Warning : contain spoilers forShazam#18 !

Shazam’sconnection to Billy Batson just have a major makeover inDCComics . The publisher ’s most recentShazamtitle has been a recollective meditation on the relationship between Billy and Shazam , or “ the Captain ” as he prefers to be called now . This relationship has had its ups and downs throughout the series , but inShazam#18 , Billy makes a stunning confession to the Captain .

Currently , the only members of the Shazam Family with baron are Billy , Mary and Freddy . Darla , Eugene and Pedro are sitting this one out .

shazam and his classic family 2

Shazam#18 is drop a line by Jose Campbell and drawn by Dan McDaid . The Monster Society of Evil , led by Georgia Sivana , have found an all - out , multipronged violation on the Shazam Family . Among their number is Freddy Freeman , corrupt and now calling himself “ the Commander . ” The Commander and the Captain fight , and Freddy manages to pummel his resister well . As the Captain is dying , Billy come to him . The Captain tells Billy not to mourn , but Billy brushes him aside , enjoin it always hurts when the citizenry he loves leave him . He then recount the Captain “ you ’re my hero . ”

Shazam and Billy Batson’s Relationship Has Undergone Changes Over the Past 80 Years

Shazam and Billy Have Had Their Ups and Downs

Mark Waid , the record ’s previous writer , established that Billy and the Captain were two different people and his successor , Josie Campbell , has continued this style .

The precise nature of the relationship between Billy and Shazam has change since his first appearing . In some interpretations of the character , the Captain is only an older rendering of Billy , while in others they are two separate people , and change places when Billy verbalize the magical word . Many writers chose the former pick for many years . That changed when DC launched its most recentShazamtitle a year and a one-half ago . Mark Waid , the Holy Scripture ’s previous author , give that Billy and the Captain were two dissimilar citizenry and his successor , Josie Campbell , has go along this movement .

Waid and Campbell had a mint of fun exploring the wave-particle duality of Billy Batson and the Captain . In a late narrative arc , Billy and the Captain had a falling out , with Billy even lead so far as to decline to say the magic word . This military action nearly caused an irreparable falling out between them , but they finally harmonize – but not before repulse Freddy awayand into the arms of Mister Mindand the Monster Society of Evil . Since then , Billy and the Captain have worked as a unit – leading to Billy ’s confession inShazam#18 .

A man with nuclear explosions going off behind him in The Far Side.

Shazam Is Billy Batson’s Hero–What Does That Mean for Their Friendship?

Billy’s Admission About Shazam Makes Perfect Sense

Billy ’s admission about the Captain is new , but the sentiment is broil deep into Shazam ’s core . A young male child who is capable to wrench into a mega - powerful adult with a wizardly discussion is the epitome of regard - fulfillment , and it help make Shazam one of the most popular characters of comics ’ Golden Age . Factor in that Billy was once a homeless foster kid , and it is not heavy to see why he would view Shazam in such a lightness . Becoming Shazam gave Billy a mother wit of purpose , and he has convey this into becoming one of DC ’s good heroes .

When the Shazam Family goes appear for Billy Batson , they manage to find a beloved hero who ’s been miss from the team for far too long .

Shazam’screative team , in the process of exploring the relationship between BIlly and the Captain , has created one of the most definitive takes on the quality in recent retention . The series reminds fans there is a reason the Captain is one ofDC’sgreatest hoagie , require the respect of Superman and others . Billy Batson know this too , and even reckon up toShazamhimself . Hearing Billy say out aloud that the Captain is his champion has for good redefined their relationship – and for the better .

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Shazam#18 is on sale now from DC Comics !

DC’s Captain Marvel, aka Billy Batson, aka Shazam

Full page of Billy admitting to Shazam that he is his hero

Composite image Shazam from 2018 series, Multiversity, DC Presents

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