Billy Batson may have been granted the powers of the wizard Shazam, but is it possible Superman would have been a better fit? By the Wizard's own admission, the DC Universe's iconic hero might have been a worthier Champion.
The DC Universe is fortunate enough to have some of the most noble superheroes that have ever existed. The ranks of the Justice League are filled with hearts that are dedicated to keeping those in need safe from powerful threats. But of all the heroes on the team, the most kind, gentle and compassionate hero is without a doubt the Man of Steel. Superman cares for humanity in a way that few can. His endless hope and optimism doesn't just extend to the people he saves. Clark even wants those he fights to lead a better life. Superman may have the powers of a god, but his spirit is possibly his greatest asset.
So it really raises the question of why the Wizard of the Rock of Eternity never sought him out. In Justice League #0 by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, the troubled youth Billy Batson is brought to the Wizard's realm for a test. The former champion Black Adam has returned, and the Wizard is growing weaker by the minute. The Wizard investigates Billy and sees if he is the pure spirit he has been looking for. Unfortunately, Billy's past shows him to be troublesome, selfish and decidedly not the pure-of-heart person the Wizard has been seeking. Billy takes offense to the Wizard's judgement and tells him that he's on a fool's errand and that pure people don't exist. Even the Wizard begins to show doubt when he realizes he's been on his quest for quite some time.
Superman Is Everything The Champion Of Shazam Should Be
To be fair to Billy, he is making a point to the wizard Shazam that his standards are so incredibly high he’s only made his search that much more difficult. The idea of a completely pure person is a very idealistic goal and more than likely not attainable by picking people at random. That said, Clark’s existence disproves everything else that Billy is saying. The jaded Billy might think that goodness can’t really last, but Superman consistently proves he’s got one of the best moral cores of anyone in the DC Universe.
The reason the Wizard sought someone pure of heart is because of what he feels was his biggest failure, ie making Black Adam his champion. The Wizard needed to know that whoever he entrusted to his grand power would not become corrupted. Superman is already one of the most powerful beings in the DC Universe, and he's very well aware of the responsibilities that come with his otherworldly abilities. Aside from that, Superman has also demonstrated the powerful heart he has. Everything he does with his powers is for the betterment and protection of the world around him. If the wizard Shazam was looking for a true champion, he should have selected Superman instead of Billy.