'Black Adam' Dives Into the Title Character's Origin Story — Is He a Good Guy?

After nearly a decade in developmental hell, Black Adam has officially made his live-action debut in the DCEU. The film — which officially hit theaters on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022 — briefly delves into the titular character's origin story and follows him on his quest to seek vengeance on those who imprisoned him for 5,000 years.

Many fans have been dying to see Black Adam for a long time, and with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson assuming the role of the champion, the interest around the character has only grown deeper. With that said, many questions come to mind about Black Adam, including whether he's a good guy or a coldhearted villain.

Black Adam is best known as a supervillain. However, in the recent DC comic storylines, he's veered toward being more of an anti-hero. Black Adam's switch occurs in JSA #21 when he is set free from Theo Adam's nature. After Black Adam helps the Justice Society of America battle and defeat Sin-Eater, he receives JSA membership.

Considering the boundless records of the malicious and fatal actions of Black Adam, the common perception of the character remains that of a supervillain. Nevertheless, the DCEU film portrays the "Man in Black" as a full-fledged anti-hero.

Although he embarks on a murderous rampage for most of the movie, Black Adam somehow maintains a lightness that other villains lack. Despite his shockingly violent choices, the character never fully embraces the villain status; he's virtually a freedom fighter, since he battles those who oppressed his home, Khandaq.

Now, let's look at his origin story and discuss his rivalry with Shazam.

Black Adam made his debut in The Marvel Family #1, released in December 1945.

In the issue, the original Shazam wizard tells the Marvel family that thousands of years ago, he traveled to Europe and chose Teth-Adam to be the champion. Teth-Adam screamed, "Shazam!" and drew powers from the Egyptian gods. These powers include the stamina of Shu, the swiftness of Heru, the strength of Amon, the wisdom of Zehuti, the power of Aton, and the courage of Mehen.

The power corrupted Teth-Adam and turned him evil. As a new superhuman warrior, Teth-Adam killed his pharaoh and seized the throne. Shazam gave him the name Black Adam and banished him to the farthest star in the universe.

Black Adam's return to Earth took over 5,000 years. By then, Shazam had awarded his power to new champions — the Marvel Family — consisting of Billy Batson, Mary Batson, and Freddy Freeman. In The Marvel Family #1, Black Adam declared them his archenemies. OK, we better see Black Adam face off against the "Shazamily" on the big screen in the near future.

Black Adam is now playing in theaters.