Mary Marvel

Mary Marvel
Mary Marvel as depicted in The New Champion of Shazam! #3 (January 2023). Art by Jen Bartel.
Publication information
PublisherFawcett Comics (1942–1953)
DC Comics (1972–present)
First appearanceCaptain Marvel Adventures #18 (Dec. 1942)
Created byOtto Binder
Marc Swayze
In-story information
Alter egoMary Bromfield (current)
Mary Batson (previous)
SpeciesHuman
Team affiliationsJustice League
Marvel / Shazam Family
Black Marvel Family
Super Buddies
PartnershipsShazam
Captain Marvel Jr.
Wizard Shazam
Hippolyta
Supporting character ofShazam
Notable aliasesCaptain Marvel
Lady Shazam
Black Mary
Shazam
Abilities
  • Divine empowerment
    • Superhuman physical attributes: strength, speed, durability, etc.
    • Enhanced intelligence and knowledge
    • Limited physical and magical invulnerability
    • Divine-derived willpower
    • Control over lightning and magic
Altered in-story information for adaptations to other media
Team affiliationsSentinels of Magic
Notable aliasesSergeant Marvel
Mary Marvel
Publication information
PublisherFawcett Comics
ScheduleMonthly
FormatOngoing series
GenreSuperhero
Publication dateDecember 1945 – September 1948
No. of issues28
Main characterMary Marvel
Creative team
Written byOtto Binder
ArtistJack Binder
Editor(s)Mercedes Shull, Ralph Daigh

Mary Marvel, also known as Lady Shazam and Shazam, is a superheroine originally published by Fawcett Comics and now owned by DC Comics. Created by Otto Binder and Marc Swayze, she first appeared in Captain Marvel Adventures #18 (cover-dated Dec. 1942). The character is depicted as a female counterpart of Shazam, being among the earliest of female counterparts of male superheroes, while often empowered by different set of patrons.

While the character's alter-ego is Mary Bromfield, her background and histories have varied over time; older stories have commonly depicted her as the twin sister of Billy Batson (birth name Mary Batson) separated at a young age following their parents' demise, ending up adopted by the Bromfield family. When reunited with her brother, she discovers powers similar to his and becomes a hero and protector of Fawcett City. At one point in time, the character also developed into a more antagonistic role as Black Mary. Following the New 52 reboot, she is instead cast as a victim of abusive parents who ran away from her family and is adopted by the Vazquez family. She later becomes the foster sister of Billy Batson, Freddy Freeman, and others wherein all become empowered and are part of the superhero family, the Shazam Family.

Mary Bromfield and her superhero alter-ego both made their cinematic debut in the DC Extended Universe 2019 film Shazam!, played by Grace Fulton and Michelle Borth, respectively. Fulton returned in the sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, playing both parts.