We have our most magical episode yet – BLACK ADAM! What can we learn from this antihero? And we have our most electrifying skit ever – listen now!
SHOW NOTES:
- Intro
-
- 2 weeks left to vote on awards show nominees
- Background (02:39)
-
- Black Adam (Teth-Adam) created by Otto Binder and C.C. Beck in The Marvel Family #1 (December 1945)
- Only made one appearance in original Fawcett comics run – an ancient Egyptian who was given his powers by the wizard Shazam, but became corrupted by them and was banished to a far star – he returned to Earth 5000 years later, and battled the Marvel family, only to be tricked into saying Shazam and instantly aging to death
- After DC bought Fawcett Comics and began using their characters, he was reintroduced to the larger DC universe, as an adversary of Captain Marvel/Shazam
- Similar origin story for DC, but buried in a tomb by Shazam until unearthed by an archaeologist named Theo Adam, with whom his spirit bonded (similar to Billy Batson & Shazam)
- He reformed and joined the Justice Society of America, serving as a darker, anti-heroic counter to most of the other members
- Became ruler of African nation of Kahndaq (where he was retconned to be from), after deposing the dictator (Atom Smasher killed him)
- 52/World War Three – Adam’s version of the Marvel Family are all killed, and Adam goes on a rampage that requires the entire Justice Society and other heroes to band together to defeat him – he is left powerless
- New 52 – rebooted as Adam, whose nephew Aman was given powers by Shazam – Adam was injured, and Aman shared his power with his uncle, who then turned on Aman and killed him – defeated by the Marvel family once again
- Rebirth – one of the Council of Immortals, and still serving as ruler of Kahndaq
- Issues (10:00)
- Unable to take any criticism
- Incredibly wrathful – if he feels even remotely slighted, he will stop at nothing to punish (18:45)
- Self-righteousness (28:15)
- Break (34:18)
- Plugs for Perfect Package Podcast, Petri Dish, and Cullen Bunn
- Treatment (35:51)
- In-universe – Use medication/magical stones to sedate Adam before beginning therapy
- Out of universe – Focus on making a safe environment, and then address the issues as they arise (39:52)
- Skit (47:51)
- Ending (51:23)
- Recommended reading: JSA: Black Reign
- Review read: super nerdy, Wonderful! This great unique show is a must listen! Hit subscribe now!
- Next episodes: Hank McCoy, Ego, 100th Episode
- Plugs for social
Apple Podcasts: here
Google Play: here
Stitcher: here
TuneIn: here
iHeartRadio: here
Spotify: here