10 Important Comics To Read Before Black Adam's Release
After the success of the Suicide Squad franchise, the Peacemaker miniseries, and the darker tones of Joker (2019), it’s safe to say that DC’s line of live-action adaptations is no stranger to villains and antiheroes playing the part of protagonists.
Nevertheless, the upcoming Black Adam movie marks a first in many ways for the DC Extended Universe – not only is it the big-screen debut of the titular character but also that of the legendary Justice Society of America, the world’s first superhero team. With that in mind, audiences may come to find a deep dive into the most important comics featuring Black Adam’s exciting cast of characters a necessity in the coming months.
Arguably the best introduction to the Shazam mythos as a whole, Jerry Ordway’s graphic novel – followed by the ongoing series sharing the same name – allowed a new generation of readers to discover both Captain Marvel and Black Adam’s origins.
Initially appearing as an archeologist named Teth Adam, the book established Black Adam’s place in current DC continuity and explored his antagonistic dynamic with Billy Batson in his capacity as the wizard Shazam’s chosen champion. Although not yet showcasing the shades of gray that would later pop up in the character’s morality, the graphic novel remains a must-read for any fan eager for a taste of the earliest Captain Marvel appearances without having to search for any unfindable 1940s issues.
Even though infinity Inc. came long before the storylines that might have been used as the basis for the Black Adam movie, the issue in question – written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Vince Argondezzi – could very well act as a piece of the puzzle for readers unfamiliar with the Justice Society members about to make their theatrical debut.
"The Making Of A Man", the story featured in this issue, concerns the origin of Al Rothstein, then known as Nuklon rather than Atom Smasher, and is one of the most important character studies of the young man who would become Black Adam's strongest ally in the JSA.
As the majority of longtime audiences might recall, Black Adam became a permanent fixture of the Justice Society of America during the beginnings of the team’s most significant revival of the modern era. “Savage Times”, the arc running throughout JSA (1999) #39-45, serves as a landmark moment in Black Adam’s history for two distinct reasons: his developing relationship and connection with Hawkman & Hawkwoman, and a look back at his life in Ancient Egypt.
Furthermore, both these aspects are likely to be explored in the upcoming movie as well. A particularly sympathetic view of the character, the storyline is undoubtedly considered a groundbreaking perspective in any comprehensive discussion of Black Adam’s evolution.
An important read for viewers not entirely familiar with Black Adam's cast, "Wings Over Egypt" features the most commonly accepted origin for the version of Hawkman fighting alongside the Justice Society of America since the Golden Age of Comics.
The story, written by William Messner-Loebs and illustrated by Ron Wagner, shows Hawkman and Hawkwoman's lives across history in their various incarnations. As the movie marks the first time Hawkman will be seen on the big screen and many fans consider the character's backstory one of the more convoluted ones, this particular annual comes in handy as an easily-accessible introduction.
Written by Gail Simone and drawn by Dale Eaglesham, the six-issue limited series is a vital component of DC’s Infinite Crisis event and yet manages to stand on its own as an appropriate jumping point for any fans looking to get more of Black Adam.
The miniseries follows the latest incarnation of the villainous group known as the Secret Six; now consisting of Lex Luthor, Slade Wilson, Talia al Ghul, Noah Kuttler, and Black Adam. Notably, the story marks one of the very first times Black Adam has been shown to interact with the supervillain community at large and plays a very important role in denoting his place in the power hierarchy of some of the greatest threats in the DC Universe.
The storyline, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by various artists, stretches through JSA (1999) #56-58 and Hawkman (2002) #23-25 as it follows Black Adam overthrowing the military dictatorship that had descended upon Kahndaq and retaking his homeland with the aid of several renegade heroes and villains.
Arguably the end of his rather short-lived redemption, the story suggests that it’s Black Adam’s methods that are questionable rather than his motives and features one of the most compelling analyses of the character currently available. Especially significant to the movie’s approaching release date is also Al Rothstein/Atom Smasher’s alliance with Black Adam, forged in secret when they felt themselves capable of achieving justice in ways the JSA could not.
A continuation of Black Adam’s previous endeavors within the Justice Society of America's comics, the specific storyline can be found in JSA (1999) #68-75. Beyond the addition of yet another exploration of Black Adam’s complex characterization that tends to set him apart from the average supervillain, the arc also deals with the harsh consequences endured by Atom Smasher after he departs from the Justice Society.
Undoubtedly likely to serve as a major inspiration for whatever fraught friendship might develop throughout the movie, JSA: Black Vengeance is a highly recommended read for old and new fans alike.
One of the newest additions to DC’s catalog, the story appears in the backups for Future State: Suicide Squad (2021) #1-2 and offers readers another glimpse of Black Adam’s chance at redemption.
Though merely one possible future out of many, this version of Black Adam appears as an ageless ruler of Egypt imprisoned by a cosmic entity unknown as The Unkindness, and – once freed – finds himself among the few beings capable of saving the multiverse. Although Future State: Black Adam does not necessarily represent a vital moment in the character’s continuity, it must still be acknowledged as the most recent comic to attest to Adam’s heroic side and give way to potential growth and development.
Written by Keith Champagne and John Ostrander, the four-issue limited series concerns Black Adam’s rage against humanity after the cold-blooded murder of his family and his subsequent devastating attacks that can only be stopped by the entire superhero community putting aside their differences and rallying together.
Considered by many fans an absolute seminal classic, World War III is the single most significant exploration of the sheer scale of Black Adam’s power. Indeed, a lone man raging war against the entire world and very nearly winning makes for one of DC Comics’ especially daring stories.
The six-issue miniseries, written by Peter Tomasi and illustrated by Doug Mahnke, takes place immediately following the events of World War III and concerns Black Adam’s attempt to revive his beloved Isis.
As the character is confirmed to appear in the upcoming movie, The Dark Age might very well be the perfect introduction and testament to Adam’s all-encompassing love for his wife and the lengths he’s willing to go to to bring about her return. One of the more in-depth looks at Black Adam’s psychology, the limited series remains a fan-favorite since its inception.