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Shazam: Freddy Freeman's New Powers Explained

What Are Freddy Freeman's New Powers?

In the latest Shazam Comics ( specifically in Shazam #15), there have been major changes that impact the entire world, as Freddy Freeman is revealed to have gained new abilities, seemingly independent from the Wizard and the powers associated with Shazam Family. These changes, although unclear at the outset - appear to come from a mysterious source - as the character obtains powers in a moment of great despair.

Freddy is faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge. As those who are fans of Shazam and the Sub-Men know - a threat is upon Fawcett City - forcing the character to gain these powers as the city becomes vulnerable to attack. Freddy appears in a distinctive suit that returns the classic Captain Marvel Junior look. At this time, Freddy's abilities remain a mystery, as his new source of powers has not been revealed. In the midst of a seemingly unanticipated threat and those fans who appreciate Shazam Family powers and their lore should understand this new turn of events is destined to transform this universe.

Who Is Freddy Freeman In the DC Universe?

Four panels of Freddy Freeman at the Rock of Eternity Image

Freddy Freeman has been a key Shazam character since 1941 and, like many of his counterparts - the entire Shazam Family has had to evolve to find their place within the DC universe and, to some degree, make their "home" as those that appear in various comic series - in many ways, a testament to their enduring appeal. Freddy’s connection with Billy Batson (Shazam) - which dates back to the initial releases in Shazam Comics, has often led to those who love Shazam and the entire franchise to recognize the importance of this friendship and even family connection. They share an origin story in the original Fawcett era - where they found powers as champions of a legendary figure: The Wizard.

Over the course of Shazam history, Shazam was transformed from Captain Marvel (Shazam’s first persona) - and Freddy (who took on the role of Captain Marvel Junior), with this change impacting how the world evolved in this series - leading those interested to watch the Shazam characters to become icons across the comics.

Is Freddy Freeman A Major Hero?

Three panels of Freddy and Billy powering up Image

Freddy has had a remarkable, often underestimated, impact in the Shazam Universe . As Captain Marvel Junior, he gained a substantial following. He was seen as one of the core characters across Shazam comics - appearing in numerous issues, especially as part of a team and as someone who embraced those New Powers he'd gained.

In many ways, the Shazam Family often rely on the connection that Freddy has to Shazam - who in the initial comic series (Shazam comics) is often shown as being the heart and soul of their world and one that often can provide protection. This relationship (between Shazam and Freddy) serves as a key part to those that follow the franchise's journey. For a great part of this series - he appeared in "The Trials of Shazam," as well as "Final Crisis" serving as a strong figure, often making an effort to defend against threats. He is now one of the most beloved characters - and someone whose impact will likely be felt across several future issues of the Shazam series.

Why Are Shazam and Billy Batson at Odds?

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While fans love the Shazam Family as it's seen in the DC universe, this family has been through a rough time. The main characters such as Shazam and Billy Batson (as they are now known) are in the midst of an existential crisis in Shazam #15. The main characters are forced to take stock of what their purpose and mission is as Shazam characters. The events within these issues also show how the power within them is often unstable as the power can be used for destructive as well as healing forces. This duality has driven those who follow the Shazam Lore to wonder if there is a proper balance that these heroes need to find.

There are many reasons why Shazam and Billy Batson appear to be at odds. A long history - with Billy even admitting in those earlier comics (as seen in the original series), his hatred for the antagonist known as Black Adam. Those events serve as a critical turning point as it underscores how powerful these forces are - with their conflicts also being a source of major tension across the series, making a journey into the Shazam Universe and Shazam history - a very intricate and dynamic experience, especially for those seeking to fully appreciate their origins and power.

What Are the Shazam Family Powers?

Freddy Freeman Captain Marvel Jr Image

The Shazam Family (Billy Batson and Freddy Freeman, in addition to those members, Mary Marvel, and Eugene) are gifted with an impressive array of Shazam powers. The characters' powers are linked to the Rock of Eternity which grants these abilities after an individual must declare a magical word.

Their Shazam Family powers often give them super strength, speed, as well as a capacity to fly and telepathy. A vast assortment of abilities, making this group of heroes very strong, particularly against those villains (Shazam villains). A noteworthy part of their history involves those powers coming from six Greek Gods - an element of Lore that underlies Shazam origin (in this tale - the character of Billy Batson gains powers by taking a trip to the Rock of Eternity where he meets the Wizard and becomes empowered after the pronouncement of a powerful, magical word).

How Can I Learn More About Shazam?

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There are a few essential routes to get into this vast and ever-expanding franchise - from comics and graphic novels - to video game and the occasional, unique film, the Shazam Universe has a number of outlets to give viewers an excellent overview.

For the most devoted fans, one can explore the numerous Shazam comics and make a journey through various issues. This is an incredibly extensive catalog - and may serve as a great point to delve deeper and, potentially, see how those events unfold, as you journey through those key moments. But fans should know the most notable comic series is "The Trials of Shazam" as a significant source material.

Does Shazam’s Lore Include a Relationship With Black Adam?

Freddy and Shazam Flying Through the Air DC Image

Within the Shazam universe, there are a slew of villains. In those comics, Black Adam was originally known as the original champion of the Wizard who is imprisoned in the Rock of Eternity - a key location within those comic book stories, an incredibly vast and important site for Shazam characters to access power.

Those who have explored Shazam (in its earlier days as Captain Marvel and in those days before the DC universe) would recall the conflict between the two characters. Black Adam was the first choice. In that regard, they both represent an iconic duo. Shazam was the next to be chosen and both made an effort to master and wield those powers in different ways - one of which involved Shazam and Black Adam taking a course that would bring conflict to those in Shazam comics. It often led to a confrontation of two enormous and immense forces in those comics. The duo are also now making a return as the newest entry in the DC universe, where both Black Adam (played by The Rock) and Shazam (played by Zachary Levi) will bring their powers to the screen for a major battle between these iconic DC Comics characters.

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