Marvel just confirmed what DC fans already know: that a fan-favorite character is worthy of lifting Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir. After twenty years, the two publishers have buried the hatchet, releasing exciting crossovers bringing their biggest heroes together. Now, in Thor/Shazam #1, the two titans meet for the first time in 30 years, leading to a stunning revelation about the Captain.
Thor/Shazam #1 was written by Al Ewing and drawn by Jethro Morales. Thor and the Captain/Shazam team up to stop Mister Mind, who has augmented himself with powers from various Marvel and DC beings. During the melee, the Captain takes hold of Mjölnir, holding it as effortlessly as Thor.
The two heroes then easily dispatch Mister Mind.
Marvel and DC Have a Long History of Crossovers
Marvel and DC’s Relationship Has Changed Considerably In the Past 30 Years
Marvel and DC are the two biggest publishers of comic books in North America, which has led to a rivalry that is at turns friendly and hostile. After collaborating on a few crossovers in the late 1970s/early 1980s, Marvel and DC began working together in earnest in the mid-1990s.
Then, in 1995, in response to a downturn in the comics’ industry, the two companies announced a four-issue miniseries that would pit each publisher’s biggest heroes against one another. Next, Marvel and DC took an already major event a step further: fans were allowed to vote on the outcome of certain match-ups.
Marvel vs DC/DC vs Marvel was released to fan acclaim as well as high sales when it hit shelves in late 1995. The crossover gave the comics industry a much-needed shot in the arm. It was also a genuinely fun event, especially the surprise Amalgam universe, which led to some awesome Marvel/DC mash-ups, such as Dark Claw.
The two companies continued to hold crossovers well into the late 1990s, but by the early 2000s, changes in editorial as well as the market led to the meeting being put on indefinite hold. When 2003’s JLA/Avengers hit the stands, it inaugurated a long dry spell of Marvel and DC crossovers.
Relations Between Marvel and DC Have Begun to Thaw, After 20 Years
Deadpool and Batman Kicked Off a New Series of Crossovers
Now, 30 years later, the two publishers reunite for a new series of epic meetings and titanic fights. The previously released Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman saw not only The Dark Knight meet the Merc With a Mouth, but also Rocket Raccoon join the Green Lantern Corps. A forthcoming Batman/Deadpool promises even more awesome crossovers.
Marvel and DC have also released surprise, previously-unannounced crossover books, such as Thor/Shazam and Flash/Fantastic Four. Available on Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe Infinite, respectively, the two titles give fans additional throwdowns, and in the case of Thor and Shazam, it was a rematch 30 years in the making.
Thor and Shazam Last Met During Marvel and DC’s Previous Crossover
30 Years Later, Shazam and Thor Team Up to Stop Mister Mind
In the previous Marvel vs DC, Thor and Shazam were forced to fight, leading to the Odinson’s victory over the Captain. As befitting two heroes of Thor and Shazam’s power and stature, their fight was epic. However, Shazam, who draws his powers from multiple gods, was unable to put down a real one.
Yet now, the two lightning-based heroes put their differences aside, joining their great powers together to stop Mister Mind. The Wizard brings Donald Blake, Thor’s human alter-ego, to the Rock of Eternity. He meets the Captain/Shazam. If he remembers him from their last meeting, he gives no indication of it.
While Thor and Shazam tag team Mister Mind, it comes to light that the Captain can hold Mjölnir with no issues. The issue does not dwell on the “worthiness” aspect, and readers simply go along with Shazam being able to lift the hammer. Yet, long-time Shazam fans should not be surprised he was able to do so.
Shazam is One of DC’s Strongest, and Most Moral, Heroes
Shazam is Pure of Heart, Making Him the Ideal Choice to Lift Thor’s Hammer
Shazam is one of DC’s most powerful heroes, with strength levels on par with Superman and Wonder Woman. However, mere strength alone is not enough to lift Mjölnir. Instead, one must be worthy of doing so. Several Marvel heroes, including Captain America, have lifted the hammer, as did Superman in JLA/Avengers.
It is Shazam’s duality that makes him worthy of holding Mjölnir. While resembling an adult man on the surface, Shazam is in fact a teenage boy: Billy Batson. Billy, not as jaded as a grownup, can still see the good in people. Shazam is seen as one of DC’s most moral heroes, one who abhors lethal force.
Furthermore, the very fact that Billy became Shazam is further proof of his worthiness. The Wizard chose Billy to become his champion because the kid was noble at heart. Shazam’s career in the years since is proof the Wizard chose correctly. The Wizard is (mostly) a good judge of character, as Shazam was able to lift Thor’s hammer.
Shazam Is Now in Some August Company
Heroes as Diverse as Captain America and Superman Have Held Mjölnir
As noted earlier, others have been able to lift Mjölnir, and Shazam is in some very good company. Perhaps the other most famous character to use the hammer is Beta Ray Bill, the horse-like alien who briefly took Odinson’s place. Today, Beta Ray Bill wields a similar weapon, and is one of Thor’s greatest allies.
Thor’s former lover Jane Foster also used Mjölnir. Diagnosed with a terminal disease, Jane used the hammer to delay the inevitable. In a riff on Thor/Donald Blake’s partnership, Jane would strike the hammer, turning into a feminine version of Thor. Jane is now a Valkyrie, and her time as Thor was a stepping stone to this position.
Other heroes have held Mjölnir, if even for a brief time. In Avengers: Endgame, Captain America picked Mjölnir up, which came as no surprise to fans. The frog version of Thor (colloquially known as “Throg”) has also wielded Mjölnir, as did Eric Masterson, AKA Thunderstrike. The ability to lift the hammer signifies a great deal in the Marvel Universe.
Shazam and Thor Make for One of Comics’ Best Duos
Fans Are Reminded Why Shazam is One of Comics’ Most Endearing Characters
And now Shazam joins the list, and is the only other DC character, save Superman, to lift Mjölnir. As seen in Thor/Shazam #1, both heroes combine their magic to fight Mister Mind. The duo switch between power sources, keeping Mind on his feet, and the two lightning-based heroes made for some impressive pyrotechnics.
Marvel and DC are continuing their crossovers going into the new year, and more information on them is still forthcoming. It is unknown if Shazam and Thor will meet again. Few can lift Mjölnir, and Shazam’s ability to do so cements him not only as a great at DC, but in comics as a whole.
Thor/Shazam #1 Is Available to Read Now on Marvel Unlimited!
