C. C. Beck's Description of Captain Marvel

C. C. Beck was the cartoon artist that brought Captain Marvel to life in Whiz comics and all of Cap's golden age comics.  Captain Marvel went out of print abruptly in 1953.  Below is a drawing Beck made on February 6, 1970 of Captain Marvel, as well as a brief description of him, his stories, etc..  

I don't remember where I found this picture, and I don't know the circumstances around why Beck drew it or who it was for.  Could it be that Beck wanted to capture Captain Marvel once again and make sure that his fans didn't forget about him?

Probably unbeknownst to Beck was the fact that in 1973 DC comics would bring Captain Marvel back in print and Beck himself would be drawing Cap once again!

Shazam's Villains - Part 2

 I've written before about villains that were defeated by the wizard Shazam (see my article here).  I'm going to add to this list of villains in this article!  

In Captain Marvel Adventures #137 (August 1, 1952) we are told of seven deadly villains defeated by Shazam!

These villains were:

• Pride
• Envy
• Greed
• Hatred 
• Selfishness
• Laziness
• Injustice

These seven villains were evil gods that Shazam had defeated centuries ago.  He defeated them and turned them to stone!  These seven deadly enemies of man were capable of destroying mankind had Shazam not defeated them!

The Mad Mummy, Black Adam, and the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man are all villains defeated by the wizard Shazam long before he created Captain Marvel!

You're on Mute!

 Many people started working from home and taking school courses from home during the pandemic.  As people used video to communicate more and more, there was one resounding phrase heard on just about every teleconference - "You're on mute!"  In the pages of Captain Marvel Adventures #130 (published January 4, 1952) we have a funny incident where Sivana put's Billy Batson on mute!

Billy's working in his office at WHIZ when a surprise visitor enters his office - Dr. Sivana!  It's funny to see Billy's reaction here.  First he says, "Oh, hello there Sivana!  How are you?"  And then reality strikes that Billy now has the world's maddest scientist in his office!

In short order, Sivana uses his latest diabolical invention to put Billy on mute so he cannot say the magic word, "Shazam!" and transform himself into the world's mightiest mortal.

I really like the next part where Billy takes action.  The comic says, "...though Billy has been robbed of his voice, he can never be robbed of courage and resourcefulness!"  Billy takes matters into his own hands and breaks Sivana's machine and is able to say, "Shazam!"

I won't go into the rest of the story as I hope to cover it at a later time.  But I really liked this little interaction between Billy and Sivana.  I like Billy's realization that it's Sivana in the room after he first greeted him warmly!  It also offers another insight into the fact that Billy has to say the magic word - not think it or hope it - he has to say, "Shazam!" in order to transform himself into Captain Marvel.  And finally, it's another glimpse into the heroic and resourceful Billy Batson who is just as brave and courageous as his alter ego!

A Captain Marvel Sweater!?!?

I found this full-page ad in a Captain Marvel Adventures comic but forgot to note which issue.  But when I saw it, I thought how many kids got their parents to order them one?  I bet it was quite a few!  Back in the 1950s graphic t-shirts weren't all the rage they are today.  So having a sweater with Captain Marvel - and Captain Marvel lightning bolts - on it must have been a truly awesome thing!  Check out the ad below!

80 Years of The World's Mightiest Mortal

80 years ago today - December 1, 1939 - Fawcett comics advised comic readers to "Gangway for Captain Marvel!"  For on the pages of Whiz Comics #2 the world was introduced to the World's Mightiest Mortal - Captain Marvel!  

Despite some silent years when he was out of publication, Captain Marvel has entertained fans and provided a role model to comic readers both young and old.  So on this 80th anniversary of his first appearance, let me say how appreciative I am of this sterling character and comic book icon.

Below is an awesome logo shared on my Facebook page by Anna Romao and she's allowed me to share it here on my blog!  Thank you Anna!

Captain Marvel and the Lieutenants of Safety

Captain Marvel and the Lieutenants of Safety Issue #2

I came across some Captain Marvel comics that I had never seen before and wanted to share that with you!  I haven't been able to find out everything about them, but here is what I know so far!

In 1950, there was a three comic series published entitled, "Captain Marvel and the Lieutenants of Safety."  They were published by Fawcett and was a promotional comic.  At the bottom of page 2 of the 2nd issue it says, "Developed and published by Ebasco Services Incorporated, Copyright 1950, Fawcett Publications, Inc. Printed in U.S.A"  One website I found credits the story to Otto Binder and the artwork to C. C. Beck.  (The artwork does look like Beck's!)  Ebasco Services was an electric company that was formed by General Electric so that is probably why the comics are focused on electric safety.  

The main characters of the comics are Captain Marvel, the Lieutenants of Safety, the Master of Evil, and Demon Danger.  The Lieutenants of Safety are Captain Caution, Speedy Ade, and Sir Safety.  The villain, Demon Danger, is ordered by the Master of Evil to entice kids into dangerous activities involving electric wires, etc.

I'm sure these comics were a hit among the kids reading them, and I am sure their safety message was well heeded - especially since it was given by Captain Marvel!  It makes me think of how popular and influential Cap was to make him a spokesman for safety in the pages of these special comics.  

Captain Marvel Autographed Picture from His Comics

Here's an awesome Captain Marvel autographed picture that was featured in the pages of Captain Marvel Adventures #13 which first published on June 26, 1942.  I wonder how many kids carefully removed this picture and proudly hung it on their wall!!

I also like Cap's "Yours for old Shazam" right before his signature - if I remember correctly it's also how he would sign the fan club letters.

DC Renews Copyrights on Fawcett Comics

I just learned that DC has renewed the copyright to the following Fawcett comics and have sent legal notice to various websites to have them removed as they are no longer considered in the public domain.  Here is the list of comics according to one of these websites:

• Captain Marvel Adventures #s 3-6, 46-129, 131-141 and 143-150; 
• Captain Marvel Jr. #s 29-34, 36-106, 108-117 and 119; 
• Captain Marvel Story Book #s 1-2; 
• Fawcetts Funny Animals #s. 31-79;
• Hoppy the Marvel Bunny #s. 1-15;
• The Marvel Family #s 1-3, 5-80, 82-89;
• Mary Marvel Comics #s 1-28;
• Master Comics #s 61-126, 128-132;
• Whiz Comics #s 3-6, 64-98, 105-118, 130-153 and 155;
• Wow Comics #s 36-69

While I am extremely disappointed, I cannot find fault with DC.  They are within their rights as copyright owners to take this action.  Unfortunately for me, it seriously hinders - if not makes impossible - my ability to keep up this fan site.  I really depended on the public domain issues and with the tremendous gap of available comics it will a daunting task to keep documenting the stories and adventures of Captain Marvel.  

I've not been able to keep on a steady schedule with my various Captain Marvel blogs, but will continue to try to update them from time to time as I can!  Again, I 100% respect DCs right to these comics!

Captain Marvel Facts #2

Here are a couple of Captain Marvel facts you might not be aware of!  We all know that Captain Marvel has awesome powers and strength - but there are a few things he can't do!  Captain Marvel himself shares these facts with us in the pages of his comics.

Captain Marvel can't fight other heroes!
In Captain Marvel Adventures 22, in the story "Captain Marvel and the Revolt of the Comics" we learn this fact.  As some comic book heroes are about to leave their publisher, Captain Marvel asks them to stop and they don't.  Captain Marvel says, "...I can only fight villains!"

Captain Marvel can't hit a woman!
We learn this fact in the story, "The Beauty in Black" in Captain Marvel Adventures #142.

Captain Marvel can't break the law!
In Whiz Comics #95, Captain Marvel is grounded due to a plot by a villain.  He's told that if he flys, he will be breaking the law.  Cap let's us know he can't break the law!

These are just a few more Captain Marvel facts from the pages of his comics!  Of course, the things Captain Marvel can't do are in keeping with his character.  Unfortunately, villains use these positive character traits against him - but in the end Cap always comes through!

Comic of the Week - Whiz Comics #3

The Captain Marvel comic of the week is Whiz Comics #3 which was the follow up to Captain Marvel's premier in Whiz Comics #2.  Whiz Comics #3 went on sale on January 12, 1940* and had a cover date of March 1940.

The cover featured Captain Marvel hoisting an enemy soldier over his head while his comrades watch in horror.  Cap has also tied the barrel of their artillery gun in a knot!  It's an interesting cover as the United States had not entered into World War 2 at the time, and there's no indication what army Cap is fighting!  Some of the stories are a continuation of ones that began in the previous issue.

The comic featured the following stories.*

The Return of Sivana (Captain Marvel)

The Rustlers of Gila Creek (Golden Arrow)

The Search For Wilson Drake (Scoop Smith)

The Kidnapping of Taia (Ibis the Invincible)

Death Dawson (Lance O'Casey)

Five Hundred Thousand Dollars Or Else (Dan Dare)

Spy Smasher Unmasks (Spy Smasher)

There was also a reminder about a cash prize give-away!

That's a brief look at Whiz Comics #3, our Captain Marvel comic of the week!



*According to Mike's Amazing World of Comics

Captain Marvel and The Electron Thief!

In Captain Marvel Adventures #87 (May 28, 1948*) we have a great story entitled "Captain Marvel and The Electron Thief!"  Captain Marvel battles villain Alec Tronn.  Alec Tronn is the CEO of Electron Corporation and has taken control of the world's supply of electrons!  I love the name of the villain - very clever!

The story begins with Alec Tronn paying a visit to Sterling Morris at WHIZ station headquarters.  Tronn demands Morris pay him $1000 an hour or WHIZ will go off the air!  Morris and Billy Batson think Tronn is a crackpot and refuse his demands.  Billy transforms into Captain Marvel, fearing Alec Tronn might get violent, and Cap escorts Mr. Tronn out the door.

Later that day as Billy prepares his broadcast, they discover they can't transmit over the air!  Alec Tronn's threat has proven real and he calls Morris on the phone and again demands payment for the use of electrons.  Sterling Morris calls a meeting of radio owners and tells them of Tronn's threat.  Tronn busts into the meeting and electrifies the crowd with a new demand!  He will now sell electrons by the dozen, costing the radio owners $3600 an hour!  Tronn advises, "You're in my power gentleman!  Unless you buy electrons from me, I'll shut you all off the air!"

Billy Batson is in the room and thinks to himself, "It's against the law to corner the market in anything!  This man is a lawbreaker..."  And by saying the magic word, "Shazam!" Billy is transformed into Captain Marvel.  Captain Marvel advises Tronn he'll need to explain himself to the anti-monopoly commission.  Alec Tronn uses a battery pack to create a bolt of lightning that whisks him away and takes him to his hide-out.  Unbeknownst to Tronn, Captain Marvel follows him!

Captain Marvel gets the drop on Tronn, but Tronn zaps Cap with billions of electrons - equivalent to a magic lightning bolt - and this transforms Cap back to Billy!

Billy says "Shazam!" but no magic lightning strikes because Tronn has taken all the electrons and there aren't enough to left to make the magic lightning needed for his transformation!  Tronn promises to kill Billy later, but wants to show him how he will destroy WHIZ with a blast of lightning.  With this threat, Billy just can't turn the other cheek, so he kicks Tronn in the pants which makes Tronn angry enough to zap Billy with lightning - transforming him into Captain Marvel.

Alec Tronn tries to escape but trips and falls into wires.  This creates a short-circuit that explodes Tronn's hideout and releases all the captive electrons back into the air!  Alec Tronn is electrocuted, what a shocking end to the story.  

This was a fantastic story and I really enjoyed it.  I loved the villain's name, Alec Tronn and how he escapes on a bolt of lightning.  I like the action that is in it and the continuity of the magic lightning facts that Shazam lightning is far more powerful than regular lightning.  I also like how Billy has to be creative and very brave to take a chance on getting struck by lightning so he could transform back into Captain Marvel.  All in all this is a wonderful, whimsical Captain Marvel adventure that proves to be electrifying and entertaining!


*Mike's Amazing World of Comics

Three Year Anniversary!

October 18 marked the three year anniversary of this blog!  I can't believe it's been that long since I've started writing and sharing about the World's Mightiest Mortal. There is so much more to write about and so much for me to learn about Captain Marvel.  

Let me say thank you to every person that has taken the time to stop by and read my blog.  I appreciate it and hope you've been entertained or have learned something new about Captain Marvel and family.

Captain Marvel Facts #1

Here are some Captain Marvel facts you might not be aware of!

Because Captain Marvel was created by the wizard Shazam using magic, he can never age!  (Whiz Comics #98, April 7, 1948)

In The Marvel Family #7 (November 15, 1946) we learn that the wizard Shazam created the three Marvels, Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr, so that they could always fight the three forms of evil (wickedness, sin and terror)!

These Captain Marvel facts will become an ongoing feature here on my blog - hope you find them interesting!

Captain Marvel's First Flight

When Captain Marvel first appeared in the pages of comic books, he had awesome powers and abilities.  But, like many other comic characters, his abilities and powers grew as his adventures and stories continued.  An example of this is Captain Marvel's ability to fly.  Like Superman, Captain Marvel wasn't able to fly in his first comic stories, he was only able to leap across great distances.  I did some investigating and I believe that the first time Captain Marvel was able to fly was in Whiz Comics # 5 which published April 26, 1940.

Here are some examples of Captain Marvel only being able to leap and not fly.   First we have a panel from Whiz Comics #2 - Cap's origin!  Notice that he leaps across a mighty chasm!

From Whiz Comics #3 notice that Captain Marvel runs after a plane, grabs the wheel and pulls himself up onto the plane.  He has to do that because he can only leap and not fly!

In Whiz Comics #4, Captain Marvel is chasing Dr. Sivana and Beautia who are trying to escape.  He's not flying after them, but running!  When the bridge is destroyed, he doesn't fly, he makes a giant leap.

Here are the panels from Whiz Comics #5 where we first see Captain Marvel flying!

Captain Marvel's powers and abilities grew from his first comic as his character became more settled.  This is exactly what happened to other comic book characters as well.  I'm glad Captain Marvel was given the ability to fly - and soon he was able to time travel by flight!  When did Captain Marvel first fly?  I believe it was in the pages of Whiz Comics #5!!

Collecting Classic Captain Marvel Comics

I love golden age Captain Marvel comics!  For me, they are a great way to relax and be entertained as well as inspired by the adventures of the world's mightiest mortal.  I own three golden age comics and a good number of the 1970's Shazam comics.  Purchasing these comics can be expensive and does require you do some homework before making a buying decision.  I'd like to share some thoughts and tips based on some of my lessons learned on how you can collect Captain Marvel comics!

I recommend you start by collecting those issues that mean a lot to you - comics with stories that you would want to read time and again.  That helps to narrow your search and ensure you buy something you won't regret later!  For example, one of my favorite Captain Marvel stories comes from Whiz Comics #93 when Cap becomes a hobo to reunite a family.  I can read that story over and over, so it was the very first Captain Marvel comic I looked for and purchased for my collection.

Next, you will want to start looking for a copy of the comic.  You can check your local comic shop, comic convention, on-line stores and eBay.  I've had good experiences on eBay and on-line comic shops.  The local comic book shops in my area are limited as far as golden age comics are concerned!

Once you've identified the comic issue you want to buy, start asking questions!  These are questions you might want to ask depending on how important they are to you.

• What is the condition of the comic?  Watch out for torn pages, loose pages, rolled spine, writing, mold or mildew, etc.  If you have allergies, you may want to see if the comic comes from a smoke-free, pet free home.
• What are the seller's ratings (if buying on-line)?  Are they dependable?  Do they provide pictures of the comic and welcome you to ask questions?  Are they providing a solid description of the comic?  

Something else to consider is comic book rating guides.  Different sellers can use different ratings, and they can be confusing!  For example, some comics can be rated high but still have some damage that you wouldn't want (missing pages, etc.).  Don't go by the ratings alone!  Ask questions and know the condition before you buy.  Again, make sure the comic is in a condition you are happy with.

Buying Cap's golden age comics is a lot of fun.  For me, I love holding a comic from the 40s or 50s and thinking about all the fans - young and old - that held and read that comic through the years.  But buying golden age comics does require some effort and patience to make sure you're getting a comic you really want and in a condition you are satisfied with.  I hope you've found this information helpful!!

Comic of the Week - Whiz Comics #2

The Captain Marvel comic of the week is Whiz Comics #2!  This is the comic that launched the career of The World's Mightiest Mortal and gave us Billy Batson's background story and Captain Marvel's origin.  Whiz Comics #2 was published by Fawcett and went on sale December 1, 1939.* (DC made a great reprint of this comic which you can read about here.)

Whiz Comics #2 not only introduced readers to Captain Marvel, it also introduced them to new characters Ibis the Invincible, Golden Arrow, Lance O'Casey, Spy Smasher, Scoop Smith, and Dan Dare!

This comic featured the following stories:

Captain Marvel!

Ibis the Invincible

Golden Arrow

Spy Smasher

Scoop Smith

Lance O'Casey

Dan Dare

Think about it - what kid wouldn't love this comic?!?  It has a superhero, a mystical, magical Egyptian prince, a arrow-shooting hero, a spy, a ship's captain, a reporter and private detective!  Many of these heroes would also have their own comics, but for the most part they remained a part of Whiz Comics.

That's a brief look at Whiz Comics #2  - the origin of Captain Marvel!



*According to Mike's Amazing World of Comics