Whiz Comics #2 (1940)
The story of Whiz Comics and its iconic character, Captain Marvel, is a fascinating tale of creativity, popularity, and legal battles that shaped the comic book industry, in 1940, Fawcett Publications introduced Captain Marvel in Whiz Comics #2. Created by writer Bill Parker and artist C.C. Beck, Captain Marvel quickly became a sensation, outselling even Superman at one point.
The character's appeal lay in his alter ego, Billy Batson, a young boy who could transform into the powerful superhero by uttering the magic word "Shazam." This premise captured the imagination of young readers, leading to a series of spin-offs and even a film serial. However, Captain Marvel's success caught the attention of Detective Comics, Inc. (later DC Comics), who saw the character as a threat to their flagship hero, Superman. In 1941, DC filed a lawsuit against Fawcett, claiming that Captain Marvel was a copy of Superman.
The legal battle, known as National Comics Publications, Inc. v. Fawcett Publications, Inc., this became one of the longest in comic book history, lasting over a decade. The case was complex DC argued that Captain Marvel's powers and stories were too similar to those of Superman. Fawcett countered by highlighting differences and arguing that DC had failed to properly copyright some of their Superman strips, potentially invalidating their claim.
Initially, the court ruled in Fawcett's favor, citing DC's negligence in copyrighting Superman. However, DC appealed, and in 1952, Judge Learned Hand reversed the decision, stating that while Captain Marvel himself wasn't an infringement, certain stories might be. Facing declining comic sales and the prospect of a costly retrial, Fawcett chose to settle.
They agreed to cease publishing Captain Marvel comics and paid DC $400,000 in damages.This settlement marked the end of Fawcett's comic book division and Captain Marvel's original run. Yet, Captain Marvel's legacy endured. In the 1970s, DC Comics licensed and later purchased the rights to the character, rebranding him as "Shazam" to avoid trademark issues with Marvel Comics, who had since created their own Captain Marvel. Today, Captain Marvel, now known as Shazam, remains a beloved character, with his story serving as a reminder of the tumultuous and competitive nature of the comic book industry in its early days.
If you're looking to purchase a vintage poster copy of "Whiz Comics #2" here one way you can do so:
Digital Download: You can opt for a digital download of the poster. This method allows you to instantly obtain a high-resolution image that you can print at home or through a professional printing service. It's a convenient option for those who want immediate access to the artwork
These options offer flexibility in terms of format and presentation, allowing you to enjoy this classic piece of comic book history in a way that suits your preferences.