If you give a choice between a Superman or Captain Marvel comic to read I will choose the ladder. Billy Batson always appeals to me. Of all the DC Comics heroes, in my opinion, is the most hopeful. Captain Marvel has a sense of naivety that makes the stories interesting. Billy Batson influences Captain Marvel just as much, if not more, than Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles or Mercury. I am drawn to the magic that is Billy Batson / Captain Marvel.

Clichés

“Shazam!” Billy Batson / Captain Marvel

Let’s face it superheroes are cliché. They stand for the battle against good and evil, they offer hope, and everything always works out nicely in a sweet package. Probably, the most cliché of all superheroes is Captain Marvel. The ancient wizard Shazam needed a hero to fight in the eternal battle of good and evil, so he found young good hearted and orphaned Billy Batson. When Billy speaks the Wizard’s name, “Shazam!” he is instantly transformed into Captain Marvel. With the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury, Captain Marvel sets out to do works of good against the darkness of evil. But remember the most cliché superhero often brings hope at the end of the story.

Clichés often get ridiculed as silly and useless. However, silly as they sound the cliché motto usually brings with it wisdom, strength, power, courage and hope. They are often grounded in truth. Self-help books, meditations, and religions are full of clichés, helpful anecdotes, and useful parables. So, no matter how silly they sound or look clichés get the job done. Use them. Keep it simple sweet heart, keep on keeping on, and don’t quit before the miracle. “Holy Moley!”

Billy Batson / Captain Marvel
First Appearance: As Captain Thunder, for Whiz Comics #1, 1939

Second Appearance: As Captain Marvel, for Whiz Comics #2, Feb. 1940

Creators: Bell Parker (plot), and C.C. Beck (art)