Captain Marvel is the character's name. Shazam is simply the magic word that changes him back and forth.
My question wasn't about Captain Marvel (Billy Batson); it was about Captain Marvel *Junior* (Freddy Freeman).
Early: So is it still her room when it's empty? Does the room, the thing, have purpose? Or do we -- what's the word? Simon: I really can't help you. Early: The plan is to take your sister. Get the reward, which is substantial. 'Imbue.' That's the word.
'Objects In Space'
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Discussion of Buffy and Angel comics, books, and more. Please don't get into spoilery details in the first week of release.
Steph L. - Jun 14, 2005 7:54:33 am PDT #8147 of 10000
I look more rad than Lutheranism
Kalshane - Jun 14, 2005 7:56:14 am PDT #8148 of 10000
GS: If you had to choose between kicking evil in the head or the behind, which would you choose, and why?
Minsc: I'm not sure I understand the question. I have two feet, do I not? You do not take a small plate when the feast of evil welcomes seconds.
Ah. My mistake. I wasn't aware there was a "junior". Now I feel all stupid and stuff.
Tom Scola - Jun 14, 2005 7:59:42 am PDT #8149 of 10000
Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward.
DC can use the name "Captain Marvel", but they don't have a trademark on the name, so they can't use it as the title of a comic book or anything.
DC sued Fawcett over Captain Marvel, claiming he was a blatant rip-off of Superman (which he is: he flies, he has a cape, he's super-strong, his alter-ego, Billy Batson, is a boy-reporter). However, DC was losing the court case. The judge had ruled that as long as Fawcett didn't directly steal any storyline, there was no copyright violation. You can't copyright an idea.
During the lawsuit, however, Fawcett decided it wanted to get out of the comic book business, so it settled with DC and sold the rights to the characters to them.
DavidS - Jun 14, 2005 8:20:48 am PDT #8150 of 10000
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
During the lawsuit, however, Fawcett decided it wanted to get out of the comic book business, so it settled with DC and sold the rights to the characters to them.
I didn't realize that's how the judgement worked. I thougth DC won.
It's probably worth noting that in its time, Captain Marvel was one of the best selling comics ever. Back in the 40s a top selling comic sold massive numbers. Much much higher than today.
DXMachina - Jun 14, 2005 8:23:48 am PDT #8151 of 10000
You always do this. We get tipsy, and you take advantage of my love of the scientific method.
I didn't realize that's how the judgement worked. I thougth DC won.
Well, they pretty much did, however circuitously. Superman's main competition vanished from the scene.
victor infante - Jun 14, 2005 8:40:13 am PDT #8152 of 10000
To understand what happened at the diner, we shall use Mr. Papaya! This is upsetting because he's the friendliest of fruits.
And since no one answered it, Freddy Freeman becomes Capt. marel Jr. by shouting, "Capt. Marvel," Whereas Billy and Mary shotu "Shazam!"
I've never been sure why CM3 is different.
victor infante - Jun 14, 2005 8:40:54 am PDT #8153 of 10000
To understand what happened at the diner, we shall use Mr. Papaya! This is upsetting because he's the friendliest of fruits.
Well, they pretty much did, however circuitously. Superman's main competition vanished from the scene.
Ironically, for much of the time, Capt. Marvel was outselling Superman.
DavidS - Jun 14, 2005 8:53:38 am PDT #8154 of 10000
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
Ironically, for much of the time, Capt. Marvel was outselling Superman.
What were the numbers? I vaguely remember it being as high as a million copies per issue. But I could be making stuff up again. I need a fact checker!
DavidS - Jun 14, 2005 8:56:01 am PDT #8155 of 10000
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
Here we go: Comics circulation in the golden age.
Captain Marvel & Superman both over one million. But Carl Barks kicked all their asses, with Walt Disney Comics and Stories setting the record at 2,850,000.
Steph L. - Jun 14, 2005 9:14:11 am PDT #8156 of 10000
I look more rad than Lutheranism
And since no one answered it, Freddy Freeman becomes Capt. marel Jr. by shouting, "Capt. Marvel,"
Okay, but there's some weird shit about how he can't say his own name or he becomes Freddy again? Is it that he can't say "Freddy Freeman," or "Captain Marvel Jr."?