With just one issue left in Zatanna: Bringing Down the House, things are getting serious. With every wall seemingly closing in on her, now is the perfect time to call an old friend. Or an old ex-lover. Enter everyone’s favorite magical detective, John Constantine. While the series has gone through a lot, we’ve seen Zatanna grow into the hero she was destined to be through her exploration of her past. While exploring her relationship with Constantine isn’t essential, it enhances the story by adding depth to her emotions.
DC Comics
This story does a great job of balancing the past and the present. About ten years ago, a drunk Zatanna was performing a trick at a party. Or was about to perform a trick. Magically, John Constantine comes to this party, presumably with some hidden purpose. But as their history well-known, things get messy as Constantine meets and gets together with Zatanna. Why is this important? In the present, Zatanna and her rabbit friend (yes) are once again confronted by a representative of the Castors. With Z cornered and seemingly with no way out, it seems like the perfect opportunity for someone to show up in a so-called getaway car. This is where Tamaki’s writing shines. The issue is dedicated to explaining why Zatanna is being chased. Through this, Tamaki balances the motivations of the Castors with those of Zatara. While the answer to why Castor and the others decided to hunt down Zatanna may surprise some, it ultimately serves as Zatanna’s final catalyst for realizing what she needs to do to save herself.
DC Comics
This issue nicely ties up some of the previous loose ends by explaining how Zatanna’s past is connected to why the Casters are trying to capture her. Here, Javier Rodriguez hits the mark again. This issue may be the most emotional one yet, as it balances Zatanna’s messy love life with some harsh truths about Zatara. To that end, Rodriguez uses two contrasting color styles. The moments between Zatanna and John have beautiful shades of pink that help to emphasize not only their love for each other, but also the sincerity of these moments. In this story, John isn’t there to save Zatanna, she is the only one who can, but as his role becomes clear, his purpose becomes more worthy. In contrast, the moments between the stranger (no, not that one) and the other Casters are shrouded in darkness and sharp electricity. Additionally, Rodriguez’s colors in this story are the most outstanding, giving the story depth through the contrast of soft bright hues and jagged darkness.
DC Comics
In the penultimate issue of “Zatanna: Bringing Down the House,” readers meet the final character who helps Zatanna realize who she really is. John Constantine is, and has been for a long time, one of Zatanna’s most important relationships through her relationships with those around her and her love for Zee. But what does he have to do with this story and why is he here? In the fourth issue of this miniseries, Mariko Tamaki and Javier Rodriguez continue to deliver an emotional rollercoaster of an exploration of identity. The issue focuses on how Zatanna’s past intersects with the dangers that stand before her in the present.
This issue is a fantastic piece from an incredibly creative duo who use heartfelt storytelling, stunning panels, and striking colors to deliver a memorable book. With just one issue left in this miniseries, Zatanna seems to be on the right path, but that wouldn’t have been possible without everything that has happened thus far that has helped point her in the right direction.
Zatanna: Bring Down the House #4 Review
Zatanna: Bring Down the House #4
This issue is a fantastic piece from an incredibly creative duo who use heartfelt storytelling, stunning panels, and striking colors to deliver a memorable book. With just one issue left in this miniseries, Zatanna seems to be on the right path, but that wouldn’t have been possible without everything that has happened thus far that has helped point her in the right direction.
The story beautifully depicts the love between Zatanna and Constantine while still managing to ensure that the threat at hand is still acknowledged.
The story neatly wraps up various loose threads by weaving them into Castor’s motivations.
The art is truly beautiful from cover to cover and adds to the emotional weight of the story.
