The first issue of Zatanna did an incredible job of setting up a new tour of the title character and immediately throwing her into a wild, eccentric mystical adventure. Here, Jamal Campbell deepens the mystery and gives us an incredible illustration to match it.
Again, the visuals are the reason for the season here, and Campbell hasn’t taken us on a tour of Old Hollywood in this issue, but the book is still full of original set pieces. Highlights include the sea of ghouls (including zombified superheroes), hotel rooms made of gore and organs, and a more magical blade than the blue demon can wield. There’s a lot going on here, but Campbell still holds back appetizing answers from readers. When Zatanna is looking for the mysterious powers that left her powers on Fritz, we can spend more time with the villains and the evil villains of the series.
DC
This issue brings many Zatanna colleagues from the magical side of the DCU, with Blue Devil, detective chimpanzee and Madame Zanadu rushing to her entourage. It’s a joy to see all of these characters interact again. Although they downplay their previous missions with Justice League Dark and Shadow Pact, most enjoy each other’s company. It is clear that Campbell has a lot of love together with these characters and their long history. The story encompasses a “everything happened” approach to continuity, providing a simple entry point for new and lapsed readers. Characterization and dialogue between these characters are equally points, showing the familiarity they have with each other, filling in some important gaps for readers.
But I hope that this series will focus on Zatanna Solo Adventure. My hope is that Z doesn’t need to be constantly bailed out by other characters, as cool as watching these characters and as much fun as Campbell is clearly playing in this sandbox. It’s also a bit strange that she was able to escape her predicament (something) from the end of the final issue. Certainly, the sword on her chest ruins her powers, and those spooky spectral hands aren’t that late (incredibly visual), but I’m not entirely clear about the rules here.
Still, they are small complaints about the very interesting chapter 2. The final page brings a surprise guest star (Zatanna seems strangely unrecognized at first). This should bring fun tension in the next issue.
‘zatanna’ #2 Review: The Magical Call Mistress in Reinforcement
Zatanna #2
In this second issue, Jamal Campbell deepens the mystery and provides an incredible illustration to match it.
Amazing characterization for guest characters
Incredibly original illustrations showing all kinds of mystical feats
The “all matter” approach to continuity is a treat for longtime fans
The rules and plans are still a bit vague here, making me feel like I might have missed something
