Warning! Spoilers ahead for Justice League #64!
In the latest issue of Justice League, the newly reformed Black Adam proves that he's a misunderstood hero. Black Adam has undergone a lot of changes in Brian Michael Bendis' Justice League run. Now, he is a reformed villain with an eye for justice. Despite not being fully welcomed into the Justice League, Black Adam has shown that he's a useful asset to the team. This iteration of Black Adam might be DC's most radical and he's proving issue by issue that he is becoming a fully-fledged superhero.
Superman has been the one hero who has believed in Black Adam, while the rest of the team remain skeptical. Ironically, Superman should be the most distrusting of Black Adam as they have a long history together. But with the Man of Steel being the hero that he is, Superman has allowed Black Adam to prove himself. This leads to Black Adam being officially offered a role in the Justice League. Now, Black Adam must try to sway public opinion of him and make sure that people know that he's a superhero supported by the Justice League.
In Justice League #64 by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve Pugh, Naomi's parents visit the Hall of Justice. To the outside world, Black Adam remains a villain. His membership in the League hasn't been publicized. Naomi's parents' reactions to finding out that Black Adam is a part of the Justice League are priceless. Her dad is in complete shock that his daughter and the League are casually standing alongside Black Adam. Naomi reveals that Superman invited Black Adam, which again highlights how still no one else vouches for him.
It's at this point that Black Adam compliments Naomi's parents on their child-raising abilities, out of nowhere! He states that they have done a fantastic job as Naomi has turned out to be a great person. His attitude is a surprise to them, Naomi's dad would have never thought that Black Adam would be so kind. As Black Adam flies away, Naomi's dad reveals that that was the nicest thing that anyone has ever said to him in his whole life. It all goes to show that Black Adam is a whole new person, and that what Teth said to Clark in Justice League #63 about trying to do better is actually coming true.
Black Adam's simple act of kindness in this issue highlights that not only is he a great hero, but a good person. Although Black Adam has been largely depicted as a villain, he has proven that with an open mind and a change of methods, he is capable of being an amazing superhero. It seems that his old methods were his biggest detriment and if he were to have been different, he could have always been a hero. After all, he was initially chosen by the wizard Shazam to wield his power. It could be interpreted that everything that happened in Black Adam's past has led to this moment where he becomes something far greater. Justice League #64 is available in comic book stores and on digital platforms now.