Black Adam is one of DC’s most enigmatic characters, fluid in his morality in a way that is paralleled by few other hero or villain. Despite being colored in shades of ever-changing grays, Teth-Adam stands unwaveringly resolute in his commitment to safeguarding the nation of Kahndaq and its people, guided by his steadfast belief that “Adam knows best.“
Imposing for his powers, and his will, Black Adam is also known for his sharp tongue. Across decades of comic history, this cold-blooded hero’s narrative has accumulated an array of badass quotes, each a testament to his unyielding spirit and a reflection of his formidable strength. Below are ten quotes that prove Black Adam is not to be messed with.
10 “If you come back here again, you will leave in a body bag.”
Black Adam is the ultimate defender. He puts his country and people above all else, and will go as far as it takes to protect what is his, even if that means whispering death threats in the ear of a child. In Black Adam: Year of the Villain #1, Shazam, Jokerized by the Batman Who Laughs, makes a grievous error, attempting to invade Black Adam’s nation. While Shazam initially gains the upper hand in their confrontation, Black Adam ultimately prevails with the assistance of his fellow country people. Before letting Billy go, Black Adam imparts a stern, calculated warning to dissuade the young hero from ever returning.
9 “You should not have stood in the way of my retribution, half-man.”
Black Adam’s viciousness protective of his people and country is rendered beautifully in Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 2, when the anti-hero seeks retribution for children killed in a shelling attack. This justification makes Black Adam incredibly easy to sympathize with, even as he’s ripping Cyborg’s arm off, for daring to get in his way. The insult hurled at the former Teen Titan is wholly Teth-Adam, balancing his indignant righteousness with his unintentionally funny side. Lines such as this are the perfect example of what makes a good anti-hero, a morally gray champion of the people, who justifies their raw violence with the pain they share with those they try to protect.
8 “Bow to me, or they perish.”
When it comes to asserting dominance, and being absolutely unapologetic about it, Black Adam is the reigning champion. The quote, “Bow to me, or they perish,” encapsulates the essence of his character as the ultimate badass. In the midst of a confrontation with a formidable Frost Giant in Black Adam: Endless Winter Special #1, Black Adam’s indomitable spirit shines through. It is not merely enough for him to emerge victorious in battle; he demands nothing short of absolute subservience from the ice-like behemoth. Black Adam’s unyielding resolve and unapologetic assertion of power solidify Black Adam’s status as one of DC’s most compelling warriors.
7 “I was a slave – frightened, alone. Low-born, groveling for gruel. But, now… I. Am. ADAM.”
In Christopher Priest’s Black Adam #6, Batman and the Black Adam engage fiercely, sparing neither punches nor harsh words. When Batman delves into Black Adam’s past, presuming to know him better than Adam himself, the anti-hero firmly asserts his self-awareness and identity, making it clear he doesn’t need Batman’s reminders. Black Adam openly acknowledges his past as a slave, embracing it as part of his history. However, in the same breath, he boldly declares his current identity, a testament to his newfound power, strength, and control. The powerful declaration makes it clear to Batman that he has no right to try to tell Teth-Adam who he is.
6 “Your son: at least he didn’t die like you did.”
In Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7, following a massive battle between villains and heroes, Black Adam confronts Clark and Jon, issuing a warning that leaves no room for doubt that he will retaliate if they involve themselves in his affairs. This underscores his formidable nature, a reminder he’s not a force to be trifled with. Yet, the warning is softened when he pays Jon a compliment, while simultaneously delivering a stinging insult to Clark. This deft blend of respect and provocation speaks volumes about Black Adam’s character. He is far from a one-dimensional figure – neither completely arrogant nor soft, but a captivating mix of strength, cunning, and complexity.
5 “There is no redemption for Black Adam.”
In the realm of anti-heroes, few characters embody the complex nature of redemption and morality as vividly as Black Adam. Adam’s belief that there is no redemption for him, as expressed in Black Adam (2022) #2, reflects the haunting echoes of his conscience, tormenting him for his ruthless act of slaying his own nephew in order to obtain his powers. In Adam’s eyes, his nephew was too feeble to wield the extraordinary gift bestowed upon him by the gods, so Adam seized it for himself, believing he had greater inner strength. This internal struggle between merciless actions and resignation that redemption is out of reach defines Black Adam’s identity as the ultimate anti-hero.
4 “You want the throne of Kahndaq? Here it is!”
In a display of his unyielding resolve from Justice League of America Feat Black Adam #7.4, Black Adam delivers an unforgettable line, one that solidifies his status as the ultimate cold-blooded hero. When the Secret Society launches a brazen assault on Kahndaq, seeking to claim the nation’s power and subjugate its people, the need for Black Adam to return to his people after a noticeable absence, is crucial. The anti-hero dispatching the Society’s leader with a throne chair is poetic justice at its finest, serving as a symbol of both his power and the consequences that befall those who dare try to take Kahndaq under their control.
3 “I will show you war!”
In a bone-chilling moment that epitomizes the cold-blooded nature of Black Adam, the quote, “I will show you war!” captures one of his darkest storylines, World War III. In this comic, Black Adam unleashes his unrestrained wrath upon the world, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake as he massacres thousands. Among his grim casualties is the death of Terra, a former Teen Titan who dared to confront him. In this gut-wrenching act, Black Adam’s ruthless resolve stands exposed, showcasing his sheer brutality as he punches a hole through Terra’s chest, solidifying his reputation as one of the DC Universe’s most fierce, unrepentant characters.
2 “You will rule, you will bring about peace, but they will fear you.”
Even Black Adam, the poster child for tyranny in the name of the greater good, recognizes that Superman had gone too far in Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 2, and tries to impart a poignant truth to the Man of Steel. If Superman had taken a moment to engage in some self-reflection, rather than punching holes through people to solve his problems, Black Adam’s profound and startlingly candor might have struck a chord with the grieving hero. It is undeniable that this scene gave Black Adam his well-deserved ‘death of an anti-hero’ moment, complete with last words that were nothing short of solemnly perfect.
1 “I am here to tell you, you are Death no longer. I am.”
52 sees Black Adam embark on a vengeful crusade against the malevolent forces responsible for unleashing the Four Horsemen upon his home and family. With the heroes of the world scrambling to strategize, Black Adam takes matters into his own hands, engaging in an epic showdown, culminating with him killing Death itself. What makes the final battle truly amazing are Adam’s parting words for the Horseman, as he assumes the role of Death for himself. At that moment, Black Adam emerges as a force to be reckoned with, the ultimate badass who walks the fine line between darkness and redemption, embodying the essence of the cold-blooded hero like never before.
