Spoilers for Justice League #70!
When DC Comics wizard Shazam appointed an ancient Kahndaqi named Teth-Adam as a magical champion, he never imagined this man would overthrow his country and become the tyrannical Black Adam. Fans know that the wizard eventually gifted his power to Billy Batson, who became the original Captain Marvel—one of the greatest superheroes of his generation. In the latest issue of Justice League, by Brian Michael Bendis and Phil Hester, Superman reminds fans of something that makes Black Adam undoubtedly sinister.
When he transforms, Billy Batson gains the powers of gods representing the acronym of Shazam—the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury. However, Black Adam has his own pantheon of deities. Any time Black Adam shouts the Wizard's name, he obtains the stamina of Shu, the swiftness of Heru, the strength of Amon, the wisdom of Zehuti, the power of Aton, and the courage of Mehen. Even though these divine beings aid Adam with his struggles, he usually takes advantage of them to become a violent dictator. The most notable deity supporting Teth's evil deeds is Zehuti, who should offer moral support and advice to Black Adam in times of need.
In Justice League #70, Superman asks Black Adam to help seek out the Royal Flush Gang. Although Clark could ask for Black Adam's help with a classic Superman inspirational speech, all he says is, "Adam, I could use your wisdom in helping me track them down." This simple request reminds readers that even when Black Adam killed countless innocents to obtain a position of power in Kahndaq, he did so with the wisdom of Zehuti. The wisdom of Solomon greatly influences Billy Batson's compassion and his heroic actions as Shazam. Adam displays malicious deeds when he's angry—from ripping people in half to punching through their chests. The fact that the wisdom of Zehuti has not stopped him from committing these acts makes them so much more sinister. Only Teth and Zehuti know the amount of guilt Shazam's former champion carries in his conscience.
On top of singlehandedly overthrowing entire countries, Black Adam also tends to slaughter superheroes. One of the worst things he ever did was kill Terra of the Teen Titans. During Grant Morrison and Howard Porter's JLA #36-41, also known as "World War III," Black Adam commences a massacre in the country of Bialya. Terra chooses to stand between Black Adam and his hostile intentions, which quickly leads to him punching a hole in her chest. The entire Titans suffer this loss; it's impossible to understand how much Adam must have resisted Zehuti's guidance when he killed this heroic teenager.
It would be an understatement to say Black Adam made severe missteps in older DC Comics. Nonetheless, it seems he's currently atoning for his sins in helping the Justice League. Even though he is evil most of the time, Teth still supports heroes when necessary. While Black Adam stands (or flies) besides Superman as he brings the Royal Flush Gang to justice, perhaps he'll take a page from Shazam's book and start to open himself up to Zehuti's wisdom.