Black Adam has already been released, in case you've been neglecting things—the world in general, the internet, television, comic books, your nephew's pointless babbling at family dinner, or anything else.
This movie has finally been made after years of work by two titans of the Entertainment business, DC and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. After all this time, whether the film is still good or horrible is a topic for another essay. This article itself just provides an explanation for "Who the hell is Black Adam?"
Before Johnson signed the dotted line to play Black Adam for DC, the character had only at most been a cult favorite. If you haven't heard of him in addition to Superman, Batman, or even Aquaman, no one can hold it against you. The attractiveness and depth of Black Adam, though, are undeniable when you dive into the character's lore, something the archetypal superhero lacks.
Below are some Black Adam tidbits to hopefully get you excited for the film.
This movie has finally been made after years of work by two titans of the Entertainment business, DC and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. After all this time, whether the film is still good or horrible is a topic for another essay. This article itself just provides an explanation for "Who the hell is Black Adam?"
Before Johnson signed the dotted line to play Black Adam for DC, the character had only at most been a cult favorite. If you haven't heard of him in addition to Superman, Batman, or even Aquaman, no one can hold it against you. The attractiveness and depth of Black Adam, though, are undeniable when you dive into the character's lore, something the archetypal superhero lacks.
Below are some Black Adam tidbits to hopefully get you excited for the film.
1. Dwayne Johnson chose Black Adam over Shazam.
Source: Warner Bros.
When offered a role in a DC movie, Johnson icked Black Adam due to the character’s “more interesting” origin and status as an anti-hero.2. Black Adam is a match for Superman.
Source: DC
Both have similar power sets (superhuman strength, flight, etc.), but Superman’s weakness against magic could give Black Adam an edge in face-to-face battle.3. Black Adam was a slave.
Source: Warner Bros.
He was a slave. In ancient Egypt, Black Adam was a slave with nearly his entire family killed by tyrants before gaining the power of Shazam.4. Black Adam single-handedly started World War III.
Source: DC
Black Adam went on a killing rampage in the fictional country of Bialya that forced heroes from multiple nations to set aside their conflicts to stop him.5. Black Adam has been in several heroes and villains teams.
Source: DC
He has been a member of the Justice Society of America, the Injustice Society, and the Suicide Squad, among others.6. Black Adam is oddly a team player
Source: DC
While Black Adam has his own rules and morals he goes by, he does protect those who fight alongside him – specifically his friend Atom Smasher in the JSA.7. Black Adam is a member of the Sinestro Corps.
Source: DC
Sinestro is a friend of Adam’s, as the two respect each other’s use of fear tactics and harsh justice. It’s not a surprise that Sinestro would offer a Yellow Power Ring for Black Adam to use should he need it.8. Black Adam was muted twice.
Source: DC
Black Adam gets his powers by calling “SHAZAM!” but was twice thwarted: When his vocal cords were severed by Shazam, and when his jaw was broken by Ultraman. (He got better.)9. Dwayne Johnson’s involvement.
Source: Twitter
“Kneel at his feet or get crushed by his boot.” Dwayne Johnson posted this slogan on Twitter to confirm his involvement with DC.10. Black Adam is a killer.
Source: DC
Aside from killing civilians, Black Adam has killed Terra from the Teen Titans, Psycho Pirate, and even the horseman of Death, among others.11. Black Adam is the protector of a Middle-East nation.
Source: DC
Adam is the sworn defender of the fictional Kahndaq, keeping the citizens safe from outside forces and policing it with a militant hand. It has created peaceful results within the country, albeit via morally questionable means.12. SuperMan invited Black Adam into the Justice League.
Source: DC
In Justice League #60 (2021), Superman inducts Black Adam into the Justice League, partly to keep an eye on him at close range.13. Black Adam is powered through six Egyptian Gods.
Source: DC
Those are Shu, Heru, Amon, Zehuti, Aton, and Mehen. (Yes, their initials spell out “SHAZAM!”).14. Black Adam was a family man.
Source: DC
He was happiest when he was with his wife Isis and his brother-in-law Osiris. That is, until a Horseman of the apocalypse killed them both, leading back to the path of rage.15. Black Adam died in his first appearance.
Source: DC
The first time Black Adam showed up in 1945, he was easily tricked into reverting to his human form – which being 5,000 years old, died right away.