It seems like DC Comics’ Absolute Universe debuts a new character in every new storyline. This is a good thing since no one knows how long Darkseid’s Universe will exist.
Many comic book readers hope that it stays indefinitely, but it’s not likely. Because of that, the creators have been keeping fans intrigued by bringing in classic heroes and villains like Despero (who premiered in Absolute Martian Manhunter), Zatanna (Absolute Wonder Woman), and more. Not to be outdone, Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman brought out two big guns in his recent issue.
SHAZAM!
Before the previous Absolute Superman storyline ended, various websites reported that Shazam was making his way to the Absolute Universe. Like many things in Darkseid’s dark and cruel universe, it was worse than anyone would have thought. Not only was this not Billy Batson, but it was Teth Adam, from Black Adam in the main universe. And he didn’t get his powers from Wizard Shazam.
As a child, and over 3000 years ago, Teth Adam was an Egyptian slave and suffered as his family died via starvation, being burned alive, and death by crocodile. With no options left, Teth left in search of the gods or the fabled wizard who is said to give wishes. Instead of the Wizard Shazam, he was given Brainiac.
Sadly, getting powers came with him being experimented on, because that's what Brainiac does. The Brainiac drones even stated that they were using something they found in a black hole because, at the very least, they could see how it kills him. This comes soon after Brainiac brutally killed Lex Luthor’s loved ones in front of him (in the present in Absolute Superman No. 17).
Absolute Teth Adam wasn’t the only character to debut in this issue. While Superman was stopping Lois Lane and Talia al Ghul from killing each other, a mysterious person covered head-to-toe, wielding a hammer that can stop bullets and disrupt tech, shows up and beats Talia’s Peacemakers (we can assume it's Absolute Steel). After that, they go after Ra’s al Ghul (who turned over a new leaf in issue No. 15). Before they could attack the al Ghuls, Teth Adam (calling himself King Shazam) rises from his prison, and he’s not happy.
We don’t know what monstrous things were done to King Shazam or how long he’s been under Lazarus’ control. And, imagine this, what if he were captured and awake during his captivity and unable to move? Now that he’s free, he may be in a justified frenzy.
As for "Steel," we don’t know who’s behind the mask. The easy guess is that it’s John Henry Irons (the current Steel) or his niece, Natasha Irons (who also uses that name). However, it wouldn’t be shocking if it’s someone like Jefferson Pierce (Black Lightning) or Michael Holt (Mr. Terrific).
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