Jamal Campbell’s Zatanna #1 puts the magician back on the road, but before the first act even begins, a ghostly villain called The Lady White crashes the scene. Get ready because DC’s premier sorceress is about to face her most spine-tingling performance yet. Will her legendary abilities be enough to save her team and herself from this spectral terror? Let’s find out!
Following the acclaimed Zatanna: Bring Down the House Black Label miniseries with Mariko Tamaki and Javier Rodriguez, which explored themes of self-discovery in an out-of-continuity setting, Jamal Campbell’s Zatanna #1 returns the character to her familiar stagecraft. Echoing elements of Paul Dini’s beloved 2010s run, this issue places Zatanna back on tour, complete with a crew and management. While Zatanna rarely headlines an ongoing series, she remains a prominent figure in the DC Universe, appearing in everything from all-ages adventures like Zatanna and the House of Secrets to young adult tales like Zatanna: Jewel of the Gravesend, as well as various Justice League Dark titles. Jamal Campbell, both writing and illustrating, delivers a visually stunning debut, weaving mystery and intrigue into Zatanna’s return to the spotlight.
The comic open with a gorgeous splash page showing Zatanna’s journey, from her beginnings to now. But the spectacle is fleeting; the show must go on! Rehearsals erupt in a flurry of magic: disappearing rabbits, dancing flames, and the sharp sound of steel on steel. Adam, first introduced in the Absolute Power Superman #17 tie-in, seems ill at ease. Things go sideways quickly when Lady White’s painting erupts, with monstrous white hands snatching the crew into its painted abyss. Zatanna’s magic blazes against the ghostly onslaught, leading to a climactic battle with The Lady White – and a chilling discovery: a traitor hides among her most trusted allies.
Credits: DC Comics
As both writer and artist, Jamal Campbell throws us headfirst into the action, and it’s a truly magical ride. I love how he trusts the reader to figure things out, skipping the clunky exposition and letting the story unfold naturally.
Zatanna’s speech about belief shaping reality resonates – that our beliefs, even negative ones, can become self-fulfilling prophecies, as we see with Adam. The Lady White’s attack is visually stunning, with dynamic panels that perfectly capture the speed and movement. And speaking of visuals, I’m becoming a bit of a pro at deciphering Zatanna’s backward spells! It’s all about reading them like regular sentences, just with the words flipped.
The Astral Plane is also an excellent playground for Campbell’s creativity, filled with those fantastic vintage movie poster-style images – a real genre mashup. Zatanna herself is just effortlessly magical, radiating charm and confidence without being showy about it. My only gripe? The issue ended just as things got exciting, but I’m hooked enough and eager enough to see where the story goes.
Credit: DC Comics
Jamal Campbell’s talent is undeniable, but let’s discuss it anyway! His art is just…wow. It’s vibrant, impactful, and brimming with creative depth. That panel where Zatanna demonstrates a trick to Adam while simultaneously explaining the trick and playing with our expectations is a masterclass in showmanship. You can tell Campbell understands that Zatanna isn’t just a superhero; she’s a performer and a damn good one. And The Lady White? That design is killer! I’m a sucker for monochrome characters, especially ghostly ones – think Gentleman Ghost! Plus, Ariana Maher’s lettering is top-notch. The dynamic, pink aura around Zatanna’s backward spells? That’s the kind of simple detail that elevates the magic.
Zatanna #1 returns the titular magician to her familiar stage with stunning visuals and a thrilling mystery involving a ghostly new villain, The Lady White. The issue excels in its dynamic art and engaging action, seamlessly blending magic and performance. However, the story ends abruptly, leaving the reader wanting more, and hints at a potential betrayal within Zatanna’s team. Despite this, the book successfully captures Zatanna’s charm and magical prowess, promising an exciting series ahead.
‘Zatanna’ #1 Review: The Mistress of Magic is Back!
