Shazam's power of wisdom is often underestimated, but it is crucial to his abilities, as Shazam #8 explains in his latest confrontation with Black Adam. Wisdom includes good judgment and the ability to make connections, going beyond just intelligence. Despite the presence of superintelligent characters in the DC Universe, not all of them demonstrate super-levels of wisdom. Characters like Billy Batson and Black Adam must actively use their wisdom to properly wield their bestowed powers, or else risk the destructive power of their patron gods.
The Captain's ability to wield the Wisdom of Solomon is a potent weapon, but it is meaningless if left unused. Spoilers alert for Shazam! (2023) #8! Shazam possesses a plethora of powers, but his first and most challenging one to grasp is the wisdom of Solomon. Following a brutal altercation with Black Adam, Shazam reflects on his abilities, explaining how Solomon's wisdom functions for the first time.
Shazam! (2023) #8, created by Mark Waid, Goran Sudžuka, Ive Svorcina, and Troy Peteri, takes place after the destruction of Billy Batson's home during a fight with Black Adam. In the midst of the battle, Billy regrets his overconfidence in regaining control over Solomon's wisdom without actively utilizing it. Importantly, this emphasizes the distinctiveness of his wisdom among his other extraordinary talents.
Furthermore, wisdom is not only about intelligence but also entails sound judgment and the capacity to establish mental connections. In Shazam! #8, Billy Batson grasps this fact when confronted with impulsive emotions.This isn't the first time this series has revealed some of Shazam's mysteries. In Shazam (2023) #5, it was shown that the gods must physically summon the lightning that empowers their Champion. This revelation has dramatic implications for characters like Black Adam, casting doubt over how many of his actions were truly his own. The comic also explores the idea that wisdom requires active use and good judgment, not just intelligence. In Shazam! (2023) #8, it becomes clear that characters like Billy Batson must take care to actually use their super-wisdom in order to avoid disaster. Shazam! #8 (2023) is available now from DC, written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Goran Sudžuka.