While many think of Superman or Shazam as the go-to strongmen of the DC Universe, there must be a spot open for another: Black Adam. Since his introduction in 1945, the character has lived on the side of both heroes and villains. However, he truly only serves himself and his people.

With Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam coming out in 2022, now is a great time to explore the character's history and capabilities. While the character has shown a small percentage of his powers in television and video games, Black Adam looks to finally reveal the full range of abilities he possesses. But with Black Adam proposing that the hierarchy of power in the DC Universe is about to change, can anything stop someone so powerful?

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Who is DC's Black Adam?

The Rock as Black Adam

Before Billy Batson uttered the Wizard's name, Shazam, and wielded his power, there was another champion. Thousands of years ago, the Wizard lived as the high priest of the Pharaoh Tut III. Serving as their champion, he also remained on the lookout for a worthy successor. Eventually, the Wizard's eyes fell upon Teth-Adam of Kahndaq. Because his character fit the same qualifications, Teth-Adam became next in line for his power. However, instead of getting the Wizard's gifts, his daughter, Blaze, changed which gods Adam would get his power from after a deal with the God Set.

Now, Adam is empowered by the Egyptian Gods though he must still utter "Shazam" to activate the powers. At first, he is a fair champion, but with Blaze's help, he becomes corrupted by the power, killing the Pharoah and ruling in his place. Eventually, the Wizard traps his power away in a scarab necklace, and as Adam's body withers, it's placed in the tomb of Ramses II.

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In the modern age, a man named Theo Adam (Black Adam reincarnated) finds Ramses II's tomb with Billy Batson's parents. Drawn by the scarab's power within, Theo kills the Batsons and steals it. By activating the powers, he becomes Black Adam and lives the life of a supervillain, attacking Shazam and telling him he killed Billy's parents. Eventually, the real Adam separates himself from Theo's murderous mind and reforms, joining the Justice Society of America. However, he later defected again and has since acted more like an anti-hero and occasional antagonist.

What Are Black Adam's Powers & Weaknesses?

Concept art of Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam flying away from the JSA

Unlike Shazam, Black Adam's abilities don't come from the Greek Gods. Thanks to Blaze's deal with Set, Adam instead gains powers from Egyptian Gods. With Shu, he gains endurance and self-sustenance. With Heru, he has superhuman speed and flight, clocking in at speeds of Mach 500. From Amon, Adam gains superhuman strength that allows him to take on the entire Marvel family at once. Zehuti grants him knowledge, clairvoyance, hypnosis and he can speak any language. Aton gives him mystical enhancements, including inter-dimensional power, electrokinesis and healing. Finally, Mehen grants Adam superhuman inner-strength, along with invulnerability.

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That being said, while Black Adam is a powerful contender for the heroes of DC, he also has weaknesses that can cripple him when targeted effectively. Characters with significant magical control can inflict severe damage on Adam. This is the typical caveat for superpowered beings like Adam and Shazam. Lightning attacks can also hinder him; if a character like Shazam grabs Adam and utters his name to transform, the lightning could also transform Adam, leaving him vulnerable for a few moments. But with no Theo Adam confirmed, this ability may not make it into the upcoming Black Adam film.

One weakness that could work in the heroes' favor is to keep him from speaking. If Adam can't say "Shazam," he can't call any lightning. So while he seems unstoppable in Black Adam, magical characters like Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan) may be the edge needed to stop him. Still, even then, Adam's inner strength could potentially overcome Fate and only add to the legend of the wildly powerful Black Adam.

Black Adam arrives in theaters July 29, 2022.

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