Isis (DC Comics)

Isis is the name of several female characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The name is associated with the DC Universe's iteration of the ancient Egyptian goddess of the same name and others who have adopted the name.

The first rendition of the character, Andrea Thomas, is a high school teacher who possesses powers linked to ancient Egyptian mythology. In this iteration, she shares a connection with Captain Marvel/Shazam, as both characters draw their powers from divine sources. Andrea's abilities are specifically tied to the Egyptian goddess Isis, who grants her the ability to assume the role of a superhero using her name. In addition to serving as the main character in ''The Secrets of Isis'', a live-action television program starring Joanna Cameron that served as the second half of ''The Shazam!/Isis Hour'', the character appeared in several late 1970s DC Comics publications.

In more recent publications, the name primarily refers to Adrianna Tomaz, a reimagining of the original character first introduced in '' 52'' #12 (July 2006). She is a superhero of Egyptian or Kahndaqi heritage and she holds a prominent role as Black Adam's love interest, advisor, and Queen of Kahndaq. Initially enslaved by the criminal organization Intergang, Adrianna is offered to Black Adam in an attempt to secure an alliance. However, he frees her and proves herself a capable advisor and ruler. She is also the older sister of Amon Tomaz, who becomes Osiris under Black Adam's tutelage and the trio form the Black Marvel Family, a counterpart of the Marvel/Shazam Family, and worked towards the betterment of Kahndaq although the character is subjected to comic book deaths. A new version appears in the New 52 initially as a activist who becomes a freedom fighter when Amon is killed in his successful attempt to resurrect Black Adam but past aspects of the character is restored following DC Rebirth although the character instead remains dead.

The television series ''Smallville'' depicts Isis as a supervillain form taken on by Lois Lane (portrayed by Erica Durance) when possessed by the Amulet of Isis. Adrianna Tomaz appears later in the episode, portrayed by Erica Cerra. The Arrowverse television series ''Legends of Tomorrow'' introduces a new incarnation of the character named Zari Tomaz, portrayed by Tala Ashe. This version was portrayed as a wisecracking hacker from the future with wind powers derived from an amulet and no superhero code name. After the fourth season, another version of the character (also portrayed by Ashe) is introduced after an in-universe timeline change: Zari Tarazi, a social media influencer. The Adrianna Tomaz version of the character appears in the DC Extended Universe film ''Black Adam'' (2022), portrayed by Sarah Shahi.

Appearances

''Shazam!/Isis Hour''

Like the main character of the first half of the program, Captain Marvel, Isis has roots in ancient Egyptian mythology. The television series ''The Secrets of Isis'' stars Joanna Cameron as Andrea Thomas, a high school science teacher who draws power from her namesake.

''Freedom Force'' & other animated appearances

Isis later appeared in animated form on Filmation's '' Tarzan and the Super 7'' show in 1980, as part of a segment called '' The Freedom Force''. She later guest starred on ''The Kid Super Power Hour with Shazam!s " Hero High" segment, though Cameron did not voice the character.

Publication history in DC Comics

Isis' first appearance in comics was in '' Shazam!'' #25 (September – October 1976). She was later given her own TV tie-in book the following month, titled ''The Mighty Isis'', which ran for two years, out-surviving the TV series. The eight-issue run by DC Comics began in October 1976 and ended in January 1978; early issues featured a special "DC TV" logo. All stories starred the Andrea Thomas character from the television series; the book was edited by Denny O'Neil, written by Jack C. Harris and most issues illustrated by Mike Vosburg (the first issue was illustrated by Ric Estrada and Wallace Wood). Although early issues stayed within the format of the TV series, later issues covered storylines beyond the scope of the show, such as a story arc involving Andrea abandoning her "human" alter ego and cutting ties with her friends and family, resulting in Rick Mason revealing his love for her. Like other DC characters who have been reimagined, this version of Isis, though not mentioned or appearing in ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'', can be assumed to have been retconned out of existence following the 1985 DC miniseries.

The superhero Isis was re-introduced in the DC Universe in the weekly comic book ''52'', in issue #3 (May 2006).

Fictional character biography

Adrianna Tomaz

''52'' series

Adrianna Tomaz, an Egyptian refugee, was enslaved and presented to Black Adam as a gift from Intergang, along with a significant amount of gold. However, upon being freed by Black Adam and witnessing his potential for positive change, Adrianna fearlessly expressed her belief in his ability to transform their country for the better. After engaging in weeks of discussions with Adrianna, Black Adam underwent a significant shift in his worldview. As a result, he retrieved the mystical Amulet of Isis, which had once belonged to the ancient Egyptian champion Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut. Adam sought the assistance of Captain Marvel, who had become the Keeper of the Rock of Eternity, to bestow the amulet's power upon Adrianna. The amulet had a history of bringing peace to Queen Hatshepsut's kingdom but became dormant following her death.

By holding the amulet and uttering the phrase "I am Isis," Adrianna was transformed, imbued with the powers of the goddess Isis. Together, Adrianna, now known as Isis, and Black Adam embarked on a mission to travel through the Middle East, liberating enslaved children and searching for Adrianna's abducted brother. Their journey led them to significant milestones, including their wedding ceremony officiated by Captain Marvel, which saw the attendance of various Shazam! characters and the interference of Intergang's failed attempt to disrupt the event through a suicide bomber. Isis's powers paralleled those of Black Adam, granting her the ability to heal wounds of varying severity. Additionally, her control over nature was intricately linked to her emotional state, such that rain would fall indoors when she was sad, and flowers would bloom when she experienced joy. While her initial transformation was triggered by the phrase "I am Isis," subsequent transformations utilized the phrase "Oh Mighty Isis."

During their endeavors, Isis successfully located her brother Amon, who had suffered torment and physical impairment due to his resistance against Intergang's criminal religious cult and numerous escape attempts. Isis intervened, preventing Black Adam from seeking vengeance against the members of Intergang. However, due to the complexity and severity of Amon's injuries, Isis could not fully heal him. In a pivotal moment, Black Adam encouraged Amon to utter his name, resulting in Amon being struck by Shazam's lightning bolt and transforming into Osiris. Reunited with her brother, Isis resolved to initiate global change, starting with China. Osiris persuaded her to reveal the identities of the Black Marvel Family and publicly declare their intentions for a brighter future. The Black Marvels' popularity increased further when they thwarted the demon Sabbac's attempt to sacrifice children to Neron during Halloween. Additionally, during a charity dinner, Osiris formed a bond with Sobek, a humanoid crocodile who escaped from Doctor Sivana's lab.

Amanda Waller, skeptical of the Black Marvels' intentions, formed a new Suicide Squad and dispatched Persuader to attack Isis with a radioactive ax. In an attempt to assist Isis, Osiris inadvertently kills the Persuader before Sobek kills him. The Black Marvels battle the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, during which Isis sacrifices herself to rescue Black Adam. Following this, Adam makes multiple failed attempts to resurrect her before Shazam turns them both into statues.

Brightest Day

In ''Brightest Day'', Osiris is resurrected by the Life Entity and returns to Kahndaq, vowing to restore the kingdom to its former prosperity. Despite his efforts, Osiris is unable to revive Adam and Adrianna.

It is later revealed that Osiris was resurrected with the express purpose of reviving Adrianna. He later successfully does so by channeling the power of Captain Marvel Jr. However, Osiris' actions corrupt Isis' spirit, causing her to develop an evil split personality. The Justice League attacks Deathstroke's Titans, but Isis forces them to leave.

The New 52

In September 2011, The New 52 rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline, Adrianna Tomaz is a young woman who, by fighting specifically against Kahndaq's evil rule, is opposed to her brother Amon entering The Sons of Adam terrorist group. However, after he is killed by Kahndaq's forces and she is forced to resurrect Black Adam, Adrianna decides to follow a path of violence, with an unknown voice saying that she will be chosen to wield power.

DC Rebirth

In DC Rebirth, Isis and Osiris return to being dead. Mister Mind and Doctor Sivana recruit Black Adam into the Monster Society of Evil by tempting him with the power of the Darklands, which could resurrect them.

Powers and abilities

Andrea Thomas's abilities

Isis demonstrated numerous powers that manifested when the need arose. These included flight, super speed, super strength (to a level comparable to Superman and Wonder Woman), telekinesis (the ability to move and levitate objects), geokinesis (the ability to control elements such as fire, earth, wind, and water), the ability to change the molecules of inanimate objects to allow people to pass through them, the ability to act as a human lightning rod, remote viewing, and (at her power's maximum) the ability to stop and reverse time. To activate these powers, Isis usually is shown reciting a rhyming chant (the most frequent being "Oh zephyr winds that blow on high, lift me now so I can fly!"). The medallion Andrea Thomas uses to change into Isis also gives her apparent limited powers even when in her non-Isis form, as she is shown communicating telepathically with her pet crow Tut and engaging in minor mind control even without changing. She also received superior hand-to-hand and weapons combat skills from the goddess.

Adrianna Tomaz's abilities

As an ordinary human, Adrianna demonstrates proficiency in diplomacy, politics, and leadership whose progressive ideals improved the welfare of Kahndaq and whose popularity exceeded her younger brother as a leader. Complimenting her role as a champion, she is also a skilled botanist.

When empowered as a champion, she can transform between her ordinary and demigod-like superpowered form by speaking the phrase "I am Isis!". In her powered form, she gains superhuman strength that allows her to lift at least 6,000 tons, superhuman speed in which she can move at approximately 16,000 mph (Mach 20), superhuman durability, and superhuman wisdom. These abilities are comparable to Osiris's, whose powers has been compared to that of a Kryptonian. Her agility is also makes her skilled and nimble in combat situations. Most notably, Adrianna possess a range of magical abilities derived from her Egyptian goddess namesake, including the ability to fly, heal herself and others, manipulate various elements, telekinesis, and control natural phenomena such as storms.

Weaknesses

Adrianna's abilities were once conferred to her by the Amulet of Isis, a magical artifact. However, overtime, it was noted that Adrianna's body absorbed the magical energies of the amulet, resulting in a natural connection to the power it bestowed upon her. Following her resurrection, Adrianna's link to her abilities became inherent, no longer relying solely on the amulet for their manifestation. As a member of the Black Marvel Family, Adrianna and the other members share a collective reservoir of power. The strength of her abilities is contingent upon the number of individuals within the Black Marvel Family who have also undergone their respective transformations.

Other versions

* Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut, a fictional version of the historical figure of the same name, was once a champion of the Wizard Shazam. During her time as a champion, she wielded the Amulet of Isis as the source of her power and used her abilities to safeguard her kingdom. Following her demise, the amulet was returned to the Wizard with the hope of finding a worthy successor and champion in the future.
* An alternate universe variant of Isis appears in '' Flashpoint''.

In other media

Television

* The superhero Isis appears in '' The Freedom Force'', voiced by Diane Pershing. This version is a member of the titular team.
* Two variations of Isis appear in a self-titled episode of ''Smallville''. The first is Lois Lane (portrayed by Erica Durance) after she is possessed by the Amulet of Isis. Additionally, Egyptologist and curator of the Metropolis Museum, "Adrianna", appears in the episode, portrayed by Erica Cerra.
* Both the goddess and superhero incarnations of Isis appear in ''Young Justice''.
* A variation of Adrianna Tomaz named Zari Tomaz appears in ''Legends of Tomorrow'', portrayed by Tala Ashe. This version is a Persian-American hacker from the year 2042 who possesses aerokinesis via the Air Totem. In one Halloween-themed episode, Zari dons a costume based upon the one worn by Joanna Cameron's Isis. In the course of the series, a version of Zari from an alternate timeline (named Zari Tarazi and still played by Ashe) begins sharing Tomaz's existence and totem. The totem and its powers are also shared with Tarazi's brother from the altered timeline, Behrad Tarazi (portrayed by Shayan Sobhian).

Film

Adrianna Tomaz appears in ''Black Adam'', portrayed by Sarah Shahi. This version is an archaeologist and resistance fighter in Intergang-controlled Kahndaq.

Video games

* Isis appears in ''DC Universe Online'', voiced by Samantha Inoue-Harte.
* Isis appears in Black Adam's endings in the ''Injustice'' series.

References

External links

Obscure DC Comics Characters: Isis
at DC Cosmic Teams!
Isis
at DC Database
Isis
at Comic Vine

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