Shazam is the name of the wizard whom grants young Billy Batson the power to become the mighty hero, Captain Marvel. Simply by saying the wizard's name, which he informs Billy is an acronym for six Greco-Roman deities and heroes, Billy is granted, the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury. (SHAZAM.) Billy is granted this power because the wizard has been using his powers for many centuries to fight the forces of evil and believes he is not long for this world.Since the DC Comics starring Captain Marvel are listed as Shazam! , due to Marvel Comics trademarking the title for their own character known as Captain Marvel, DC's Captain Marvel is often erroneously referred to as Shazam himself. This however is not the case, as both Captain Marvel and Shazam are in fact two different characters.The wizard, Shazam first appeared in Whiz Comics # 2. February, 1940.Once again, Shazam is the name of the wizard, not Captain Marvel.