How I Marvel at This Complication

[deckardcanine]

The title “Captain Marvel” first appeared in ’39,
When Fawcett Publications had begun its comics line.
The hero, Billy Batson, changed from preteen to adult
By hollering, “Shazam!” (It seems his powers were occult.)
Alas, despite his thunderbolts, he seemed a bit too much
Like DC Comics’ Superman, so Fawcett was in Dutch
For copyright infringement. Still, they fought to keep him going,
Until he wasn’t worth it when the comic sales were slowing.
The trademark lapsed, and M. F. Enterprises grabbed the name
And slapped it on an android, but he never gained much fame.
Then Marvel Comics paid a fee to M.F.’s Myron Fass
So they could get the trademark (with their name, they’d hardly pass).
Then DC got the go-ahead from Fawcett to revive
The oldest Captain Marvel, whom they’d worked so hard to drive
From print! But Marvel’s captain meant that DC wasn’t able
To launch a brand-new series with the same production label.
They titled it Shazam! but had the hero keep his name.
In theory, that sufficed to let us know they’re not the same,
But after nearly 40 years, they changed him to Shazam,
Which can be problematic. Just as well that he’s a ham.