Shazam is one of the oldest superhero characters around, and at one point, outsold Superman. Once known as Captain Marvel, the hero faded into obscurity after DC Comics sued the original creators, alleging he was a copy of Superman (who is just one year older). DC eventually licensed the character and renamed him after the magic word he uses to transform into hero form. Most of the best Shazam comics come from the DC era, and you can find our favorites below.
Best Shazam comics as of 2025
Not every (or even most) attempts at reviving Shazam since his original run ended in 1953 have gone well. While his magical phrase has remained in the pop culture consciousness (partially thanks to the popular Mandela Effect, which involves people remembering a movie that never existed starring Sinbad named “Shazaam”), the hero himself faded into obscurity until the 2019 film starring Zachary Levi was released. It seemed for a moment like little Billy Batson was going to finally get another moment in the sun after all those years. However, the 2023 sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods was a box office bomb, which cast doubt on the character’s future once again.
Superman/Shazam: First Thunder
Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder is a four-issue limited series that ran from November 2005 through February 2006. This series depicts the initial encounter between Superman and Captain Marvel. Judd Winick wrote the series, and Joshua Middleton illustrated.
This comic arc explores the weight of a homeless kid suddenly having godlike powers. It also shows how Superman becomes a mentor figure who understands the burden of great power. What makes it particularly noteworthy is how it treats Billy Batson’s youth seriously. Sudden godlike powers and their repercussions are A LOT to process. The scene where Billy discovers the ricocheted bullets killed someone close to him is so heartbreaking, and captures the loss of his innocence so perfectly. The relationship between Superman and Billy feels real and earned, with the poignant moment when Superman reveals his real name. The art, while pretty simple, complements the story perfectly. It captures the power of these superheroes, and the quiet, human moments, as well. While not the best Shazam comic ever, this is a great introduction to mythology of Shazam, and establishes Billy’s place in the DC universe.
The Trials of Shazam
After the Wizard Shazam’s death, Billy Batson must undergo a series of trials to claim the role of the new Wizard and keeper of the Rock of Eternity. Meanwhile, Freddy Freeman (formerly Captain Marvel Jr.) begins his own quest to prove himself worthy of wielding the power of Shazam and becoming the new champion. This is a 12-issue limited series again written by Judd Winick, and illustrated by Howard Porter and Mauro Cascioli.
Controversial take here! The Trials of Shazam is one of the more divisive Shazam comics, but it deserves a place in our list. It definitely has a tonal shift from the classic Shazam formula. It moves away from the lighthearted, all-ages material and instead has a much darker, mature tone. Some readers appreciate the attempt to modernize and do something new; some think Trials of Shazam was a miss. That being said, the series gives Freddy Freeman a chance to step out of the sidekick role. His journey to earn his powers adds weight to his character arc. Even if the execution wasn’t perfect, the series takes a risk and experiments rather than just retreading familiar ground. It also expands the magical side of the DC Universe and explores the Rock of Eternity in greater depth. Sometimes figuring out what you like is by encountering what you don’t like. Give this one a read and decide for yourself.
Monster Society of Evil
Billy Batson is a homeless kid who gets transported to the Rock of Eternity, where Shazam gives him magical powers. By saying “Shazam,” Billy transforms into the World’s Mightiest Mortal. Meanwhile, the evil alien worm Mr. Mind escapes from prison and begins building his Monster Society of Evil to conquer Earth. Billy must use his new powers to stop Mr. Mind and his army of monsters while learning to balance being a superhero with finding a real family. Written and illustrated by Jeff Smith in 2007.
While this one isn’t for the Captain Marvel purists, The Monster Society of Evil is one of the best Shazam comics because it captures what makes Shazam special while bringing something fresh to the universe. The story feels classic, almost fairy-tale like, and maintains that all-ages appeal that Shazam is known for. Really — you can be a kid or an adult and enjoy this one. Not every story needs to be gritty to be enjoyable. Billy Batson also feels like a real kid. His dialogue, reactions, and decision-making all feel true to his age and circumstances. The return of Mr. Mind and the Monster Society is nostalgic. Smith knows what makes these Golden Age villains work while updating them for modern readers. He honors the original while making it his own, giving a nice hat-tip to Otto Binder. This story feels like a continuation of those classic tales, but with some liberties taken.
The Power of Shazam
The story begins with Billy and Mary’s parents being deceived and murdered by Theo Adam while on an archeological trip. Back in Fawcett City, Billy is chosen by the ancient wizard Shazam and given the power to transform into Captain Marvel by speaking the magic word, SHAZAM. The graphic novel follows Billy throughout his transformation, as he uncovers the truth about their parents’ deaths while learning to use his incredible powers to fight Black Adam and Dr. Sivana. Published in 1994, Jerry Ordway wrote and illustrated the graphic novel.
The Power of Shazam is a perfect jumping off point for anyone interested in delving into the world of Shazam. Ordway updated the 1940s Fawcett Comics formula for modern audiences without losing what made those stories special. He kept the sense of wonder and family dynamics that readers love. The graphic novel gives Billy Batson depth and growth, showing him as a genuine kid throwing a tantrum about becoming Captain Marvel, and eventually utilizing his powers for good. While this is a retcon for Captain Marvel, he followed Fawcett’s origin more closely with only slight changes and additions. It was so successful that The Power of Shazam eventually became a series that ran until 1999. That series introduced us to the Marvel Family and other villains that would eventually become a part of the modern DC Universe.
Kingdom Come
In the near future, Superman and the older generation of heroes have retired after becoming disillusioned with a world that no longer seems to want them. A new breed of violent, reckless superheroes has taken their place, caring more about power than protecting people. When a catastrophic disaster caused by these new heroes devastates Kansas, Superman returns from his self-imposed exile to restore order. He reunites with Wonder Woman, Batman, and other classic heroes to form a new Justice League and confront the dangerous new generation of metahumans. The story follows the escalating conflict between the old guard and the new heroes, with ordinary humans caught in the middle. It was written by Mark Waid and painted (!) by Alex Ross.
Kingdom Come is considered one of the best Shazam comics, even though it’s not specifically a Shazam story. It presents one of the most compelling and tragic interpretations of the character. The story shows Billy Batson as an adult who’s been brainwashed and manipulated by Lex Luthor, transformed into a weapon against Superman and the other heroes. His transformation from the World’s Mightiest Mortal into a tool of destruction is a heartbreaking deviation from the homeless kid with heart. And the artwork? Some of the most beautiful panels I’ve ever seen. Alex Ross’s painted artwork shows Shazam in a way that’s both majestic and tragic. The contrast between his godlike appearance and his lost innocence is so striking and memorable. If you’re looking for a little less childlike wonder and more world-altering consequences, pick up this four-issue mini-series.
How we chose the best Shazam comics
These Shazam comics show the timeless appeal of Billy Batson’s story and demonstrate why the character has resonated for over 80 years. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the World’s Mightiest Mortal, these stories capture the magic, wonder, and heart that make Shazam comics truly special. Maybe it’s the kid inside all of us who wishes they could utter a magic word and summon their inner and outer strength, or maybe it’s the reliable narratives. What do you think are the best Shazam comics?
