As originally depicted, Black Adam was a corrupted, ancient Egyptian predecessor of Captain Marvel, who fought his way to modern times to challenge the hero and his Marvel Family associates. Since the turn of the 21st century, however, Black Adam has been re-defined by DC Comics writers Jerry Ordway, Geoff Johns, and David S. Goyer as a corrupted antihero attempting to clear his name and reputation. Featured roles in such comic book series as "Justice Society of America" (JSA), "Villains United", "Infinite Crisis", and "52" have elevated the character's prominence in the DC Universe. In 2009, Black Adam was ranked as IGN's 16th-greatest comic book villain of all time. The character will make his cinematic debut in 2022's "Black Adam" portrayed by Dwayne Johnson set in the DC Extended Universe.