Superman & Shazam Originally Shared the Same Creepy Superpower

At one time, Superman and Shazam shared the same creepy superpower: hypnosis. Although neither Clark Kent and Billy Batson are known for the ability, they have been able to hypnotize whoever they want in the past.

Throughout comic book history, the power of hypnosis has almost always been given to villains such as Gorilla Grodd, Purple Man, Poison Ivy, and Mandrill among others. In terms of story mechanics, the power is distinctly sinister, as it is bent on controlling another person’s will. If a hero has the ability to hypnotize people, it could be a strange dynamic, as any heroic character wouldn’t be so quick to assert their will onto an innocent person. Despite the power not being a mainstay of Superman or Shazam, both Clark Kent and Billy Batson have been able to use hypnosis before.

When Billy first became Shazam AKA Captain Marvel, he was bestowed with the “wisdom of Solomon,” which included the ability to hypnotize people. Similarly, Superman was once able to stare people into a hypnosis, as seen in Action Comics #32, written by Jerry Siegel with art by Jack Burnley. Although their stories didn’t frequently incorporate the power, they technically could have overridden other characters’ will whenever they felt like it. Unlike Clark’s other powers which originate from his Kryptonian biology in response to the yellow sun, his hypnosis was a learned skill. His power to hypnotize has even been linked by fans to his disguise as reporter Clark Kent, which only involves glasses. Eventually, comics used this reasoning to explain how his alter ego doesn’t get recognized.

Since Shazam has a wide selection of powers, it isn’t uncommon for some to be neglected. As his abilities are based in magic, it isn’t as far of a stretch for him to use his mental capacity to override others. However, it becomes an issue as he should use the power in any confrontation with a villain. Instead of fighting, Shazam could point his villains in a less violent direction. In theory, Superman could have done the same with his rogues during the Silver Age.

Unlike villains with the ability, both Shazam and Superman have used hypnosis sparingly. It would be a power that could become tired quickly, if incorporated often. The Man of Steel has been given a variety of other odd powers, but none have seemed to be as much of a conflict of interest. In contrast, Shazam and Superman tend to have powers that help emphasize their heroic personalities.

While Superman is known as a shining beacon of hope and optimism today, the Golden Age version of the character was even scarier than Batman. The Man of Steel is best-known for always maintaining a friendly and even-tempered demeanor, even while fighting supervillains like Lex Luthor and capturing criminals. While he has emotions and can become angry like everyone else, he never lets his rage get the better of him - but in Action Comics #2 published in 1938, Superman is clearly not above threatening lives with incredible acts of violence.

Action Comics is the premiere Superman title, and while it started as an anthology series (Superman was simply the cover feature), he quickly began to dominate the book to the point where Action Comics became synonymous with Superman and superheroes in general. The Golden Age Superman was quite different from his modern-day counterpart. He couldn't fly (though he could leap incredibly distances), and while his strength was impressive, he couldn't lift buildings, let alone mountains or planets. The Superman of old instead spent his time fighting organized crime.

Continuing from the first issue, Superman persuades an informant to divulge the name of a man selling munitions: Emil Norvell. He also mentions his address, and Superman confronts the arms dealer. When he arrives, three of Norvell's men immediately open fire on Superman with machine guns, but the bullets harmlessly bounce off his bulletproof skin. "Good heavens! He won't die!" says one, to which Superman responds "Glad I can't say the same for you!" After Superman dispatches the goons, he turns to Emil, demonstrating his strength by crushing an iron bar in his hands. "That bar could just as easily be your neck!"