WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Shazam! #11, by Geoff Johns, Scott Kolins, Michael Atiyeh and Rob Leigh, on sale Wednesday, Feb. 26, from DC.
Having originally given Billy Batson his powers, the Wizard is one of the former Captain Marvel's oldest allies. Although he's remained absent from the comics for quite some time, the Wizard returned earlier in the current run of Shazam!. But there's been something different about him. After acting suspiciously for much of his time in the book so far, the supposed-hero attacked Billy's father -- C.C. Batson -- in Shazam! #10. DC has now released previews for its upcoming comics releases, and the the one for Shazam! #11 shows Billy taking on the Wizard following that betrayal.
Lying in bed, Billy thinks about the Wizard's suspicious behavior, including his indifference to King Kid's fate and the bizarreness of his return. That's when Billy hears and sees the Wizard attacking C.C. downstairs. The hero rushes into action, tending to his fallen father. The Wizard claims C.C. was "corrupting" Billy's magic, and he "had to take it back." After then saying Billy was manipulated by C.C. into weakening himself, the Wizard laments choosing the young man to be a hero in the first place, saying, "I was desperate to stop Black Adam when I chose you... but once again... I chose poorly." Billy then rushes the Wizard, blasting him through the side of his family's home.
Also known as Shazam and Mamaragan, the Wizard was created by C.C. Beck and Bill Parker for 1940's Whiz Comics #2. Prior to empowering Billy, he'd previously done the same for Black Adam. However, this didn't work out as the Wizard intende, as Black Adam became a villain, which is what he's referencing here.
There's still some question as to whether the Wizard who reappeared at the start of the current Shazam! book is the authentic article. Johns and Kolins have dropped a lot of hints this version of Billy's oldest ally might not be a good guy, and his attack on C.C. made clear something major was up with this version of the Wizard. Although he'll certainly prove a deadly foe to Billy, it's entirely possible the Wizard might not be the villain here he seems to be. When it comes to the world of magic, appearances can be deceiving.
Shazam! #11 releases Feb. 26 from DC Comics.