A new champion has burst onto the scene: Black Adam. After a staggering 15 years of anticipation, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson finally brings this iconic anti-hero to the big screen. It's not just a treat for fans of The Rock; it's also a significant moment for comic book aficionados. Not only does Black Adam introduce one of DC's oldest and most complex characters, but it also gives us the Justice Society—a group of heroes who are as fascinating as they are diverse, with Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell), and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo) making their DCEU debut. As Black Adam and the Justice Society solidify their places in the cinematic universe, let's explore the Easter eggs that nod to their rich comic-book histories and hint at what’s to come.
1. Kahndaq
Black Adam’s homeland, Kahndaq, might seem like an ancient setting, but it’s a relatively recent addition to the DC Universe, first appearing in 2006. Initially, Black Adam was linked to Egypt, but Kahndaq gives his story a unique flavor. Much like in the film, Kahndaq's backstory in the comics involves a tyrant who destroyed Teth-Adam’s family. This change adds depth to Black Adam’s origin, making his quest for justice (or vengeance) even more compelling.
2. The Wizard Shazam
Djimon Hounsou's return as the wizard Shazam is a nice touch, reminding fans of the ties between Black Adam and Shazam! (2019). The wizard’s brief mention of Teth-Adam in the earlier film now comes full circle, offering a richer understanding of the power struggle between the two characters. It’s interesting to think how the DCEU might continue to explore these interconnected stories, especially with Hounsou set to appear in Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
3. Intergang
The menacing soldiers that Black Adam annihilates early in the movie are members of Intergang, a crime syndicate with some serious connections to Apokolips in the comics. Though the film doesn’t explicitly mention Apokolips, the advanced technology they wield leaves the door wide open for a future crossover with Darkseid's storyline. Personally, I can’t help but wonder how this thread might evolve in the broader DCEU—could we see Black Adam taking on even bigger cosmic threats?
4. Adrianna Tomaz and Amon
Adrianna’s introduction in Black Adam is a nice nod to her comic book origins. First appearing in The Secrets of Isis as Andrea Thomas, she later became Adrianna Tomaz in the comics, a powerful ally and eventual wife of Black Adam. While the film doesn’t delve into a romantic angle just yet, it plants seeds for future developments. Adrianna’s son, Amon, also has an interesting backstory in the comics—he’s her brother in the source material and eventually becomes the hero Osiris. This could hint at the formation of a “Black Marvel” family down the line, mirroring Shazam’s own superhero clan.
5. Nth Metal
Hawkman’s ship being made of Nth Metal is more than just a cool detail—it’s a deep cut into DC’s lore. This mysterious metal, originating from the planet Thanagar, is central to Hawkman’s character. Its recent portrayal in Dark Knights: Metal as a key to the multiverse’s barriers makes me wonder if the DCEU is hinting at even more ambitious, universe-spanning stories to come.
6. Cyclone’s Origin
Cyclone’s backstory in the movie closely follows the comics, where she gains her powers after a mad scientist’s experiments. The mention of T.O. Morrow, the creator of Red Tornado, connects her to a lineage of heroes and villains in the DC Universe. Maxine Hunkel’s eventual transformation into Red Tornado in Kingdom Come adds a fascinating layer of potential character development. Could we see this in a future film?
7. Doctor Fate and the Helmet of Nabu
Dr. Fate’s helmet is an intriguing artifact with a rich history in the comics. While the film simplifies it as an alien possession, the comics delve into its connection with Nabu, a cosmic entity and Lord of Order. With Kent Nelson’s tragic demise, it feels like the door is wide open for a new Doctor Fate to emerge. Could Khalid Nassour take up the mantle in a future sequel or spin-off? It’s certainly an exciting possibility.
8. Hawkman’s Rebirth
Carter Hall’s fearless approach to danger in the film can be attributed to his comic book history of endless reincarnation. This concept, where Hawkman and Hawkgirl are eternally reborn across time and space, is a fascinating part of their story. It’s a shame the film didn’t dive deeper into this aspect, as it adds a unique twist to Hawkman’s character. But who knows, maybe a future installment will explore this further.
9.Emilia Harcourt
Seeing Jennifer Holland reprise her role as Emilia Harcourt is a treat for fans of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. Her alignment with the Justice Society raises questions—why is she working so closely with Waller again, especially after the events of Peacemaker? It’s one of those intriguing loose ends that makes me eager for the next chapter in the DCEU. And let’s not forget Waller’s Arctic holding facility; it’s brimming with potential for future conflicts. You just know those villains won’t stay locked up forever.
10. The Original Champion
One of the biggest twists in Black Adam is the revelation that Teth-Adam wasn’t originally chosen as Kahndaq’s champion—it was his son, Hurut. This addition to the mythology adds emotional weight to Black Adam’s story. The resemblance between Hurut’s Champion form and the comic book version of Black Adam is uncanny, right down to the iconic widow’s peak. The casting of Uli Latukefu, who portrays a young Dwayne Johnson in Young Rock, as The Champion is a clever bit of casting that brings the story full circle. It’s moments like these that show the care and thought that went into bringing Black Adam to life.