Warning: contains spoilers for Shazam #13!

After 73 years, a classic Shazam villain has returned, more terrifying than ever, to threaten the entire DC Universe. While most creators and fans fixate on Sivana or Mister Mind, Shazam’s rogue’s gallery actually runs deep. It is full of blood-curdling villains, some of which have vast potential. In Shazam #13, one of the character’s most despicable foes returns–and finally fulfills his evil promise.

Shazam #13 is written by Josie Campbell and drawn by Mike Norton. The Shazam Family is dealing with an outbreak of hideous monsters on the Philadelphia subway. The monsters manage to overrun a train, and Freddy Freeman, in his civilian identity, tries to stop them. As the subway barrels down the tracks, a mysterious young person appears in front of it. They open a dimensional portal, and Freddy and the subway go through it, tumbling into a dark realm.

The truth is then revealed: the monsters are under the control of a far more evil-looking King Kull.

King Kull is a Shazam Villain Whose Time Has Come

King Kull Had Enormous Potential, But Never Quite Lived Up To It

King Kull may not have the name recognition of Black Adam or Doctor Sivana, but he is still one of Shazam’s most powerful foes. First appearing in 1951’s Captain Marvel Adventures #125, Kull was a caveman from Earth’s prehistoric era, and the leader of the SubMen. Kull tangled with Shazam and his allies during the character’s heyday at Fawcett. Kull would also appear in DC’s Shazam revival of the 1970s, but the character’s appearances since Crisis on Infinite Earths have been limited. Kull most notably returned during Geoff Johns’ post-Rebirth Shazam title.

King Kull, not to be confused with the Robert E Howard character of the same name, has now returned to threaten not only Shazam, but the entire DC Universe. Like many classic Shazam villains, Kull has his roots in comics’ Golden Age. Furthermore, Kull’s initial appearances were filtered through the whimsical lens that was a hallmark of Shazam’s Golden Age adventures. While this did little to cheapen his evil nature, it did make him appear less threatening. Kull’s new look, as seen in Shazam #13, dispels any notion he is a “goofy villain.” In fact, he looks downright terrifying.

Could Kull’s Rebirth Lead to Similar Reboots for Other Shazam Villains?

Some, Such as Sabbac, Have Unlocked Their Potential

Kull’s revival as a genuine threat to the DC Universe could signal a rebirth for Shazma’s entire rogue’s gallery. Shazam has some truly great villains, but many have gone underutilized in favor of heavy-hitters like Black Adam or Mister Mind. Some of Shazam’s villains, such as Sabbac, have received upgrades over the years, ones that unleash their full potential. Campbell and Norton worked similar magic on King Kull, making him a villain truly worthy of Shazam.

Shazam #13 is on sale now from DC Comics!