Summary
Surprise, surprise, a DC variant cover has revealed that the nextBatmanisn’tNightwing,Robin, or evenRed Hood, but the Captain himself–SHAZAM! While it remains unclear if Billy Batson is ready to step into the steel-toed boots of the Dark Knight, one thing is for certain: Shazam really can pull off Batman’s cowl ears and utility belt.
Shazam!#13, written by Josie Campbell and illustrated by Mike Norton, hits shelves on July 23, 2025. In this installment, therift between Billy and his superpowered alter egodeepens, prompting the question: “Can Billy still prove he’s hero enough to save the day without the Captain?”
SHAZAM! #13 (2024)
Variant Covers:
Riley Rossmo, Simone Di Meo, and José Luis García-López
Where in the world is Billy Batson?! Freddy and Mary hit the road to track down their teenage runaway brother, but little do they know he’s hiding right under their noses…in the subway! Meanwhile strange new monsters are stalking the streets of Philly. Can Billy still prove he’s hero enough to save the day without the Captain?
Perhaps a clue to the answer lies in Simone Di Meo’s variant cover, where Billy appears to be stepping into a new heroic role—the Batman himself. However,given Billy’s state of unconsciousness on the cover, it seems he may not even be aware of his transformation into the new Dark Knight.
Shazam Becomes the New Batman in Hilarious Simone Di Meo Variant Cover Art
Di Meo’s variant cover is both hilarious and ingenious, capturing the classic prank of drawing on a sleeping friend. In Billy’s case, he appears to have dozed off in his Shazam form after a late night of video games, texting, and indulging in junk food. During his state of slumber,it seems that one or more of his siblings seized the opportunity to doodle on Billy and his pillow. The chosen theme for their graffiti? BATMAN.Amusingly, the doodles transform Billy into the newest Dark Knight.
The doodles cleverly incorporate thepointed ears of Batman’s cowlonto Billy’s pillow, creating the illusion that Shazam is now sporting the iconic headpiece. Moreover, the Bat insignia is sketched over Billy’s Shazam symbol, and the Dark Knight’s utility belt is added to the costume using blue marker. However,the pièce de résistance of this marker-fueled prank is undoubtedly the dialogue bubble drawn on Billy’s pillow, boldly proclaiming, “I’m Batman,”officially marking Shazam’s metamorphosis into the Caped Crusader. The only thing missing from this clever prank is Billy and Bruce Wayne’s reaction to Shazam’s Dark Knight transformation.
Billy Batson May Not Be the Next Batman Officially, But He Still Needs a New Hero Persona
While it might still require a significant amount of persuasion before Batman considers Billy as a potential successor to the Dark Knight title, the pressing issue remains that Billy is in need of a new heroic identity, especially with the Captain’s absence looming. As hinted in the synopsis, the Captain is nowhere to be found, leaving Billy at a crucial crossroads where he must determine if and how he can continue to be a hero. This could mark the end ofShazamas fans know it, but also the dawn of a new and potentially greater chapter for Billy Batson.
“MEET…SHAZAMITE!": Shazam Is Getting a New Sidekick Who Makes Him Look Weak
Solicitations reveal Shazam #6 will introduce the DC Universe’s newest 5th-dimensional imp, Bat-Mite’s cousin and Shazam’s biggest fan: Shazamite.
Shazam! #13will be released on July 18, 2025, from DC Comics!
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
Shazam
Originally known as Captain Marvel, the magical champion Shazam is a DC Comics superhero who gains his powers from various mythological figures: Solomon’s wisdom, Hercules' strength, Atlas' stamina, Zeus' power, Achilles' courage, and Mercury’s speed. When child Billy Batson utters the phrase “Shazam,” he transforms into an adult superhero with these combined abilities. Shazam fights villains alongside the Marvel Family, embodying the ideals of heroism, justice, and magic in the DC Universe.
