Key Collector Comics
Dr. Sivana
View Key Issues

Creation & Design

Dr. Sivana was created as a foil to Captain Marvel (now known as Shazam), representing the archetype of the mad scientist. His character was designed to embody the themes of science versus magic.

Early Years

Initially introduced as a villain in the Captain Marvel series, Dr. Sivana quickly became one of the most prominent adversaries of the character, often using his scientific prowess to combat the magical abilities of Captain Marvel.

Character Development

Over the years, Dr. Sivana has evolved from a one-dimensional villain into a more nuanced character, often portrayed with a mix of ambition, jealousy, and a desire for recognition in a world dominated by magic.

Cultural Reception

Dr. Sivana has been well-received as one of the classic villains in comic book history, often cited for his intelligence and the thematic contrast he provides to Shazam.

Character Details

Real Name:
Thaddeus Bodog Sivana
First Appearance:
Whiz Comics #1
Aliases:
The World's Wickedest Scientist, Sivana
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
The Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, The Monster Society of Evil
Abilities:
Genius-level intellect, Expert in various sciences, Inventor
Equipment:
Sivana's inventions, Various gadgets
Weight:
150lbs
Height:
6' 10"
Eye Color:
brown
Hair Color:
black

Clicking on the eBay link and making a purchase may result in this site earning a commission from the eBay Partner Network.

Whiz Comics #1
Fawcett ⋅ 1940
View Details  ⋅  View Variants (1)
Whiz Comics #1
 
Low
$34k
Mid
$106k
High
$301k

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam

1st appearance of the Wizard Shazam

1st appearance of Dr. Sivana, a scientific genius and the archenemy of Captain Marvel

1st appearance of Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher

View more (4)

1st team appearance of the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, later renamed the Seven Deadly Sins

While not a precise swipe of Action Comics #1 artwork, this cover and other aspects of Captain Marvel led to DC (formerly National) filing a lawsuit against Fawcett for Captain Marvel too closely resembling Superman

Premiere issue of the series though the copyright notes read issue #2

There exists a scarce Ashcan edition of this issue

Whiz Comics #2
Fawcett ⋅ 1940
View Details
Whiz Comics #2
 
Low
$1.1k
Mid
$4.2k
High
$12.5k

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Captain Marvel, later becomes Shazam

2nd appearance of Dr. Sivana

2nd appearance of Spy Smasher

This is the second issue of the series although the copyright notes indicate this is issue #3

Whiz Comics #3
Fawcett ⋅ 1940
View Details
Whiz Comics #3
 
Low
$815
Mid
$2k
High
$8.3k

Key Facts

3rd appearance of Captain Marvel

1st appearance of Beautia, the daughter of Dr. Sivana

Cover correctly reads issue #3, interior notes read #4

Whiz Comics #4
Fawcett ⋅ 1940
View Details
Whiz Comics #4
 
Low
$345
Mid
$1k
High
$4.2k

Key Facts

4th appearance of Captain Marvel (Shazam)

4th appearance of Dr. Sivana

2nd appearance of Beautia

Whiz Comics #15
Fawcett ⋅ 1941
View Details
Whiz Comics #15
 
Low
$160
Mid
$500
High
$1.9k

Key Facts

Origin of Dr. Sivana

1st appearance of Magnificus Sivana, the son of Dr. Sivana

Revealed that Beautia is the daughter of Dr. Sivana

Captain Marvel Adventures #17
Fawcett ⋅ 1942
View Details
Captain Marvel Adventures #17
 
Low
$200
Mid
$800
High
$2.2k

Key Facts

The Sivanas coin the nickname "Big Red Cheese" as an insult to Captain Marvel and the name stuck for decades thereafter

Captain Marvel Adventures #52
Fawcett ⋅ 1946
View Details
Captain Marvel Adventures #52
 
Low
$40
Mid
$120
High
$450

Key Facts

1st appearance of Sivana Jr.

Shazam #1
DC ⋅ 1973
View Details  ⋅  View Variants (1)
Shazam #1
 
Low
$6
Mid
$20
High
$75

Key Facts

DC begins publishing Shazam after licensing the Captain Marvel character from Fawcett who they had successfully sued 20 years earlier for copyright infringement due to the character's similarities to Superman

1st appearance of Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr. and Mary Marvel since the Golden Age

1st appearance of Doctor Sivana and family since the Golden Age

Origin of Captain Marvel retold

DC Comics Presents Annual #3
DC ⋅ 1984
View Details  ⋅  View Variants (1)
DC Comics Presents Annual #3
 
Low
$1
Mid
$3
High
$12

Key Facts

Dr. Sivana becomes Captain Sivana after hijacking a bolt of magic lightning to power himself

Adjust Your Filters To See More Comics!

By default Key Collector searches for Standard Cover Key Issues.

Adjust the "Variants" and/or "Non-Key Issues" search filters above for additional content:

  • Variant Covers ([[totalVariants]])
  • Non-Key Issues ([[totalNonKeys]])

At Key Collector, our primary focus is on unearthing those rare Standard Cover Key Issues for you. However, the world of comic collectibles is vast and varied. We want to make sure you have the tools to explore it all!