Spoilers for Justice League #59 ahead!
Black Adam is one of the most compelling anti-heroes in the DC Universe, and in the new Justice League comic a question once posed to Superman challenges the ruler of Khandaq: What does his symbol mean?
Black Adam began as a Shazam villain; he was once Teth-Adam, a resident of ancient Khandaq who was bequeathed powers by the wizard Shazam. The power proved too much for Adam, and he was corrupted by it. Christening himself “Black Adam,” he swore revenge on the wizard when he banished Black Adam to deep space. Adam would return and fight Shazam’s new champion many times over the years. Below the surface, however, Adam was once a good man, and over the years, he has drifted slightly towards the side of good, but still retains his harsh methods for dealing with bad guys—methods that would put him at odds with the greater superhero community. This makes Black Adam’s induction into the Justice League even more puzzling - and exciting.
Readers meet Black Adam as he talks to a young child in Khandaq. Soon after, a portal opens and a demonic-looking creature named Brutus emerges and picks a fight with Black Adam, but before he does, he notices Black Adam’s outfit, saying he has “one of those shirts.” Brutus then asks Adam what the logo means, but he has no answer. The two fight, but then the Justice League arrives on the scene. The League fights Brutus to a stand-still, and he escapes for parts unknown. Likewise, Black Adam slips away to Oregon, where he plans to recruit the young hero Naomi to his cause.
Superman fans will recognize Brutus’ question as a riff on one asked to Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel film. Superman fans will also know the answer: it stands for hope. However, when asked the question, Black Adam does not give an answer. Bendis has stated in interviews that his Justice League run will focus on Black Adam and who he is, and Brutus’ question is but the first step in this examination of what makes him tick. Bendis seems to be continuing the heroic transformation the character began years ago, bringing it to its ultimate conclusion by placing Adam in the Justice League.
Fans will get to see Black Adam in action on the big screen when he makes his DCEU debut soon, portrayed by Duane “The Rock” Johnson and DC is setting him up for good things in the comics as well, and it begins in Justice League #59 by Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez; the issue, part of DC’s Infinite Frontier initiative is available in stores now and on all digital comics platforms.