Like a magic thunderbolt from the sky,Shazam!
Fury of the Godsis set to hit theaters this weekend.
transformed into an older self with a vast array of superpowers.
Mary Marvel on the cover of ‘New Champion of Shazam’ #1 vs. Grace Caroline Currey as Mary in ‘Shazam: Fury of the Gods.'.Josie Campbell and artist Evan Shaner/DC Comics; Jessica Miglio/Warner Bros.
But who needs to change when you already look like Judy Garland?
“There’s a lot of crossover between Shazam/Captain Marvel and Superman specifically, because of that.”
Decades after Fawcett went out of business, DC eventually acquired the rights to the Marvel Family characters.
Mary Marvel’s first appearance in ‘Captain Marvel Adventures’ #18.HardPress
But nothing really stuck until writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank revitalizedShazamin 2013.
Many years have passed since Mary’s original debut, and her current comics incarnation reflects maturity.
“Billy would say ‘Shazam,’ and he’d transform into an adult.
Mary Marvel explains her backstory in ‘New Champion of Shazam’ #1.Josie Campbell and artist Evan Shaner/DC Comics
Freddy would become Captain Marvel Junior, the ultimate teenager.
She was the little sister.
In a boisterous family of six very different siblings, Mary has become the one everybody can trust.
Mary Marvel explains her backstory in ‘New Champion of Shazam’ #1.Josie Campbell and artist Evan Shaner/DC Comics
This maturity extends to the recent film adaptations, where Mary gives Billy advice about growing up.
In recent DC comics, meanwhile, Mary Marvel is taking on an even bigger role.
As the title suggests, this comic sees Mary finally take center stage.
Mary Marvel goes to the dark side in ‘Countdown to Final Crisis.'.DC Comics
In Billy’s absence, she has now become the one and only wielder of the power of Shazam.
The series sees her juggling that superhero responsibility with the demands of becoming a college freshman.
“She might not be a genius, but she works hard,” Campbell tells EW.
Cover of ‘New Champion of Shazam’ #1 by Evan Shaner.Josie Campbell and artist Evan Shaner/DC Comics
“She might not be flashy, but she has a plan.
Mary’s older now, and she’s the one who sees the consequences.
She’s the one who sees how things fit together.
Variant cover for ‘New Champion of Shazam’ #1 by Gary Frank.Josie Campbell and artist Evan Shaner/DC Comics
She’s the one who sees, ‘If I don’t help these people, nobody will.'”
Because of the foster experience, she’s one of those people.
The short version is, she’s the hero we need and deserve.”
Mary Marvel in ‘New Champion of Shazam’ #4.Josie Campbell and artist Evan Shaner/DC Comics
I feel like I’ve barely begun with her.
I would love to write more of her and her world."
Fury of the Godsis in theaters now.
Mary Marvel in ‘New Champion of Shazam’ #4.Josie Campbell and artist Evan Shaner/DC Comics
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