![]() ![]() ![]() So, this is what leads us to the new name in The Captain. It comes off like free advertising for Marvel’s Captain Marvel which is more widely known thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While I would prefer Billy to just keep using Captain Marvel we all know that DC Comics is never going to give one of its characters the same name as a Marvel Comics character. So, I have never warmed up to Billy Batson operating under the codename “Shazam.” Shazam is also the name for the wizard who grants the powers to Billy. Shazam is the magic word Billy uses to transform into a superhero. Calling Billy “Shazam” has always seemed like an odd proposition. But, at this point, I am also unsure what else DC Comics can do. I am not sure how I feel about this name. Instead, Billy will now be known as…The Captain. Nor will Billy Batson go by the name Captain Marvel. So, with all of that in mind, the new Captain Marvel comic will be entitled Shazam, but Billy Batson will not go by the name Shazam. It is unlikely that Marvel Comics is ever going to give DC Comics the opportunity to grab back the trademark to Captain Marvel. This is also why DC Comics has been forced to publish Captain Marvel comics under the Shazam title ever since DC Comics acquired the character in 1972. Marvel Comics needs to keep that trademark alive. This is one big reason that despite Carol Danvers never selling well that there will always be a Captain Marvel comic. Every ten years the owner will need to provide proof of usage and a declaration as a part of the trademark renewal process. The owner must continue to use the trademark in ordinary commerce. Trademarks last as long as the owner continues to use them. Marvel Comics still owns the trademark to Captain Marvel. This allowed Marvel Comics to scoop up the trademark for Captain Marvel for their new superhero that debuted in 1967. I am sure that the branding problems with Shazam have definitely not helped any during all of these decades.įawcett stopped publishing Captain Marvel comics in 1953. Poor Billy Batson has never found his proper place within the DCU ever since DC Comics got the rights to the character in 1972. However, the news of the creative team of Mark Waid and Dan Mora is what really blew me away! That was some stunning news! This powerhouse creative team tells me that DC Comics is not screwing around with this latest effort to resuscitate the moribund Shazam franchise. I have always loved Billy Batson, so I was glad that DC Comics would be investing some capital into the Big Red Cheese. This is all part of the Dawn of DC initiative. DC Comics is rolling out a new Shazam title in June 2023. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |