Justice League Unlimited Shazam Family 4-Pack: The Wizard Review

Captain Marvel's magically-based powers come from the wizard Shazam (yes, the wizard's name is actually Shazam). When Billy Batson says the wizard's name, he is transformed into the superhero Captain Marvel. So when Mattel announced that it was making a "Shazam" Family four-pack for the Justice League Unlimited toy line, the surprise figure in the set was the wizard himself.

The Wizard (as he is named in this set) has been using his powers to fight evil for centuries. He chose a successor in the Egyptian dynastic era in Teth-Adam. When Adam spoke the wizard's name "SHAZAM", he was granted tremendous superpowers to fight for the cause of good. But Mighty Adam became corrupted by his power and was eventually stripped of it by Shazam. The wizard waited many years before choosing a new champion in young Billy Batson. Just like Adam, when Billy evokes the wizard's name, he is transformed into Captain Marvel, the World's Mightiest Mortal.

I am actually both surprised and pleased that the Wizard is included in this set. After all, he is the one that has given Captain Marvel (known as "SHAZAM" in this set), Mary Marvel (known as Mary Batson in this set), and Black Adam their powers. It really makes sense that the Wizard is part of the quartet.

Out of all the characters, the Wizard has a unique body type designed specifically for him. He really looks like any old mage in flowing robes and white hair. In fact, his face is probably the best feature has he has the stern look gazing out into the world. The eyebrows in particular are crafted nicely given him that appearance. His long flow beard covers most of his chest. Quite honestly, put a red cap on his head and he could be mistaken for Santa Claus.

Because this mold is unique in the entire Justice League Unlimited collection, he doesn't have the same articulated points as many of the figures. While most are given five-points of articulation, the Wizard falls sorely below that number with only two. That's right, two-points of articulated movement is given just for his arms. But unlike others, his arms stretch outward when they are moved up and down. He looks like he is bestowing his power whenever his arms are raised like that. I like this change-up for this figure as it suits him nicely. Since his robe covers his legs, there is no need for any leg movement. It also means he is one of the easier figures to prop up without an extra help. One slight touch is the addition of the lightning bolt insignia (the same as Captain Marvel) on his sash. It's not something that he normally has but it's a good extra feature just to identify him with the entire "Shazam" family.

Naming these characters is a bit confusing due to the licensing limitations. Captain Marvel is often referred to as "SHAZAM!", thanks in part to Marvel Comics ownership of the "Captain Marvel" name that they manage to trademark. That means any outward title referring to this character as to be as Shazam. Therefore, the wizard (whose actual name is Shazam) is referred to as simply "The Wizard" for this collection. Confusing? Definitely.

The Wizard is only available as part of the "Shazam" Family four-pack set offered exclusively through MattyCollector.com.  Even though these four characters are individually packaged, they can only be purchased as a set for $30.00 through the official website.

I am glad that the Wizard Shazam is getting some exposure in this fashion. He is an important part to Captain Marvel's mythology so it is only fitting that he is the fourth figure to be featured in this set. I guess that means Captain Marvel, Jr. gets left out for now but it's only an excuse to make another "Shazam" set for fans.