Typically, when they fight, it's assumed that Billy is utilizing the totality of the Power of Shazam. That exact topic came up when he stalemated Superman in an arm wrestling contest until Freddy and Mary arrived and powered up, resulting in Superman winning.
I personally figure that Captain Marvel, when he fights Superman, in any case (or is featured by his lonesome), he's the only one tapping into his power. And we all know what kind of shit storm would happen if it was ever shown or alluded that Cap at 1/3 of his power was stalemating Superman.
then again I don't exactly see Marvel pulling the same feats of strength as Supes 9/10. Also if you want to talk about holding back considering Superman's showings when he goes for an outright kill under his own will versus his everyday showings the difference is generally night and day. So to say Marvel is the only one pulling his punches is a bit off.
Also at least in KC Captain Marvel was giving supes what for without restraint when he started Shazam bolting him. Supes was holding back and hell I feel he could have taken it when he wanted to all things considered.
Also regular supes feats are overall better than Marvel's. I know that's due to him being flagship hero but still the fact still stands that his showings for the most part are superior.
He was being cocky and fighting stupid. Shit eating grin and all.
KC Superman was trying to talk to some sense into the Billy because he HAD NO CHOICE. What was he going to do, KO him before the Warhead touched down in a few minutes? He wasn't going to be able to do that, if he could have, he would have as the situation was dire. So he tried to do what was realistic.
Not only did Spectre rate them equal, KC Superman called KC CM the 'mightiest of us'. Even if you rate Superman's words as nothing but flowery reminisce, the middle ground is still that they were equal.
Also, when Superman speeded off towards the warhead, KC Billy easily overtook him to sacrifice himself instead.
That whole fight/scene is very easy to interpret, I don't know how people get all this stuff that is not shown or hinted at anywhere else within it.
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Last edited by CosmicComet on Oct 12th, 2011 at 07:12 AM
We're told by Superman that Captain Marvel is his equal or "the mightiest of us". Narration tells us that Captain Marvel was the only soldier who could match him move for move. Alex Ross goes on to say that he personally viewed Captain Marvel as being beyond Superman for the purposes of his story. Superman only "beat" Captain Marvel because he pushed him back into his Shazam bolt. Prior to that Captain Marvel was fighting Superman evenly and wasn't even taking the fight seriously at all. And he was mind controlled.
How this somehow translates into KC Superman being superior is beyond me.
Idk when KC supes came to earth 1 or 2 not sure which it was he seemed to be quite a damned bit more powerful than local supes who got sucker punched by herc and KC supes completely no sold him (herc)
I never saw them as equals IMHO. The only equal to superman in post crisis DCU is orion and I think Thor is the closest you can find an equal to superman in marvel. Considering marvel posseses one of the biggest vulnerabilities of superman in magic and yet doesn't have a single victory to boot is telling. Remove magic from equation and superman would beat the shit out of Captain marvel but a fresh cap despite having an advantage toe to toe couldn't drop a weakened, exhausted from fighting non stop and his solar stores drained by nightshade Superman. Man, wonder woman did better than him when she is supposed to be under superman. So much for being equals!
Kingdom Come Captain Marvel IIRC was somewhat crazy from the brainwashing hence the shit eating grin etc. Still, the two were pretty much equals physically. I'd wager Ross would love to see Billy trump Clark straight up but it can't ever happen.
They are pretty much equals more often than not but there's no denying that under at least some portrayals, Superman can kick it up to a level that Captain Marvel -and every other hero in DC- can't match. Tbf, those are the more extreme takes.
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Oct 12th, 2011 01:31 AM
