Black Adam (Teth/Theo-Adam) is a fictional character in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Otto Binder and C. C. Beck, Black Adam is one of the archenemies of the superhero Captain Marvel (now known as Shazam) and the nemesis of the Marvel Family. The character first appeared as a one-time villain in the debut issue of Fawcett Comics’ “The Marvel Family” comic book in December 1945. Black Adam was later revived as a recurring character after DC Comics licensed and then acquired the Fawcett characters, beginning to publish Shazam Family stories under the title “Shazam!” in the 1970s.
Originally, Black Adam was depicted as a corrupted, ancient Egyptian predecessor of Captain Marvel, who fought his way to modern times to challenge the hero and his Marvel Family associates. However, since the early 21st century, DC Comics writers Jerry Ordway, Geoff Johns, and David S. Goyer have redefined Black Adam as a corrupted antihero attempting to clear his name and reputation. He has been featured prominently in comic book series such as “Justice Society of America” (JSA), “Villains United,” “Infinite Crisis,” and “52,” elevating his status within the DC Universe.
In 2009, Black Adam was ranked as IGN’s 16th-greatest comic book villain of all time. The character made his cinematic debut in 2022’s “Black Adam,” portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, within the DC Extended Universe.