black Adam appeared in the live-action TV series “Smallville” in season 10, portrayed by actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He also appeared in the animated series “Young Justice” in season 3, voiced by actor Oded Fehr.
- Film: The most anticipated adaptation of Black Adam is the upcoming 2022 live-action film “Black Adam”, where he will be played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This movie will feature the first solo film appearance of the character, and it is expected to explore his origins and motivations.

The Role of Black Adam in the DC Universe
Black Adam is a complex and multifaceted character in the DC Universe, with a rich history and a significant impact on the world of DC Comics. Here are some of the key roles that Black Adam has played in the DC Universe:
- Antihero: Black Adam is often portrayed as an antihero, a character who is not wholly good or evil, but who has his own code of honor and his own agenda. He has a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect his people, but he is also willing to use violence and even kill in order to achieve his goals.
- Nemesis of Shazam: Black Adam’s most famous role is as the archenemy of Shazam (formerly known as Captain Marvel), the superhero who shares his powers and abilities. Black Adam and Shazam have clashed many times over the years, with Black Adam seeking to prove that he is the true champion of the gods and that he deserves the power of Shazam.
- Leader of Kahndaq: Black Adam is the ruler of the fictional Middle Eastern nation of Kahndaq, which he seeks to protect and defend at all costs. He is fiercely loyal to his people and will go to great lengths to keep them safe and secure, even if it means going against the wishes of the rest of the world.
- Member of the Justice Society of America: Black Adam has been a member of the Justice Society of America, a team of heroes who fight for justice and protect the world from threats both big and small. However, his membership has often been controversial, and his actions have sometimes put him at odds with the other members of the team.
- Anti-Monitor’s Champion: In the “Blackest Night” storyline, Black Adam is chosen by the villainous Anti-Monitor to be his champion in the war against the heroes of the DC Universe. This puts him in direct conflict with many of his former allies, and he is ultimately defeated and imprisoned by the heroes.
The Costumes and Appearances of Black Adam
Black Adam has had several different costumes and appearances over the years in DC Comics, reflecting changes in the character’s personality and status within the DC Universe. Here are some of the most notable costumes and appearances of Black Adam:
- Original Costume: Black Adam’s original costume was a black tunic with gold accents and a gold belt. He had a black hood and a white cape, and his boots were pointed at the toes. This costume was designed to make him look like an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, reflecting his origins as an ancient champion of the gods.
- Modern Costume: In recent years, Black Adam’s costume has undergone some changes. He now wears a black bodysuit with a gold lightning bolt on his chest, and he has a red cape and boots. This costume is more streamlined and modern, reflecting the character’s evolution from a villain to an antihero.
- Injustice Costume: In the “Injustice: Gods Among Us” video game series, Black Adam has a different costume that is inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology. He wears a golden helmet with a snake on the forehead, and his costume has a more ornate design with hieroglyphs and intricate patterns.
- Live-Action Costume: In the upcoming 2022 live-action film “Black Adam”, the character’s costume has been updated for the big screen. The costume features a black bodysuit with a gold lightning bolt, as well as gold armor plates on the chest, shoulders, and forearms. The helmet is also more streamlined, and he has a red cape and boots.
DC Comics: Connections to Black Adam
Black Adam is a character in the DC Comics universe, and as such he has many connections to other characters and storylines in that universe. Here are some of the most notable connections between Black Adam and other DC Comics characters:
- Shazam: Black Adam’s primary connection in the DC Comics universe is to Shazam (formerly known as Captain Marvel), the superhero who shares his powers and abilities. Black Adam was originally created as a villain for Shazam, and the two characters have clashed many times over the years.
- Justice Society of America: Black Adam has been a member of the Justice Society of America, a team of heroes who fight for justice and protect the world from threats both big and small. However, his membership has often been controversial, and his actions have sometimes put him at odds with the other members of the team.
- Isis: In some versions of the Black Adam story, he is married to a woman named Isis, who shares his powers and abilities. Isis is a powerful superhero in her own right, and she has often been depicted as a moral counterpoint to Black Adam’s antiheroic tendencies.
- Superman: Black Adam has had several interactions with Superman, the most powerful hero in the DC Comics universe. In some storylines, Black Adam has been portrayed as a villain who is more powerful than Superman, while in others he has been a reluctant ally of the Man of Steel.
- The Rock of Eternity: The Rock of Eternity is a mystical location in the DC Comics universe that has a significant connection to both Shazam and Black Adam. In some versions of the story, the Rock of Eternity is the source of their powers, and it is also the site of many of their battles.
Who is the Actor Playing Black Adam?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is playing the role of Black Adam in the upcoming 2022 live-action film “Black Adam”. Johnson is a former professional wrestler and one of the biggest movie stars in the world, known for his roles in movies like the “Fast and Furious” franchise, “Jumanji”, and “Moana”. He has been attached to the role of Black Adam for many years, and he has been vocal about his excitement for the project and his passion for the character. Fans of the DC Comics universe are eagerly anticipating Johnson’s performance as Black Adam, and many are hoping that it will be a faithful and exciting interpretation of the character.
Black Adam’s Future in the DCEU
Black Adam’s future in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) looks very promising, with the upcoming 2022 live-action film “Black Adam” set to introduce the character to audiences on the big screen. The film is being produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films, and it stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the title role. The film will explore Black Adam’s origin story, and it will introduce several other characters from the DC Comics universe, including the Justice Society of America.
Black Adam’s future in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) looks very promising, with the upcoming 2022 live-action film “Black Adam” set to introduce the character to audiences on the big screen. The film is being produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films, and it stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the title role. The film will explore Black Adam’s origin story, and it will introduce several other characters from the DC Comics universe, including the Justice Society of America.

The Supporting Cast of Black Adam
Black Adam has had a variety of supporting characters over the years in the comics, and some of them may also appear in the upcoming live-action film. Here are some of the most notable supporting characters associated with Black Adam:
- Isis: In some versions of the Black Adam story, he is married to a woman named Isis, who shares his powers and abilities. Isis is a powerful superhero in her own right, and she has often been depicted as a moral counterpoint to Black Adam’s antiheroic tendencies.
- Dr. Fate: Dr. Fate is a powerful sorcerer and member of the Justice Society of America. He has had several interactions with Black Adam in the comics, and the two characters have sometimes been allies and sometimes been enemies.
- Atom Smasher: Atom Smasher is a superhero with the ability to increase his size and strength. He is a member of the Justice Society of America, and he has had several interactions with Black Adam over the years.
- Hawkman and Hawkgirl: Hawkman and Hawkgirl are winged superheroes with a long history in the DC Comics universe. They have had several interactions with Black Adam in the comics, and they have been both allies and enemies.
- Theo Adam: Theo Adam is a character who has been associated with Black Adam since his earliest appearances in the comics. In some versions of the story, Theo Adam is the human host for the Black Adam powers, and he has been both an ally and an enemy of the superhero.