Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Capes On the Couch - Where Comics Get Counseling


Sep 30, 2020

We have our most magical episode yet - BLACK ADAM! What can we learn from this antihero? And we have our most electrifying skit ever - listen now!

SHOW NOTES:

  • Intro
  • Background (02:39)
    • Black Adam (Teth-Adam) created by Otto Binder and C.C. Beck in The Marvel Family #1 (December 1945)
    • Only made one appearance in original Fawcett comics run - an ancient Egyptian who was given his powers by the wizard Shazam, but became corrupted by them and was banished to a far star - he returned to Earth 5000 years later, and battled the Marvel family, only to be tricked into saying Shazam and instantly aging to death
    • After DC bought Fawcett Comics and began using their characters, he was reintroduced to the larger DC universe, as an adversary of Captain Marvel/Shazam
    • Similar origin story for DC, but buried in a tomb by Shazam until unearthed by an archaeologist named Theo Adam, with whom his spirit bonded (similar to Billy Batson & Shazam)
    • He reformed and joined the Justice Society of America, serving as a darker, anti-heroic counter to most of the other members
    • Became ruler of African nation of Kahndaq (where he was retconned to be from), after deposing the dictator (Atom Smasher killed him)
    • 52/World War Three - Adam’s version of the Marvel Family are all killed, and Adam goes on a rampage that requires the entire Justice Society and other heroes to band together to defeat him - he is left powerless
    • New 52 - rebooted as Adam, whose nephew Aman was given powers by Shazam - Adam was injured, and Aman shared his power with his uncle, who then turned on Aman and killed him - defeated by the Marvel family once again
    • Rebirth - one of the Council of Immortals, and still serving as ruler of Kahndaq
  • Issues (10:00)
    • Unable to take any criticism
    • Incredibly wrathful - if he feels even remotely slighted, he will stop at nothing to punish (18:45)
    • Self-righteousness (28:15)
  • Break (34:18)
  • Treatment (35:51)
    • In-universe - Use medication/magical stones to sedate Adam before beginning therapy
    • Out of universe - Focus on making a safe environment, and then address the issues as they arise (39:52)
  • Skit (47:51)
  • Ending (51:23)
    • Recommended reading: JSA: Black Reign
    • Review read: super nerdy, Wonderful! This great unique show is a must listen! Hit subscribe now!
    • Next episodes: Hank McCoy, Ego, 100th Episode
    • Plugs for social

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Spotify: here

Twitter

Facebook

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord