This article contains spoilers for Black AdamBlack Adamwas an action-packed thrill ride that told the story of Teth-Adam’s awakening in the modern world. With the people of Khandaq looking for a savior to help them with the terrorist organization, Intergang, Black Adam doesn’t see himself as a hero but still seeks to free his people from their oppressors.
Avid readers of DC Comics may look at that brief synopsis with confusion, as thatdoesn’t sound like the Black Adamthat we see on the pages of serials starring Shazam, Superman, and the Justice League. It would appear the team was given quite the leash on what liberties they were allowed to take to alter Black Adam from a cut-throat supervillainto an edgy antihero.
Black Adam’s Origin
AsBlack Adambegins to dive into the origins of Black Adam, it leads one to believe that the child, Hurut, would be the champion that has been revived in the modern day. In a twist that most comic fans saw coming, it was revealed that it was not the altruistic young boy but his father, Adam. This relationship is already a change from the comics, as in the “New 52” continuity that DC seems to pull from for their films, Adam was the young boy’s uncle. This is similar to the change made to Deadshot inSuicide Squad(2016).
The film also made Adam’s vengeance one born of loss, where Hurut dies after saving his father’s life. In the comics, Adam takes the power by way of deception, insisting his nephew say the magic word so they may both share the power, then murdering the child in the moments before the lightning struck, taking the power of Shazam for himself.
The Role of the Justice Society
In the comics, the Justice Society is an American team fueled by patriotism and mainly serving the United States. This was common among comics, as at the time, America was embroiled in World War II during the Golden Age and the Vietnam War during the Silver Age of comics. The film alters this for a modern setting instead, simply calling the team the Justice Society, stating that they are a global force for peace.
This is still called into question throughout the film as it appears the team has a working relationship with Amanda Waller, who, while self-serving, also answers to the American government. Adrianna would even call out Hawkman, as Khandaq had been under the violent thumb of terrorists, yet no one had come to save them. The team also seemed to be ina notable transition stage, with Hawkman appearing to be the only active member,Doctor Fate partially retired, and Cyclone & Atom Smasher acting as new recruits.
Related:Black Adam: Why Does Hawkman Take Such a Beating?
Adrianna & Amon
When reports began revealing cast information, many believed that Adrianna would have a transformation of her own in this film. In the comics, there is a character named Adrianna that is close to Black Adam, becoming a devout follower as well as earning part of his power when taking on the identity of Isis.
Amon has a dual history, as in the “New 52” timeline, Amon was the name of Black Adam’s nephew, a change that the team may have made for the film so as to avoid confusion, though it certainly could have worked as an emotional callback. In other continuities, Amon is also the name of the character who would go on to become an Egyptian superhero known as Osiris.
Related:Explained: What Are Black Adam’s Powers?
Black Adam’s Role in Khandaq
As Black Adam nears the climax of his character arc, he begins to realize that while he may not be a hero, he can be a liberator for his people. After defeating Sabacc and taking the throne, we are treated to a familiar sight as Black Adam considers how he will rule his people. Deciding that this wouldn’t be what his son wanted, Adam destroys the throne, stating that the Khandaqi people would be free and that they could look to him as their protector.
This is a far cry from the comics. While Black Adam is a benevolent leader to his people, he maintains a form of rule over them to help preserve the peace in the country. He is often seen as the leader of the country whenever there are attempts at peace talks, and has even been in the position to offer asylum to those he deems fit for such a gift. Government forces know not to commit any form of operation in Khandaq without Black Adam’s blessing for fear of his swift and brutal retaliation. Whilethe post-credits faceoffwith Waller would imply that the outside world perceives him as a leader, Black Adam and the people of Khandaq only look at the man as a protector. Unlike his comic counterpart, Teth-Adam only wishes to be the man he believes his son would have grown to become.
