DC has long been renowned for its iconic villains like Joker, Lex Luthor and Riddler, but this time, it’s not the usual suspects stealing the spotlight. The most potent and formidable villains in the DC Universe have united to form a sinister alliance, and they’re ready to make their mark. In a shocking revelation, the official name for this formidable group of malevolent deities and mythic figures has been unveiled: the Conclave of Shazam.
Shazam, the beloved hero who draws his powers from six patron deities, is facing a crisis of epic proportions. The six deities, namely Solomon, Hercules, Achilles, Zeus, Atlas, and Mercury, have turned against him. These mythological figures, each possessing incredible power and unique flaws, have united as one formidable villainous team to puppeteer Shazam.
The announcement of their official name comes in a preview for Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez, and Troy Peteri’s “Shazam! #3.” Recent events have seen Billy Batson, the alter ego of Shazam, losing control of his heroic form. This loss of control has resulted in dangerous outbreaks of arrogance and impatience, threatening the safety of those around him.
As Freddy Freeman delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that Shazam’s patron gods are displeased with his representation of their divine powers. They take turns seizing control of his body while he channels their abilities, causing chaos and instability. Each deity brings their unique flaws to the forefront, further complicating Shazam’s struggles.
Mercury, in a cunning move, uses the Waters of Lethe to wipe Freddy’s memory and turn him into an unwitting spy for the Conclave of Shazam. The situation grows increasingly dire as Billy, currently going by ‘the Captain,’ finds himself in a perilous position. He has lost the ability to empower his superhero family, and his magical abilities are restricted by the Conclave. They believe that as a youthful hero who often opts for diplomacy over violence, he fails to serve as their proper representative on Earth.
The comic sheds light on the causes of Billy’s recent behavior. His arrogance and recklessness can be attributed to Solomon and Hercules, respectively. Now, it’s Atlas’s turn to take control, bringing the flaw of gullibility to the forefront. Atlas, historically tricked into bearing the world on his back after shifting the weight from Hercules, adds a new layer of complexity to Shazam’s predicament.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the source of his problems, Billy is determined to fight back. He refuses to transform if there’s even a remote possibility of causing harm to others, showcasing his unwavering commitment to being a hero, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The Conclave of Shazam’s emergence as DC’s most powerful villain team adds a thrilling and unpredictable dimension to the world of superheroes and villains. As Shazam battles to regain control of his powers and thwart the malevolent plans of these godly adversaries, readers can expect a captivating and action-packed storyline that challenges the very essence of heroism in the DC Universe.
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