It’s always inevitable for comic book movies to make changes in their adoptions. Sometimes it benefits the story they are trying to tell in the movie or it’s due to creative differences. Black Adam may feature plenty of similarities to the DC Comics counterpart, but it also features plenty of differences that fans of the comics may notice.
Black Adam is one of the most powerful characters on this planet, and when that’s paired with Dwayne Johnson, there’s sure to be plenty of power in the DC Universe. The DCEU has a future planned for Black Adam, even if it may somewhat differ from the comics.
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Black Adam!
7 Origin Story
Black Adam has experienced a few origins in the past, but one of his more notable ones is from when he was the prince of Kahndaq, King Ramses’ son. Teth-Adam was impressive thanks to his fairness and decency and was going to be tested by the Wizard for the powers of Shazam. However, with a deal between Blaze and Set, Teth-Adam received powers from the six Egyptian gods and served Egypt as its champion.
For the Black Adam DCEU movie, Teth-Adam was the father of the original Shazam champion. After suffering a grave injury, Teth-Adam’s son transferred the powers of Shazam to his father, thus making him Black Adam. This humble beginning as a slave alters the ego of Black Adam, and his views of righteousness.
6 One-Liners
Black Adam is a rather serious character. He has been through much pain, suffering, and punishment in the DC Universe. In the comics, he is taken seriously by the characters that utter his name or appear in his powerful presence. He does not crack jokes and simply remains regal and stoic, even when dealing with heroes and villains.
When it came to Dwayne Johnson’s debut as Black Adam, the character was more than happy to relish in fun one-liners and dabble in the occasional sarcasm. It added humor to the DCEU movie, but whether it added or took away from Black Adam’s character, is up for debate.
5 King Of Kahndaq
After the death of Teth-Adam’s family, bestowed with great power, he returned to Khandaq and overthrew the government by force. 1200 BC was a time of great suffering, and Teth-Adam’s powers made matters worse when he ruled by force. He proudly claimed himself the king of Kahndaq, with no one to stop him.
When it comes time for Teth-Adam to arrive in the modern era, he has no desire for a throne. The DCEU version of Black Adam was a slave, and one that sees Kahndaq as a place that should not have a ruler, but a protector. Therefore, he destroys the throne and vows to watch over Kahndaq.
4 Teth-Adam’s Punishment
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=1.5)
After overthrowing the government of Kahndaq, the Wizard Shazam believed that Teth-Adam had succumbed to the corruption of ultimate power and his daughter Blaze. The Wizard unleashed a great spell, one that would entrap Teth-Adam’s soul and powers in a tomb. Here, he was disgraced as a hero, and referred to as “Khem-Adam.”
The Wizard still plays a role in Black Adam’s entrapment in the DCEU, as he, along with the other wizards, cast a powerful spell on Teth-Adam to keep him encased in a dreamless sleep. It’s a similar punishment, but the film has him freed after Intergang’s involvement, and the comics are thanks to the Sivana Federation.
3 Anti-Heroism
In the comics, Black Adam has been more “anti-hero” than “hero.” He may do a good thing now and then, especially in the name of his kingdom of Kahndaq. However, the comics have Teth-Adam as villainous. He’s brutal, and violent, and has faced off against more heroes in the DC Universe than villains. Especially with his resentment toward Billy Batson, Shazam’s newest champion, who is a child.
There’s more of a market for Black Adam to be an anti-hero in the DCEU. Watching his brutality unfold, while also seeing his passion for civilians, makes for a more interesting character. Comics always benefit from gray characters than simple black and white, and it means Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam can go in many different directions.
2 Pointy Ears
There isn’t exactly a defined reason why Black Adam has pointy ears in the comics. It is almost elven in appearance. Some believe that it has a connection to receiving powers from the Egyptian gods, whereas others may see it as evil corrupting his appearance. It’s a key feature, much like his receding widow’s peak hairline.
Once Dwayne Johnson stepped into the super suit of Black Adam, the notable differences were the lack of pointy ears and hair. Dwayne Johnson certainly looks intimidating as Black Adam, even without these features, as his hulking mass lacks the padding in most superhero suits.
1 Friendship With Hawkman And Doctor Fate
Teth-Adam was around in Egypt during 1200 BC. During this time, he encountered many adventurers and even had a visit from the future travelers of Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Captain Marvel (later named Shazam). However, what is most interesting, is that Teth-Adam knew greatly of Prince Khufu, who would later be Hawkman, and the wizard Nabu, who was the Lord of Order, with his spirit residing in the Helmet of Fate.
When it came time to meet these characters in the DCEU, Hawkman has no knowledge or history with Black Adam, and neither did Doctor Fate. Teth-Adam’s friendship with these characters does not exist in the comics, and their battles in modern-day Kahndaq are the first time they all met.