The series started with a homeless boy, Billy Batson, who is turned into The World's Mightiest Mortal AKA The Big Red Cheese by a wizard named Shazam. Batson now became Captain Marvel, a crime-fighting character who makes himself strong and invincible from a flash of lightning when yelling the wizard's name. The powers embedded in the name of Shazam come from Solomon's wisdom, Hercules' strength, Atlas' stamina, Zeus' power, Achilles' courage, and Mercury's speed - all in all plenty to render the boy Batson with superpowers as well as an adult appearance.

* The series was initially called Captain Thunder but was renamed before the first issue. ** Captain Marvel has also been renamed after the wizard starring in a series titled Shazam! from 1973 to 1978 (35 issues).