Judy Garland and Mary Marvel


'Dark Mary Marvel' is now seen by cosplay artists


Mary Marvel was the first female spin off a male comic book superhero (Captain Marvel), and Mary Marvel predated Supergirl by at least a decade.  She is the long lost sister of Billy Batson, and when she utters the word Shazam...she is given powers from the wizard Shazam, although her heroes are different from Billy Batson.


Mary Marvel was introduced in Fawcett comics

Mary's design and personality was created by artist Marc Swayze.  He dramatically embued Mary Marvel's design and personality upon American actress Judy Garland.


Judy Garland in a still from the wizard of Oz

Over time, Mary's origin, powers, and costume have changed, but the core idea of a woman powered by magic is still a popular one.  Mary along with Supergirl, Power girl, and Wonder Woman is a staple with cosplay artists, and comic book conventions worldwide.  Alan Moore's legendary 'missing series' twilight of the superheroes, put some carnal twists with the pure character of Mary Marvel and the house of thunder ..in a nutshell, the idea that heroes would make up two great houses...the house of thunder with captain marvel, and the house of Steel with Superman and Marvel leading to a great conflict (echoes of it can be seen in DC's Kingdom come.

Mary has been in several animated efforts, but with the success of superheroes at the box office, it is only a matter of time before a live action film is made.



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