In 52, we witness the rise and fall of Black Adam, from monarch and husband to genocidal maniac. In ’52’ (2006) #3, two representatives of Intergang Noose and Rough House offer Black Adam “the most beautiful virgin in all of Egypt” in exchange for safe passage to Kandhaq for arms smuggling. Black Adam responds by crushing Noose’s face. Her name is Adrianna Tomaz. In ’52’ (2006) #12, Adrianna helps Black Adam calm his violent temper and shows him how to use his powers to help others.

Black Adam and Adrianna travel by a secret passageway to the Rock of Eternity. There, they find Captain Marvel who has become the new Shazam and who is being driven mad by the Seven Deadly Sins. Black Adam shows Captain Marvel the scarab that had imprisoned him for centuries and tells that he intends to give the power of a hero contained within to Adrianna. Adam tells Adrianna she is worthy of the power. At first, she hesitates then she accepts. She becomes… Isis. Black Adam and Isis both set out to change the world.

In 52, Black Adam eventually married Isis, though foreshadowing his fall into a genocidal maniac. Osiris who belonged to the Black Marvel family, befriended a crocodile he named Sobek. In ’52’ (2007) #43, a blight swept upon Khandaq with pouring rain that caused plants to wither and die.

People started rioting in the streets and Black Adam was powerless to stop it. Osiris believes his super powers are a curse. Sobek asks Osiris to speak the magic words. Osiris agress and speaks the magic words: “Black Adam” reverting to a mortal state.¹ At that moment, Sobek’s eyes glow red and he attacks Osiris, biting him in half.

In ’52’ (2007) #44, Black Adam and Isis battle the Four Horsemen. Sobek reveals himself to be the Yurrd the Unknown, The Fourth Horseman or Famine. Isis retorts that they loved Sobek and that they had accepted the creature into the Black Marvel Family. At this time, the other three Horsemen reveal themselves. They reveal they are responsible for Khandaq’s misfortunes. It is a result of Black Adam’s rejection of Intergang’s safe passage in Khandaq.

A battle follows during which Zorrm, the Horseman of Pestilence putrefies Isis with disease. Having finished off War, Black Adam attacks Death only for Isis to repel Death with lava. Black Adam rushes to Isis’ side and she tells him to “avenge us.”² Isis dies of disease and her power returns to Black Adam with a bolt of lightning. The fall of Black Adam commences into his madness as a genocidal maniac.