Shazam!
One ofShazam’smost bizarre villains exposed a singular loophole in his world power . In “ Who Stole Billy Batson ’s Thunder ? ” first appear in 1975’sShazam # 19 , Shazam see the out - of - this - humanity Zazzo , who attempts to steal the world power of Shazam for himself — and exposes a loophole in the powers in the unconscious process .
HowShazam accesses his powersis unique in the world of comics . His power , which admit first-rate strength , stamina , ace upper , and flight of stairs are derived from six mythological figure : Solomon for sapience , Hercules for strength , Zeus for exponent , courage from Achilles , and fastness from Mercury . Billy was granted these powers by the ancient whiz Shazam , and to summon them , all he needs to do is talk the name , fetch down the magical lightning . InShazam # 19 , buff con this thunderbolt of lightning is a luck more important than initially understand , and it is all thanks to his weirdest opponent . The story is written by the legendary Elliot S. Maggin with art by Kurt Schaffenberger , who provided artistic production for some of the original Fawcett - era Shazam stories .
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The narration opens with Shazam ( then refer to as Captain Marvel ) chasing down money box robber . unbeknown to him , he is being monitor by the puckish Zazzo . Readers learn that Zazzo wants tosteal Shazam ’s powersand has invented a special helmet with a rod seize to the top . Billy attempts a translation , but when he speak the Book , the lightning jumps to Zazzo instead , give the animal all the power of Shazam . rename himself “ Zazzo Plus , ” he embarks on a crime fling . By chance , Zazzo bumps into Freddy Freeman , who state the wizard discussion — and the lightning changes Zazzo back to normal ; Freddy tell it again and is able-bodied to transform . Shazam surmises that Zazzo ’s helmet is attracting the magical lightning , and slipstream to get the picture Zazzo before he can call it down again . AsShazam preparesto administer a spanking to Zazzo , Zazzo ’s father come along and takes his Logos back to their habitation attribute .
The magical lightning is integral to Shazam and his force — so much so that a lightning bolt is front and middle on his costume , and this story illustrate just how important it is . If the lightning does not touch Billy , Freddy , or other members of the Shazam family , then they have no power . No other Shazam storyhas touched on this aspect of his exponent before ; steal the charming lightning is a fresh way to defeat him , and it is surprising that none of them , even Doctor Sivana , have think of it before .
Zazzo has made no other appearance since , which may be good forShazam , as the prankish imp discovered a bad loophole in his big businessman , one that more vicious opposition could easy work .
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