Dr. Thaddeus Sivana: Bio, Origin & History

Real Name: Thaddeus Bodog Sivana

First Appearance: Whiz Comics #2 (February, 1940)

Powers: High level intelligence, inventor, and master strategist.

Affiliation: Injustice League, Fearsome Five, Monster Society of Evil, and Science Squad

Did You Know? Dr. Sivana was the villain who coined Shazam’s nickname, Big Red Cheese.

A Little History

Almost as old as Shazam, Dr. Thaddeus Bodog Sivana first appeared on the pages of Whiz Comics #2 back in 1940. With no inherent superpowers, Sivana is forced to rely on his other attributes. Of these, his intelligence is most notable. Unlike many other comic book villains, Dr. Sivana actually has a relatable backstory that doesn’t seem like it was cut out of cardboard. 

Dr. Sivana was a brilliant scientist and inventor who wanted nothing more than to help the world. Sadly, while he sought to help the world, it sought to mock him. In retaliation, the doctor packed up his family and moved to the planet Venus, where his time away only fuelled his anger and hate. 

While on Venus, he patiently plotted his revenge and waited for his family to grow up. Eventually, they did grow up and he made his way back to Earth. Now home, Sivana begins unleashing ridiculous plot after ridiculous plot, only to have them all stopped by Captain Marvel. 

Interestingly, Dr. Sivana is the scapegoat that DC used to explain where he and Captain Marvel were for the twenty years of no publication.

The Sivana’s and the Marvel Family became trapped in a Sphere of Suspendium after Sivana Jr. slapped his father in the back. As a result of the slap, the ship they were on flew head first and crashed into a Sphere of Suspendium. Once they hit the sphere, the two families became inside and stayed there for 20 years. 

After DC changed the name of the hero from Captain Marvel to Shazam, they had to find a way to bring him back. To do this, the Sphere of Suspendium flew close enough to the sun, that the heat melted it and freed those trapped. 

Over the years, his Dr. Thaddeus Sivana and his Origin changed just a little bit. In addition to being a mad scientist, he was depicted as the extremely powerful CEO of his corporation, Sivana Industries.