Everything You Need To Know About DC’s Black Adam

Caitlyn Taylor
·5 min read

The post Everything You Need To Know About DC’s Black Adam appeared first on Consequence.

The DC Cinematic Universe has faced some serious shake-ups in 2022 alone. With the controversial state of its upcoming Flash film, the world has their critical eyes on their newest film set to release this October. DC’s Black Adam, like The Flash, is set to bring about a new era for the DCEU following the mixed bag that was Zack Snyder’s DCEU.

With his debut as Black Adam, Dwayne Johnson redefines what it means to be a hero while facing off against the Justice Society of America for the first time in live-action. DC’s Black Adam is a major turning point for the company, with its protagonist leaning further down the line of what is morally sound. While it isn’t uncommon for movies and TV to have morally gray and villainous protagonists, DC’s Black Adam seems to be one of the first superhero films to go down this route.

Here’s everything you need to know about DC’s Black Adam.

What is DC’s Black Adam?

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, DC’s Black Adam follows the origin of one of DC’s greatest heroes and villains. Following a 5,000-year imprisonment for using his bestowed godly powers for vengeance, Teth Adam (Dwanye Johnson) emerges from the ancient ruins of Kahndaq as Black Adam, a legend born out of rage.

Now free in the modern world Black Adam seeks to deal out his own unique form of justice while clashing against the modern-day heroes within The Justice League of America, including Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan) and Hawkman (Aldis Hodge).

What Are Black Adam’s Comic Book Origins?

Black Adam originally debuted as a Shazam villain. Born in the ancient Egyptian city of Kahndaq, Teth Adam was selected by the wizard Shazam to become his successor and precursor to Billy Batson. Debuting as the Mighty Adam, Teth Adam sought to care and protect humanity. Unfortunately, despite his moral purity Teth Adam was corrupted by his powers, transforming him into the violent and tyrannical ruler named Black Adam. 

Is Black Adam a Good Guy Or Bad Guy?

Despite his origins as a Shazam villain in the debut issue of Fawcett Comics’ The Marvel Family in 1945, over the years writers for the comics have developed his character in interesting ways. In DC’s modern era, Black Adam became the leader of his homeland, focusing on using his powers to better the lives of his people. Unfortunately, for many heroes, the methods he uses to protect his country are considered a bit controversial.

Who Does Black Adam Fight?

In the comics, Black Adam’s main enemies are Shazam and his family due to their similar origins. However, the Justice Society of America (JSA) was another one of his typical enemies.

Could Black Adam Beat Superman In A Fight?

Superman has the reputation of being a nigh-invulnerable superhero, and most would be correct. However, he has more weaknesses than just Kryptonite. Casual comic book readers would know that one of his major weaknesses besides Kryptonite is magic.

There have been multiple instances within comics and animated TV shows where Superman is taken down by magic users and even Shazam himself. In the 2010 animated short Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam, it takes the combined effort of Superman and Shazam to defeat Black Adam.

How Is DC’s Black Adam Differ From The Comics?

There are currently few details about the plot of the movie, but Black Adam’s role as a protagonist marks the most obvious difference between his comic and film appearances: Because of his villainous origins he’s usually seen doing battle against DC’s favorite heroes rather than saving the day.

Another huge difference from the comics and films are the heroes he’s fighting. Due to his ties towards the wizard Shazam, Black Adam has notably been a Shazam villain. Even though Black Adam has had dealings with the JSA in the comics, seeing his breakout role includes fighting explicitly them makes it clear that the Rock is taking Black Adam’s character down an interesting route.

Why Is The Rock So Excited To Play Black Adam?

Apparently, Johnson had been in talks with DC for the chance to play Black Adam for years. He gave his thoughts about the character in an Instagram post in 2019.

“Like most kids growing up, I dreamed about being a superhero. Having cool superpowers, fighting for what’s right, and always protecting the people, It all changed for me, when I was ten years old and was first introduced to the greatest superhero of all time – SUPERMAN. As a kid, Superman was the hero I always wanted to be. But, a few years into my fantasy, I realized that Superman was the hero, I could never be. I was too rebellious. Too rambunctious. Too resistant to convention and authority. Despite my troubles, I was still a good kid with a good heart – I just liked to do things my way. Now, years later as a man, with the same DNA I had as a kid – my superhero dreams have come true. I’m honored to join the iconic DCUniverse and it’s a true pleasure to become, BLACK ADAM.”

When Does DC’s Black Adam Release?

DC’s Black Adam releases in the United States on October 21, 2022.

Everything You Need To Know About DC’s Black Adam
Caitlyn Taylor

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