WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Future State: Suicide Squad #1 by Jeremy Adams, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Jeromy Cox & Wes Abbott, on sale now
In comics, makeovers can be tricky business, since the looks of many superheroes and villains are just as iconic as their powers. And in one possible future depicted in Future State: Suicide Squad #1, the classic villain Black Adam makes his first appearance in the 753rd century with a bold new look that seems to nod to his cinematic future.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is set to star as the titular villain in the upcoming DC Extended Universe movie Black Adam. While Black Adam may be most famous as Shazam's nemesis, he has some history of appearing as something of an antihero on occasion, and he's set to join the Justice League in a more full heroic turn in the upcoming Infinite Frontier Justice League relaunch.
However, Black Adam's renewed heroic attitude is already on full display in a back-up story in Future State: Suicide Squad #1, and his new appearance bears a striking resemblance to the actor who's set to portray him.
Since he debuted in a C.C. Beck and Otto Binder story in 1945's The Marvel Family #1, Black Adam has had a rather consistent look throughout the years. Black Adam is great in physical stature, possesses a domineering presence, and has short black hair with a widow's peak. His suit is a full-body black outfit with a giant yellow lightning bolt across his chest. Sometimes he has a cape or yellow sash, and sometimes he doesn't. However, that has remained his basic costume throughout his existence.
In the DC One Million future, Black Adam returns in a universe where technology has helped life spread far across the universe and the Justice Legion, a future version of the Justice League, maintains peace and order throughout the cosmos. But tragedy strikes suddenly when a force known as the Unkindness, comprised of the Lords of Chaos and the Seven Deadly Sins, appears and begins to destroy planets across the universe with virtually no effort. Even the supreme force of Superman Prime, emerging from the center of a giant sun, is unable to defeat the Unkindness.
As the future Justice League watches in horror, a single possibility of defeating the Unkindness is found. Traveling to the planet Kahndaq, the Justice League hopes to enlist the aid of Black Adam. As the Unkindness attack, the now-pacifist Black Adam is forced to summon the mighty power of magic to combat them, a sudden visit by Gold Beetle leaves Black Adam surprised.
Despite not appearing until late into the issue, readers are still given ample examples of his new design. The Black Adam of the future looks nearly identical to the Rock. The sharper facial features the Black Adam of the past had have been replaced by Johnson's broader features. His chin is larger and more prominent. His smile lines extend further across his face, parallel to his cheekbones. The Black Adam of the future also sports the Rock's hair, replacing his usual jet black hair for a closer shaved look.
It's an interesting look for the character, especially since the Black Adam of the future has a much more peaceful, heroic demeanor than he usually has. But once he's pushed to the limit and the unbridled power of his magical might flows through him, the indomitable spirit of the classic Black Adam is on full display, even if he won't be flying back into theaters anytime soon.