Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1079
For decades, DC fans have struggled with whether Shazam can win Superman in a fight. Their respective superhuman abilities elevate them both to god status, but there is still no definitive proof that Shazam is strong enough to overpower Superman if they were to fight at full strength. Now, Shazam is finally ready to test his powers against an angry Kryptonian.
In a preview for Action comics #1079 by Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Michael Shelfer, Matt Herms and Dave Sharpe, the weekly “Ghosts” story reaches a shocking climax when the prisoners of the Phantom Zone are released on Earth. These rogue Kryptonians are now powered by a yellow sun, raising them to Superman's level of power while causing wanton destruction across the planet.
With Superman out of commission for now, other superheroes step up to defend Earth in his place, including Superboy and the rest of Superman's family. Shazam eventually joins the fight, and he might have a chance against a Kryptonian.
Shazam is ready to decide if he is stronger than the Kryptonians
Shazam's Superman's Strength Is Put to the Ultimate Test
Shazam, currently known as “The Captain”, is one of the few heroes in the DC Universe whose strength rivals that of Superman. Young Billy Batson's powers grant him the abilities of ancient divine figures, which he unlocks by speaking a word: “Shazam!” With his powers in tow, including super strength and superhuman durability, Cap can perform extraordinary feats that have earned him membership in the Justice League alongside the likes of Superman. Yet, Although he is technically on the same level as the Man of Steel, Cap has yet to officially establish himself as Superman's true superior.
Action comics #1079 seeks to change that, presenting Cap with the opportunity to face a Kryptonian in a no-holds-barred brawl. When the Captain arrives at the scene, the Kryptonian prisoner appears to have already shot down Blue Beetle and Hawkman in his conquest. Then, upon noticing the arrival of the Mightiest Mortal on Earth, he says: “What kind of death wish do you have?” Clearly, this Kryptonian doesn't realize that Cap can stand up to him and potentially even defeat him. After all, Shazam has proven he can fight Kryptonians in his previous fights against Superman.
Shazam v Superman: who would really win in a fight?
Shazam's next battle will determine whether he can defeat Superman
Shazam and Superman have fought several times before, with varying results. Although Superman has often won, as in Waid and Alex Ross Kingdom ComeCap's magical powers also allowed him to exploit a critical weakness of Krypton and gain an advantage. Ultimately, though, these superheroes can never fully come to blows – minus mind control, manipulation, and alternate universe scenarios – because they're on the same side. Here, Cap can fight a powerful Kryptonian without holding back. ShazamKrypton's final battle will decide once and for all whether he has what it takes to win Superman.
Action comics #1079 is available December 11, 2024 from DC Comics.