A Showcase of Captain Marvel's Powers!

Captain Marvel Adventures #144 (published March 4, 1953) does something very unique and spectacular for Captain Marvel fans.  In the story, "Captain Marvel and the Stolen Shazam Powers!" all of Captain Marvel's powers are purposely put on display!  While you can typically see Cap using his Shazam powers throughout all of his adventures, in this story the comic writers intentionally show Cap using each power, one by one, to defeat Sivana.  It also gives us fans a little bit more insight into these powers.  This article will take a look at each of the powers put on display for us in CMA #144.  

Solomon's wisdom is the first power displayed.  Billy received a letter with a tip that Sivana was going to attack but the letter was only signed by "A Friend."  Billy transforms into Captain Marvel and uses the wisdom of Solomon to properly determine that the letter was a ruse by Sivana to keep Cap busy in the city while he attacks a dam in the country!

Hercules' strength is the next power Cap must use as Sivana's bomb has struck the dam!  But using the strength of Hercules, Captain Marvel shoves the crack in the dam together and prevents the water from bursting out!

Atlas' stamina now is called upon as Captain Marvel must bear the weight of millions of tons of concrete on his shoulders for an hour as workmen repair and shore up the damaged dam.

Zeus' power is displayed by Cap when he catches up with Sivana and gets blasted by a nuclear rocket!  But the power of Zeus makes Captain Marvel indestructible and impervious to all harm!

Achilles' indomitable courage is needed next as Captain Marvel catches up with Sivana at one of Sivana's secret hideouts.  Sivana releases a huge monstrous gorilla to smash the world's mightiest mortal.  Empowered by the courage of Achilles, as well as being endowed with Achille's fighting skills, Captain Marvel makes a monkey of Sivana's attack ape.

Mercury's speed is the final power showcased, as Cap feels the need for speed to catch Sivana in the stratosphere as he tries to make his escape!  We also learn that Captain Marvel gains his ability to fly through Mercury as well!

The six Shazam powers given to Captain Marvel have just been used one by one to defeat another wicked plot by Dr. Sivana!  This was such an entertaining way to showcase Cap's powers, I'm really glad they did this.  I also learned some new things from this comic.  For instance, it explains how Captain Marvel is able to fly - he gets that from Mercury.  I also learned that Cap's fighting skills come from Achilles and that it is the power of Zeus that makes him indestructible!  

Captain Marvel's powers are what make him the world's mightiest mortal and it was entertaining and informative to have all his powers on display in one story!

The Indestructable Captain Marvel

I've written before about Captain Marvel's power coming from Zeus.  And, I've written that Captain Marvel's indestructibility comes from the stamina of Atlas.  After reading Captain Marvel Adventures #144 I've just learned that what makes Captain Marvel truly indestructible comes from the power of Zeus!

In Captain Marvel Adventures #144, Sivana has just launched an atomic rocket strong enough to blast through two and a half mountains.  Captain Marvel takes the full blast of the explosion and is unharmed - except for his hair getting a little mussed!

I'm sure the stamina of Atlas can contribute to this, but for the most part it is the power of Zeus that makes him incapable of being harmed.  Now we know the true secret behind Captain Marvel's indestructibility is the power of Zeus!

Captain Marvel's Fighting Abilities

Captain Marvel gets his powers from Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury.  They give him wisdom, strength, stamina, power, courage and speed.  These powers are awesome and they set Cap apart from all other heroes.  But did you ever wonder where Captain Marvel learned how to fight?  How did he attain his master fighting skills that allow him to dispatch evil doers and enemies?  The answer to those questions is found in Captain Marvel Adventures #144.  Captain Marvels fearsome fighting skills come from Achilles!

Sivana has unleashed a huge monster to defeat Captain Marvel.  Cap's indomitable courage allows him to fearlessly face this beast.  However, it is the great fighting skills he gets from Achilles that allows him to make a monkey out of Sivana's gigantic gorilla!

While Shazam's six gods bestow great powers upon Captain Marvel, they also give him great skills as well, as evidenced by Captain Marvel's fighting abilities!  

The Captain Marvel's Powers Hub

Want to learn more about Captain Marvel's powers?  This is the place!  I've created this hub to capture various links to articles on Cap's powers.  I will update it as I find new content.  As always, I hope you find it helpful!

I knew I would do a series of articles outlining each of Captain Marvel's powers when I first started my blog.  It took some time, but I researched and wrote separate articles on all six.  Here are the links to my articles on this blog:

Solomon - Wisdom  
Hercules - Strength
Atlas - Stamina
Zeus - Power
Achilles - Courage
Mercury - Speed

Here is something to note - all of Captain Marvel's powers are physical with the exception of wisdom and courage!  The non-physical powers are just as important as the physical.  For example, you can have great strength but not have the wisdom to know when to use those powers.  And you can have great powers and yet be terrified into inaction if you do not have courage.  All of Captain Marvel's powers are necessary to make him the world's mightiest mortal.

Another thing to consider is all Cap's powers work together.  An example is the strength, power and speed of Cap are all interrelated.  You need speed to generate power, and the power needs strength to be effective - you just can't have one without the other!  It's been said that the power of Zeus enhances all of Cap's powers.  

Captain Marvel's Powers links:

Ask the DC Multi-verse Historian  This article outlines the old gods and new 52 gods that give Cap his powers
Powers and Abilities from Wikipedia
Forum on Cap's Powers Comic Vine forum with interesting info!
A Showcase of Captain Marvel's Powers! from my blog

Captain Marvel's Powers: The Speed of Mercury!

The wizard Shazam gives Billy Batson the powers/abilities of six gods.  Billy gains them by uttering the magically mystic word, "Shazam!" which transforms him into Captain Marvel - the World's Mightiest Mortal!

I want to examine Captain Marvel's speed, which he gets from Mercury, in this article.  Who was Mercury?  When has Captain Marvel displayed this speed?  I will answer those questions below!

Mercury is a character from Roman mythology.  Because of his winged sandals, he could fly faster than the other gods.  In Whiz #29 we are told that Mercury is faster than thought, and according to Shazam! #20 (1975) it is Mercury who led Billy Batson to his first meeting with Shazam!  Captain Marvel gets his ability to fly and immeasurable speed from Mercury.  And remember, speed is also a necessary component for power - with no speed, you have limited power.

While there are many examples of Captain Marvel's speed given to us in the pages of his comics, I'll give just a few.

Captain Marvel Adventures #2 provides us with our first example of Cap's blazing speed.  In this story Captain Marvel launches himself into the atmosphere on a trip to Mars - reaching it in about 5 minutes!  That is amazing especially considering it would take a man-made rocket about 6 months to travel from earth to Mars.  What would take mere mortals 6 months, the world's mightiest mortal can do in 5 minutes.  Captain Marvel travels faster "than the swiftest rays of light."

There is one other example to share that captures Cap's speed, and it comes to us in the pages of Captain Marvel Adventures #79.  In this adventure, the Big Red Cheese must travel back in time to clear Shazam's name of an ancient crime he did not commit.  We learn that Captain Marvel is able to fly faster than the speed of light - that is over 186,000 miles per second!  

Finally, in Captain Marvel Adventures #144 we are clearly told that Mercury gives Captain Marvel not only his great speed, but also the ability to fly!

The sixth power Shazam gives Captain Marvel is the speed of Mercury and we see Cap display this speed throughout his adventures.  Captain Marvel's speed allows him to travel to Mars in about 5 minutes, and his speed allows him to fly faster than the speed of light - giving him the ability to time travel.  Captain Marvel's speed truly makes him the World's Mightiest Mortal!

Scientific Note:  The distance from Earth to Mars is not a constant due to both planets orbiting the sun.  When Earth and Mars are at their closest point, they are 34,796,787 miles apart and at times can be as far as 62.6 million miles apart.  If Captain Marvel flew at the speed of light to the planet Mars at its closest point to earth, it would take him approximately 3 minutes!

Captain Marvel's Powers: The Courage of Achilles!

The wizard Shazam gives Billy Batson the powers/abilities of six gods.  Billy gains them by uttering the magically mystic word, "Shazam!" which transforms him into Captain Marvel - the World's Mightiest Mortal!

I want to examine Captain Marvel's courage, which he gets from Achilles, in this article.  Who was Achilles?  What is courage?  When has Captain Marvel displayed this courage?  I will answer those questions below!

Achilles is a character from Greek mythology.  He is best know for his bravery and courage in the Trojan War.  In that War he had racked up victory after victory in many battles.  

What is courage?  Courage can be defined as the ability to do something you know to be difficult or dangerous.  Courage is also defined as the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.  One of my favorite quotes is, "Courage doesn't always roar.  Sometimes courage is that quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" (Mary Anne Radmacher)

There are many examples of Captain Marvel's courage that can be seen throughout the pages of his comics, I'll give a few examples.

The first example of Cap's courage is found in the pages of The Marvel Family #59 in the three part story, "The Marvel Family Battles the Sneaking Doom!"  Throughout the story strange things are happening on earth - water defies gravity, earthquakes and landslides abound.  The Marvels have their hands full rescuing people from these fearful events.  After examining the evidence, Captain Marvel comes to a conclusion that strikes him with fear - the world is coming to an end!  This revelation would send most mortals into despair, but not the world's mightiest mortal.  With the courage of Achilles, Cap leads the Marvel family into action and saves the world.  

The second example of Captain Marvel's courage comes from Captain Marvel Adventures #144.  Achilles' indomitable courage is needed as Captain Marvel faces a huge monstrous gorilla sent by Dr. Sivana to smash the world's mightiest mortal.  Empowered by the courage of Achilles, as well as being endowed with Achille's fighting skills, Captain Marvel makes a monkey of Sivana's attack ape.  Here we learn that Cap not only gets his courage from Achilles, but also gets his fighting skills from him as well!

The greatest example of Captain Marvel's courage comes from Captain Marvel Adventures #89, where Cap faces Fear itself!  In this story, Fear runs throughout the city creating chaos and panic.  Captain Marvel catches Fear and looks straight into his face....and then "for the first time in his career, Captain Marvel knows the full terrible meaning of...FEAR!" Cap's fear is only momentary and he quickly recovers his courage.  By the end of the story, Captain Marvel's courage - and power - is no match for Fear!

Notice that in some examples, Cap was temporarily fearful.  However, he didn't allow his fear to overcome him, he overcame his fear with courage - the mental and moral strength to withstand fear and danger!

The fifth power Shazam gives Captain Marvel is the indomitable courage of Achilles and we see Cap display this courage throughout his adventures.  Captain Marvel's courage kept him from despair and made him move with determination to save the world.  His courage empowered him to face a fierce beast that would have made the strongest man tremble.  His courage also enabled him to look fully into the face of Fear and conquer it!  Captain Marvel's courage truly makes him the World's Mightiest Mortal!

Captain Marvel's Powers: The Power of Zeus!

The wizard Shazam gives Billy Batson the powers/abilities of six gods.  Billy gains them by uttering the magically mystic word, "Shazam!" which transforms him into Captain Marvel - the World's Mightiest Mortal!

I want to examine Captain Marvel's power, which he gets from Zeus, in this article.  Who was Zeus?  What is power and when has Captain Marvel displayed this power?  I will answer those questions below!

Zeus is a character from Greek mythology who was the king and ruler of the Olympian gods.  His weapon of battle was the thunderbolt and at his command thunder would sound and lightning would flash from the sky!

According to mythology, the Cyclopes gave Zeus his thunderbolts as weapons.  One of his great displays of power was when he fought the monster Typhon.  Typhon hurled mountains at Zeus but he repelled them - knocking them back with the power of his thunderbolts!  (As I wrote in a previous article, it's Zeus that throws the magic lightning, transforming Billy Batson into Captain Marvel!)

Zeus was the most powerful god, and Captain Marvel gets his power from him.  When we think of power, we need to distinguish it from strength.  Power is similar to strength, but it has the added dimension of speed.  Power is the combination of speed and strength, or as one web site put it, "power can be seen as the explosive force exerted." (wiseandfit.com)  Or, to put it more simply, Captain Marvel's strength let's him pick up a car, and his power gives him the ability to throw the car!

The power of Zeus also makes Captain Marvel indestructible!  Cap is impervious to all harm because of the power he gets from Zeus.

There are many examples of Captain Marvel's power that can be seen throughout the pages of his comics, I'll give a few examples.

The first example comes from the cover of Whiz comics #2 and I hinted at it above!  Here we have Cap using his power to throw a car!

Another example of Cap's power comes from Captain Marvel Adventures #137 where he fights Kull.  We see Cap's powerful punch knocking Kull off his feet!

One of my favorite examples of Cap's power is in his classic battle with Mr. Atom.  Mr. Atom is an atomic powered robot, but as you can see, he was no match for the power of Captain Marvel!  Cap's power allows him to throw Mr. Atom and Cap's powerful punch ultimately defeats him.

The last example of Cap's power comes from Captain Marvel Adventures #148 where a huge comet is plunging towards earth.  Cap uses his mighty power to push the comet back into space and into the sun - saving the earth from sure disaster!

Finally, we learn from Captain Marvel Adventures #144 that it is the power of Zeus that makes Cap indestructible.  Here we see Cap survive the blast of a nuclear rocket, sent special delivery from Dr. Sivana!

The fourth power Shazam gives Captain Marvel is the power of Zeus and we see Cap display this power throughout his adventures.  Captain Marvel's power allowed him to throw a car, knock Kull of his feet, defeat Mr. Atom, and to save the world from disaster!  The power of Zeus also makes Captain Marvel utterly indestructible!  Captain Marvel's power truly makes him the World's Mightiest Mortal!

Captain Marvel's Powers: The Stamina of Atlas

The wizard Shazam gives Billy Batson the powers/abilities of six gods.  Billy gains them by uttering the magically mystic word, "Shazam!" which transforms him into Captain Marvel - the World's Mightiest Mortal!

I want to examine Captain Marvel's stamina, which he gets from Atlas, in this article.  Who was Atlas?  What is stamina and why would Captain Marvel need it?  When has Captain Marvel displayed this stamina?  I will answer those questions below!

Atlas is a character from Greek mythology who is described as the "Titan god of  endurance."  He was a leader in the war against the Olympians, and was known for his leadership and durability.  Because of his role in the rebellion against Zeus, he was sentenced to stand on the western edge of the known earth to hold up the sky and heavens.

Atlas' great display of stamina is holding up the sky without growing weary.  That takes stamina to say the least!  I found it very interesting that our word stamina is synonymous with endurance, these words can be used interchangeably.  According to Wikipedia, stamina is defined as "the ability of an organism to exert itself and remain active for a long period of time, as well as its ability to resist, withstand, recover from, and have immunity to trauma, wounds, or fatigue."  Notice the two components of stamina; 1) the ability to exert itself/remain active for long periods of time and 2) the ability to withstand, recover from trauma, fatigue, etc.  Both of these components are exhibited in Captain Marvel, and he would need the stamina of Atlas to carry out his commission to defend the poor and helpless and to crush evil everywhere.

Here are a few examples that display Captain Marvel's stamina.  The first example comes from Whiz #25.  Captain Nazi has sabotaged huge turbines so that they are going to explode, killing many people and ruining a new power plant.  Captain Marvel shows his stamina by using his own shoulder to slow down and stop the turbines before they explode!  (Remember, stamina also means immunity from trauma or injury!)

The Marvel Family Adventures #59 provides us with another example of Cap's stamina.  Here we see not only Cap's great strength, but it's also a display of his stamina to keep pushing back billions of tons of ice without losing his strength!  (Stamina is the ability to exert oneself for long periods of time!)

Captain Marvel Adventures #144 showcases Cap's stamina.  Atlas' stamina is called upon as Captain Marvel must bear the weight of millions of tons of concrete on his shoulders for an hour as workmen repair and shore up a dam damaged by an attack by Dr. Sivana.  

In Captain Marvel Adventures #148 we find two examples of his stamina.  First, Cap uses molten lava to reconnect South America to the rest of the continent.  Cap isn't hurt at all by the lava!

Then we have Cap seemingly crushed between two glaciers, only to appear unscathed as he is impervious to all harm!

The final example of Captain Marvel's stamina is from Captain Marvel Adventures #53.  Here we have the testimony of Captain Marvel himself that tells us that he is indestructible!  His stamina gives him the tremendous ability to withstand and have immunity from all harm.

The third power Shazam gives Captain Marvel is the stamina of Atlas and we see Cap display this stamina throughout his adventures.  Captain Marvel's stamina allowed him to stop sabotaged turbines, push billions of tons of ice without losing strength, bear the weight of millions of tons, handle molten lava and get crushed between glaciers without harm, and be indestructible.  Captain Marvel's stamina is just one power that truly makes him the World's Mightiest Mortal!

(Note:  I updated this article on December 28, 2016 to include an example found in Captain Marvel Adventures #144.  I learned that, according to this comic, it is the power of Zeus and not the stamina of Atlas that makes Captain Marvel indestructible.  I've decided to keep this article as is and would like to think that the stamina of Atlas only contributes to his indestructibility but it is not the source!)

Captain Marvel's Powers: The Strength of Hercules

The wizard Shazam gives Billy Batson the powers/abilities of six gods.  Billy gains them by uttering the magically mystic word, "Shazam!" which transforms him into Captain Marvel - the World's Mightiest Mortal!

I want to examine Captain Marvel's strength, which he gets from Hercules, in this article.  Who was Hercules?  What is strength and why would Captain Marvel need it?  When has Captain Marvel displayed this strength?  I will answer those questions below!

Hercules is a mythical character known for his great strength.  Hercules was the son of Zeus and a Greek woman named Alcmene.  Unfortunately, Zeus' wife Hera was so upset with Hercules' birth that she sent snakes into his crib to kill him.  Baby Hercules showed his strength by strangling the snakes - even as a baby he was strong!  According to one website, "Hercules was both the most famous hero of ancient times and the most beloved. More stories were told about him than any other hero."  Hercules is also know for his 12 Labors - feats of great strength and heroism that added to his legend.  

Here are two examples of Hercules' great strength.  The first example was when he killed the Nemean lion.  The Nemean lion was a mighty creature that seemed all but invulnerable.  Hercules used his mighty strength to catch the lion with his bare hands and strangle the lion to death!  The second example involves none other than Atlas.  According to legend, Hercules once took Atlas' place in holding up the sky for a while!  

We understand Hercules is strong, and Captain Marvel gets his strength from Hercules, but just what do we mean by the word 'strength'?  The best understanding of strength is this: Strength is known as a consistent, slow, exertion of force over a period of time.  For example, if you were to bench press, your strength would be tested by completing one full repetition at the heaviest weight that you can handle (Commonly known as “maxing” or “maxing out”).  Strength can also be thought of as raw force.  

There are many examples of Captain Marvel's strength that can be seen throughout the pages of his comics, I'll give a few examples.  

Captain Marvel Adventures #53 gives us our first two examples.  First, Captain Marvel uses his great strength to repair a gaping hole in a ship, saving the crew from a disaster!

Then, Captain Marvel uses his strength to keep a house from being destroyed by a fierce storm!

Captain Marvel Adventures #148 gives us our next example.  Here, Captain Marvel rescues the continent of South America that has broken away from North America!

However, there is one example that tops them all for me!  In The Marvel Family #59 we see Captain Marvel, along with Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel, Jr. using their great strength to push billions of tons of ice over 100 miles to save the earth.  Captain Marvel's great strength allows him to move the ice and save the world!

The second power Shazam gives Captain Marvel is the strength of Hercules and we see Cap display this strength throughout his adventures.  Captain Marvel's strength allowed him to repair a sinking ship, save a house from a raging gale, move a continent and move billions of tons of ice to save the world from disaster!  Captain Marvel's strength is just one power that truly makes him the World's Mightiest Mortal!

Captain Marvel's Powers: The Wisdom of Solomon

The wizard Shazam gives Billy Batson the powers/abilities of six gods.  Billy gains them by uttering the magically mystic word, "Shazam!" and transforming into Captain Marvel - the World's Mightiest Mortal!  

I want to examine Captain Marvel's wisdom, which he gets from Solomon, in this article.  Who was Solomon?  What is wisdom and why would Captain Marvel need it?  When has Captain Marvel displayed this wisdom?  I will answer those questions below!

Among the six immortals who give Captain Marvel his powers, Solomon is the only one who was a true, historical person.  Solomon was the second King of Israel, son of the great king David.  (Sorry Fawcett Comics - but while Solomon was a godly man, he wasn't immortal or a god!)  Solomon's story is told in parts of the Old Testament of the Bible, and they show him as a truly wise man.  Solomon was not without his flaws, but he was a good king and was used to write a majority of the book of Proverbs and the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible.

Solomon received his wisdom from God.  (Note: You can read about this in 1 Kings, chapter 3)  When he first became king over Israel, God appeared to him and asked him, "Ask! What shall I give you?”  Solomon could have asked many things, but instead he says, "Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.  And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”  Solomon simply asks God for the ability to be a good and just king for his people.  

Solomon's request pleased God and so Solomon was given great wisdom.  The Bible tells us, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you." 

What did Solomon receive?  He was given 1) understanding to discern justice and 2) a wise and understanding heart.  Both of these attributes are needed by Captain Marvel because he became Shazam's successor to fight injustice in the world.  But Captain Marvel would also need great wisdom!

Now wisdom isn't the same as intelligence, but you do need intelligence to be wise!  I found it interesting that one definition of wisdom says wisdom "involves an integration of knowledge, experience, and deep understanding that incorporates tolerance for the uncertainties of life as well as its ups and downs...Wise people generally share an optimism that life's problems can be solved and experience a certain amount of calm in facing difficult decisions."  I can truly see Captain Marvel as the personification of this description of wisdom.  He is wise as well as optimistic in the face of the greatest of perils!  In Cap's case, his wisdom shows he possesses great intelligence and is able to apply that to the situation at hand.  

Throughout Captain Marvel's comics we see examples of his great wisdom.  Here are just a few examples.

In Whiz Comics #3, Captain Marvel becomes trapped on Venus.  How will he get back to earth?  By using the wisdom of Solomon, Cap constructs a rocket ship and makes it back to earth!

Whiz Comics #70 reveals to us that Captain Marvel can speak any language known on earth due to his wisdom!

A secret code is no match for Captain Marvel's wisdom as we learn in Captain Marvel Adventures #19!  Billy Batson intercepts an enemy secret message and he transforms to Captain Marvel to crack the code!

Captain Marvel's wisdom allows him to piece together seemingly unrelated incidents and determine that they are part of an unearthly plot!  We read about this in Captain Marvel Adventures #137.

The first power Shazam gives Captain Marvel is the wisdom of Solomon and we see Cap display his wisdom throughout his adventures.  Captain Marvel's wisdom has allowed him to do such things as build a rocket ship from scratch, speak any language known on earth, crack secret codes and and uncover unearthly plots!  Captain Marvel's wisdom is just one power that truly makes him the World's Mightiest Mortal!