Shazam, formerly known as Captain Marvel, is one of DC’s most iconic and powerful superheroes. But over the decades, as comic book timelines evolved and realities splintered, multiple versions of Shazam—some noble, some dark, and some wildly unexpected—have appeared across the DC multiverse. Let’s take a closer look at the most powerful versions of Shazam and what makes each one stand out.
Captain Thunder of JLA: Destiny – The Superman of His World
In the alternate universe of JLA: Destiny, Thomas Wayne never became Batman. Instead, after losing his wife Martha and son Bruce, he formed the Justice League himself. This version of the League originally included characters like Manhunter, Clock Midnight, and Mr. Scarlet. As the team grew, one of its most powerful additions was Captain Thunder—this world’s version of Shazam.
With no Superman or Batman existing in this reality, Captain Thunder essentially filled Superman’s role, becoming the most powerful and central figure in the universe. He wasn’t just a member of the League; he was its top-tier powerhouse.
Willie Fawcett’s Captain Thunder – A Hero Turned Unwitting Villain
Another fascinating take comes from the story of Willie Fawcett, an alternate Billy Batson. Willie appears suddenly in Metropolis, seemingly from a different time, marveling at the sight of Superman flying overhead. Curious and confused, he wonders if he’s time-traveled into the future.
In an effort to help, Willie rubs his magical belt and shouts “Thunder,” transforming into Captain Thunder. But something’s off—he starts aiding criminals instead of fighting them. As Superman intervenes, the two go toe-to-toe in a brutal battle. They’re evenly matched until Superman cleverly tricks Willie into saying “Thunder” again, forcing a transformation back to his powerless self.
We later learn via flashback that the Monster League of Evil (a twisted take on classic monsters like Dracula) had corrupted him during a previous fight. He wasn’t inherently bad—just manipulated. Regardless, he nearly beat Superman, and that alone cements his place among Shazam’s most powerful iterations.
Flashpoint’s Captain Thunder – Six Heroes in One
In the chaotic and war-torn timeline of Flashpoint, Captain Thunder is more than just one hero—he’s six. Here, six children each possess an attribute of Shazam’s power, and only when they shout “Shazam!” in unison do they transform into Captain Thunder.
This version bears the scars of battle, including a visible one from a brutal clash with Wonder Woman. He joins forces with Flash, Thomas Wayne’s Batman, and Cyborg in an effort to halt the catastrophic war between Wonder Woman and Aquaman. Though he ultimately falls in battle, his strength and resolve leave a strong impression. Not to mention, he rides into battle with a sentient tiger companion—Tawky Tawny in battle cat form.
Earth-5 Shazam – The Champion of Thunderworld
Earth-5, also called Thunderworld, is entirely dedicated to the Marvel (Shazam) family. This world is home to classic characters like Captain Marvel Jr., Mary Marvel, and the Lieutenant Marvels, along with an assortment of villains, monsters, and aliens.
This Shazam is essentially the Golden Age version—bright, hopeful, and heroic. Back in the day, this iteration of Captain Marvel was so popular he outsold Superman and was arguably stronger. Thunderworld gives this Golden Age hero an entire universe to protect, making him the undisputed top-tier figure of his world.
The Mainstream Shazam – The World’s Mightiest Mortal
Of course, we can’t forget the original and most recognized version of Shazam—the mainline Billy Batson. First published by Fawcett Comics as a rival to Superman, Shazam has always represented power, purity, and courage.
Modern versions portray him as one of DC’s big hitters, often mentioned alongside Superman, Wonder Woman, and Martian Manhunter when discussing the strongest heroes. He draws his power from mythological figures, and his title as “the world’s mightiest mortal” still holds true in many stories.
Kingdom Come Shazam – Brainwashed and Brutal
In the Kingdom Come storyline, we find a darker, tragic version of Billy Batson. After years of not transforming, he’s brainwashed by Lex Luthor and turned into a weapon. As Shazam, he faces off against Superman in a climactic showdown.
This battle showcases just how powerful Shazam truly is. He drives Superman to his knees, leaving the Man of Steel bleeding from his eyes, ears, and nose. Eventually, Superman forces Billy into lightning, causing him to revert, and convinces him to join the side of good again. Still, the damage done speaks volumes—this Shazam brought Superman to the brink.
Earth-3’s Mazahs – The Dark Doppelganger
From the twisted world of Earth-3 comes Mazahs—Shazam spelled backward. This version is not only evil but shockingly powerful. In a major twist, Mazahs is Alexander Luthor, and he doesn’t just have powers—he steals them from other super-powered beings.
He gains Johnny Quick’s speed and Deathstorm’s Firestorm Matrix, giving him abilities like phasing, energy manipulation, and regeneration. With each kill, he grows stronger, becoming a terrifying force with a cocktail of stolen powers. He is Shazam with no moral compass—and that makes him dangerously unstoppable.
Lord Marvel – The Guardian of Eternity
After the death of the wizard Shazam, Billy Batson evolves into something new. He gives up his superhero duties and assumes the mantle of Lord Marvel, becoming the caretaker of the Rock of Eternity.
Now a cosmic guardian, Lord Marvel is immensely powerful, taking on a role once held by the wizard himself. This version of Billy transcends the superhero role and steps into a higher plane of magical responsibility, embodying wisdom and power on a multiversal scale.
God of Gods Shazam – The Power to Reshape Reality
The most potent version of Shazam to date is undoubtedly God of Gods Shazam, also known as New God Shazam. In the Darkseid War storyline, Billy loses his original pantheon but is gifted powers by a new set of deities—New Gods.
Among these is the father of Darkseid, a being so powerful that he tries to steal Billy’s new powers, claiming he could punch a hole in the Source itself. The Source is the origin of everything in the DC Universe—so if Billy can wield enough power to threaten that, you know you’re dealing with a next-level cosmic being.
Though this version hasn’t been explored much, its potential is limitless. Shazam literally becomes a god among gods.
Also Read: When Batman Got Batgirl Pregnant: The Most Twisted Plotline in the DCAU
