Despite being in development for well-over a year, I thought it was still important to give the Shazam! movie some shine.
For those with no clue who this Superman look-a-like is, I'll provide a brief synopsis:
Captain Marvel, was created to tap the adolescent fantasy of being Superman. By speaking the name of the wizard, Shazam, child reporter (& orphan), Billy Batson was transformed by a bolt of lightning into the white caped superheroe we know today. He was imbued with the powers of 7 Gods: Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. Oh, and the names of all these Gods spelled out Shazam. I know Solomon wasn't a God, but what can you do, it was the 40's.
Despite being what some have labeled a retarded Superman, the character actually outsold Superman in the 40's. Further, Captain Marvel's spinoff characters, Mary Marvel, and Captain Marvel Jr., inspired Supergirl and Superboy respectively. Captain Marvel Jr. was Elvis's favorite comic, and the inspiration for his hairstyle.
Oh, and Captain Marvel was flying back when Superman could only leap tall buildings.
Tired of being disgraced by a ripoff of their original character, the owners of Superman, DC Comics, sued the owner of Captain Marvel at the time, Fawcett, and eventually won the rights to the character. In the meantime the character was stuck in limbo, another company by the name of Marvel Comics created their own Captain Marvel character, and took all the rights to use the name in any titles or advertising.
So now, anything starring the original Captain Marvel has the name "Shazam!" tagged on the cover.
Ok, enough of that stuff. The movie is scheduled for release next year, with the script focusing on young Billy Batson's strained friendship after receiving super powers. You know, it's that whole "how will our friendship survive now that we aren't on the same level" thing. It's rumored that Jake Gyllenhall may play Captain Marvel, but talks are currently surrounding The Rock, and Brandon Molale. Actor, Fred MacMurray, was the original inspiration for the character. Personally, I'm leaning towards The Rock. Dakota Fanning can play Billy Batson for all I care ;).
Here's some Youtube goodness on the character:
Captain Marvel Vs. Superman
Some Captain Marvel 70's Nostalgia
And some photoshop coloring on the comic today
