Black Adam of JSA- a ???

[mdr55]

I've just read JLA/JSA "Vice & Virtue". The question I have is about Black Adam. I always thought he was a bad guy (the arch enemy of Shazam) but when I read the comic he was part of the JSA with Capt. Marvel. So what gives?? Was he ever a bad guy? was reformed? or he didn't become a bad guy till after the story was told.

Thanks.

[eshuroger]

It's kind of complicated, but he was originally a hero, way back in ancient Egypt, named Teth Adam, or Mighty Adam.

Teth Adam was soon corrupted by his power, and his power was stripped by the wizard, Shazam.

His descendant, Theo Adam, stole a mystical scarab necklace and spoke the wizard's name to gain the power of Mighty Adam for himself.

This was Black Adam for the bulk of his comic book career, controlled by Theo Adam.

Black Adam started to have a personaility disorder when Teth Adam started to exert control. Finally Teth Adam took over, and wanted to make up for all the evil his descendant had done with his power, and he joined the JSA. That's about where you picked it up.

Recently, Teth Adam decided that the JSA was too passive to truly administer 'justice', and he sought a group of 'heroes' who were a little less bound by ethical rules, like not killing enemies. With these allies, he took over his homeland from the dictator who had ruled there, but was attacked by the JSA. Finally, the JSA decided to let Adam remain in his homeland, since he was a hero to the people there, as long as he promised not to leave there.

[DareDevil_13]

Hmm, sounds interesting.

I wonder if this "appeasement" between Black Adam and the JSA will last very long.

[Rokk_Krinn]

The thing to remember about Black Adam is that he's not a "black and white" character, despite his name. Yes, Classic Black Adam was always portrayed as a villain, but after his reintro to the DCU in "Power of Shazam!", things have changed. As noted above, Teth Adam was a hero but remember he's a hero from a very different culture and time era. Execution of criminals or oppressors of innocents is perfectly fine with him. However, his people love him. I wouldn't be surprised if the truce lasts for some time - Teth has no real reason to venture beyond the borders of his nation and I don't think many folks will be dumb enough to go try and invade his land either.

Bit of trivia note: the reason given for Teth's erratic behavior is more than just the sheer immorality if his descendant Theo. Black Adam actually had a brain tumour for awhile which was affecting his ability to really take control of his actions and made him more prone to irrational actions.

[DareDevil_13]

Hmm... sounds like Black Adam is like a less-drastic magneto. Both are seen as heroes to their people, and both wish to rule in peace.