Billy Batson (a homeless 12 year old) was a radio news reporter, who followed a mysterious stranger down into a subway tunnel. In an unknown part, he discovered the wizard "Shazam". The wizard explained his mission to Billy and told him of the powers, which would be endowed on him (merely by speaking the name 'Shazam'). Billy did so and turned into the adult superhero, Captain Marvel (who had a bright red costume with a yellow lightning bolt on his chest, yellow belt, wrist bands and boots, and a white-yellow-trimmed cape)! Captain Marvel's powers included---'Wisdom of Solomon'; 'Strength of Hercules'; 'Stamina of Atlas'; 'Power of Zeus'; 'Courage of Achilles'; as well as the Speed (and Flight) of Mercury!!!
His later side-kicks included---Mary Marvel (Mary Bromfield, Billy's sister); Captain Marvel Jr. (Freddie Freeman); The Lieutenant Marvels; and Mr. Tawky Tawny (a talking tiger, who wore clothes and walked upright). His major enemies included---Dr. Sivana (and the Sivana Family); Black Adam (with powers like 'C.M.'s); Mister Mind (an evil super-intelligent worm?!?!); and The Monster Society of Evil.
"Captain Marvel" was cancelled in 1953 (due to copyright problems), but was revived in 1973 with "Shazam"#1. The Marvel Family (and friends) and the Sivana Family were awakened from Sivana-induced suspended animation. Captain Marvel (with friends & foes) has been around ever since. His original series was from "Fawcett" Publications; the latter series was from "DC Comics".
He has made many appearances on TV (a 70's cartoon series, a live-action 70's series, a live- action multi-superhero special, and several appearances in 'Warner Premiere' Animated Movies).
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The "Marvel Comics" version of Captain Marvel (he originally had a green and white costume) made his first appearance in "Marvel Super-Heroes"#12 (Dec. 1967). He was created by Stan Lee (writer) & Gene Colon (artist).
Mar-Vell was a soldier for the Kree Empire from the Kree Galaxy, who was sent by his commander, Yon-Rogg, to observe Earth's space-travel progress, and infiltrate them. Yon-Rogg (in an act of betrayal, over a lady!) tried to kill Mar-Vell with a robot called 'The Sentry', but Yon-Rogg's plans were foiled. During that time, an Earthman named Dr. Walter Lawson (who had an uncanny resemblance to Mar-Vell) was killed, so Mar-Vell took on his identity, after deciding to remain on Earth. He also took on the superhero persona of "Captain Marvel". Yon-Rogg continued his attacks, with the help of Ronan the Accuser; attempting to kill Mar-Vell (now Dr. Walter Lawson). Lawson's lab asst. Carol Danvers was presumably killed (she would later be revived, having the same powers as Captain Marvel, due to exposure to Yon-Rogg's Psyche-Magnetron and some of Captain Marvel's DNA!!! She soon took on the superheroine identity of Ms. Marvel)! Captain Marvel's (and Ms. Marvel's) powers & abilities included---Super-Human Strength; Flight; Cosmic Awareness; and Solar Energy Absorption & Projection.
Captain Marvel's major enemies (besides Yon-Rogg) included---The Skrulls (alien race, enemy to the Kree Empire); Ronan the Accuser; and Thanos (an alien being with infinite powers).
Captain Marvel gained increased abilities, and earned a new costume (of honor) from Kree Supreme Intelligence, after returning to his home planet! This costume was red & dark blue, with a 'cosmic star' on the chest. Upon trying to return to Earth, he was exiled to an inter-dimensional realm, called 'The Negative Zone'. The Kree then recruited an Earth youth named Rick Jones (who had been a friend & companion to "The Incredible Hulk), and gave him Nega-Bands. When Rick struck these wrist-bands together, he would switch places between Earth and The Negative Zone ,with Captain Marvel (and vice-versa).
Captain Marvel actually died in a graphic novel called "The Death of Captain Marvel", due to cancer, caused by exposure to nerve-gas!!! He was thought to be revived when Tony Stark (Iron Man), Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic 4), and Hank Pym (Ant-Man, Goliath, Yellowjacket, etc etc...) brought back a Captain Marvel look-a-like, through a time / space wrinkle in The Negative Zone. This Captain Marvel was actually a Skrull 'sleeper-agent', who had taken on Captain Marvel's appearance, powers & even his memories (he thought that he was the 'real' Captain Marvel). He became a true hero, who sacrificed himself to save the Earth!
Captain Marvel left quite a legacy---Genis & Phyla Vell (his son & daughter, who both later took on the name of Captain Marvel); Monica Rambeau (who became Captain Marvel); Hulkling (a son of Mar-Vell & a Skrull princess); and Ms. Marvel / Carol Danvers, who took on the role of Captain Marvel, in recent years.
Well, both Captain Marvels (from DC & Marvel Comics, respectively) have impressive (and extremely cool) powers and long-lasting legacies!!! Which one do you like better? Cast your vote at "comicnerd75@gmail.com", I eagerly await your reply!!!
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