Captain Marvel is a fictional character. created by C.C. Beck and Bill Parker , who originally appeared in Whiz Comics #2, published by Pawcett Comics in February 1940. In his day, the big red guy was so very popular, he gave all other superheroes a run for their money. According to Wikipedia:

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"With a premise that taps adolescent fantasy, Captain Marvel is the alter ego of Billy Batson, a youth who works as a radio news reporter and was chosen to be a champion of good by the wizard Shazam. Whenever Billy speaks the wizard's name, he is instantly struck by a magic lightning bolt that transforms him into an adult superhero empowered with the abilities of six mythical figures."