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 DC Comic book publications, the name primarily refers to Adrianna Tomaz (Arabic:ุฃุฏุฑูุงูุง ุชูู ุงุฒ), a character first introduced in 52 #12 (July 2006). She is a superhero of Egyptian and Kahndaqi heritage, and she holds a prominent role as Black Adam's love interest. She is also the older sister of Amon Tomaz, who becomes the protege Osiris under Black Adam's guidance.
Initially enslaved by the criminal organization Intergang, Adrianna is offered to Black Adam in an attempt to secure an alliance. However, he frees her. She proves to be a capable advisor and earns his affection. They marry, with Adrianna becoming Black Adam's queen and a champion of the Wizard Shazam through a magical amulet containing the power of the goddess Isis. Together, along with Amon, they form the Black Marvel Family, working to improve conditions in Kahndaq before being killed.
The television series Smallville depicts Isis as a supervillain form taken on by Lois Lane (played by Erica Durance) when possessed by the Amulet of Isis. Adrianna Tomaz appears later in the episode, played by Erica Cerra. The Arrowverse television series Legends of Tomorrow introduces a new incarnation of the character, named Zari Tomaz, played 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 played 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), played by Sarah Shahi.
Isis' first appearance in comics was in Shazam! #25 (September โ 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).[1]
Fictional character biography
Hatshepsut
In the 52 series, which originally introduced the character Adrianna Tomaz as Isis, it is unveiled that the historical figure Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut, a fictional version of the historical figure of the same name, was once a champion of the Wizard Shazam in the DC Comics universe. 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.[2]
Adrianna Tomaz as the second Isis as seen in 52 #12 (September 2006). Art by Eddy Barrows.
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 had remained dormant following her passing.[2]
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."[2]
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.
However, Amanda Waller, skeptical of the Black Marvels' intentions, formed a new Suicide Squad and dispatched the 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.[3][4][5][6][7]
Brightest Day
In Brightest Day, Osiris is resurrected by the Life Entity and returns to Khandaq, vowing to restore the kingdom to its former prosperity.[8] Despite his efforts, Osiris is unable to revive Adam and Adrianna.[9][10]
It is later revealed that Osiris was resurrected with the express purpose of reviving Adrianna.[11] He later successfully does so by channeling the power of Captain Marvel Jr.[12] However, Osiris' actions corrupt Isis' spirit, causing her to develop an evil split personality.[13][14][15] The Justice League attacks Deathstroke's Titans, but Isis forces them to leave.[16]
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 Khandaq's evil rule, is opposed to her brother Amon entering The Sons of Adam terrorist group. However, after he is killed by Khandaq'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.[17]
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.[18]
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. Her fearlessness and innovative ideas positively influence Black Adam, leading to his improved leadership focused on the welfare of Kahndaq.[2] She also gains popularity as a leader, surpassing her brother Osiris, whose darker personality creates conflicts with their subjects.[19] Complimenting her role as Isis, she is also a skilled botanist.[2]
Power of Isis
Adrianna possesses supernatural powers and abilities that were initially granted by the Amulet of Isis, a magical artifact. By uttering the phrase "I am Isis!" while wearing the amulet, she could tap into the powers associated with the ancient Egyptian goddess, Isis. Over time, as noted by Felix Faust, Adrianna's body absorbed the magical energies of the amulet, resulting in a natural connection to the power it bestowed upon her.[20] Following her resurrection, Adrianna's link to her abilities became inherent, no longer relying solely on the amulet for their manifestation.[19]
Within her mystically empowered form, Adrianna possess powers comparable to that of Black Adam although it's been said her powers are more potent than his own.[2] As a result, she possess 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.[21] These powers are roughly comparable to that of her brother Osiris,[21] whose prowess is compared to that of a Kryptonian. In addition to her heightened physical attributes, Adrianna gains a range of magical powers. These include the ability to fly, heal herself and others, manipulate various elements, telekinesis, and control natural phenomena such as storms. Her agility is also notable, making her skilled and nimble in combat situations.[22]
Living Lightning
In the New 52 onward, the character possesses a portion of the Living Lightning derived from her affiliation with the Black Marvel Family.[18]
Weaknesses
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.
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.[25]
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.[26] 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.[27][28] This version is an archaeologist and resistance fighter in Intergang-controlled Kahndaq.
Isis appears in Black Adam's endings in the Injustice series.
References
^Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 155. ISBN978-1-4654-5357-0.
