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Marvel Family FAQ

Although he was “born” over 60 years ago, Captain Marvel's appeal remains strong today. Presented here are some of the most popular questions regarding Cap and his family of characters.
What do the letters in the magic word SHAZAM mean?
The Meaning of Shazam
This is probably the most asked question of all since it frequently shows up in trivia games.

Captain Marvel Mary Marvel Black Adam
When Billy Batson says the magic word, “Shazam,” and is transformed into the World's Mightiest Mortal, Captain Marvel, he gains his powers from these six immortal elders: When Mary Batson speaks the name “Shazam,” she is transformed into the World's Mightiest Girl, Mary Marvel and is granted the powers of six different elders: When Teth-Adam speaks the name of the ancient wizard, Shazam, he is transformed into the powerful Black Adam and is granted the powers of the following Egyptian gods:
ELDER POWER
Solomon wisdom
Hercules strength
Atlas stamina
Zeus power
Achilles courage
Mercury speed
ELDER POWER
Selena grace
Hippolyta strength
Ariadne skill
Zephyrus fleetness
Aurora beauty
Minerva wisdom
Mary now draws her powers from the same elders as her brother although that seems to be in flux. Both Billy and Mary share their powers with Freddy Freeman... Captain Marvel Junior!
ELDER POWER
Shu stamina
Hershef strength
Amon power
Zehuti wisdom
Anpu speed
Menthu courage
The powers above were detailed in Shazam #28
Shazam!    
Before he was know as the mighty Shazam — he was... The Champion and he had his own pantheon of elders that he drew his powers from.   Black Adam's power based changed in Shazam!: The New Beginning #3 and continue on in The Power of Shazam! and beyond.
ELDER POWER
Voldar strength
Lumium wisdom
Arel speed
Ribalvei power
Elbiam courage
Marzosh stamina
 
ELDER POWER
Shu stamina
Heru swiftness
Amon strength
Zehuti wisdom
Aton power
Mehen courage

Were Captain Marvel and his cast of characters based on real people?
Captain Marvel from WHIZ COMICS #2 (#1) There have been numerous interviews and stories over the years, that state that the look of Cap and his friends were, in fact, based on real people. Check it out by reading the Marvel Family Inspiration page.