The Marvel Family, also known as the Shazam Family, are a group of superheroes who originally appeared in books published by Fawcett Comics and were later acquired by DC Comics. Created in 1942 by writer Otto Binder and artist Marc Swayze, the team was created as an extension of Fawcett's Captain Marvel franchise, and included Marvel's sister Mary Marvel, their friend Captain Marvel Jr., and, at various times, a number of other characters as well.
The cover of Captain Marvel Adventures #18, published in 1942 by Fawcett Comics, featuring (left to right) Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr. Art by C. C. Beck.
The modern-day Shazam Family on the variant cover of Shazam! (vol. 3) #13 (September 2020). Clockwise from center: Shazam/Billy Batson, Freddy Freeman, Mary Bromfield, Eugene Choi, Darla Dudley, and Pedro Peña. Art by Julian Totino Tedesco.
Captain Marvel and the three Lieutenants Marvel as depicted on the cover of Whiz Comics #34 (September 1942). Clockwise from top: Captain Marvel, Lt. Hill Marvel, Lt. Fat Marvel, and Lt. Tall Marvel. Art by C.C. Beck and Pete Costanza.
The cover of Whiz Comics #59 (October 1944), featuring most of the Golden Age Marvel Family and supporting cast. Art by C.C. Beck and Pete Costanza.
Fawcett Comics, a division of Fawcett Publications, was one of several successful comic book publishers during the Golden Age of Comic Books in the 1940s. Its most popular character was Captain Marvel, the alter ego of radio reporter Billy Batson, who transformed into the hero whenever he said the magic word "Shazam!".
Whiz Comics #2 (February 1940), the first appearance of Captain Marvel, the company's most popular character. Cover art by C. C. Beck.
Image: Captain Midnight
Image: Ibis The Invincible No 1
Image: Master Comics No 16
