Neil King May 22, 2025

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Jamal Campbell’s Zatanna #4 is a powerhouse of a comic, delivering on the promise of its preceding issues with a thrilling blend of action, character development, and breathtaking artwork. Campbell, pulling double duty as both writer and artist, continues to elevate this series into must-read territory, proving himself to be a singular force within the DC landscape.

This issue kicks off with a surprising and well-integrated modern reimagining of Blue Devil’s origin, revealing his past as the demon Nebiros. The story then transitions to the aftermath of the previous issue, exposing Lady White’s coercion of Clayface and revealing Brother Night as the true manipulator. While Zatanna grapples with her injury and guilt at Shadowcrest, finding solace in her friends’ support, the tension builds towards a spectacular magical showdown at Brother Night’s club. Zatanna’s dramatic entrance ignites an energetic and visually impressive brawl featuring a revived Adam, Blue Devil, and the sorceress herself, culminating in a truly memorable and heart-pumping action-packed sequence.

Credit: DC Comics

Zatanna #4 is a prime example of a comic that understands the art of payoff. Campbell expertly raises the stakes with each turn of the page, never making things easy for his protagonist. This creates a consistently thrilling reading experience, keeping the reader invested in both the story and the breathtaking action. 

Campbell’s artwork consistently inspires awe, and calling it merely “art” feels like an understatement. Zatanna, in particular, has arguably never looked better, radiating both power and elegance. The visual creativity throughout the issue is astounding, especially during Zatanna’s struggle with the magical sword. Fallen and jumbled panels perfectly convey her pain and the chaotic nature of her predicament, showcasing a perfect synergy between Campbell’s script and his artistic execution.

Fuseli’s cameo is expertly done, capturing his terrifying presence through both his demonic appearance and chilling voice. This interaction also serves as a satisfying nod to Paul Dini’s memorable run, a detail sure to please longtime readers. Letterer Ariana Maher deserves significant praise for their work, bringing the action to life with a variety of fonts and speech bubble designs, such as Clayface’s earthy brown, Zatanna’s distinctive pink for her reversed spells, and impactful onomatopoeia throughout.

Credit: DC Comics

Zatanna #4 is a standout issue, showcasing Jamal Campbell’s exceptional artistic talent and the creative team’s strong collaboration in delivering a captivating story with significant plot progression. The visually stunning artwork elevates the action and emotional depth, solidifying this issue as a masterclass in visual storytelling and a must-read for fans. If you are not reading Zatanna, do yourself a huge favor and pick up this magical saga.

Neil King May 22, 2025

• Facebook
• X
• Reddit
• Instagram

Jamal Campbell’s Zatanna #4 is a powerhouse of a comic, delivering on the promise of its preceding issues with a thrilling blend of action, character development, and breathtaking artwork. Campbell, pulling double duty as both writer and artist, continues to elevate this series into must-read territory, proving himself to be a singular force within the DC landscape.

This issue kicks off with a surprising and well-integrated modern reimagining of Blue Devil’s origin, revealing his past as the demon Nebiros. The story then transitions to the aftermath of the previous issue, exposing Lady White’s coercion of Clayface and revealing Brother Night as the true manipulator. While Zatanna grapples with her injury and guilt at Shadowcrest, finding solace in her friends’ support, the tension builds towards a spectacular magical showdown at Brother Night’s club. Zatanna’s dramatic entrance ignites an energetic and visually impressive brawl featuring a revived Adam, Blue Devil, and the sorceress herself, culminating in a truly memorable and heart-pumping action-packed sequence.

Credit: DC Comics

Zatanna #4 is a prime example of a comic that understands the art of payoff. Campbell expertly raises the stakes with each turn of the page, never making things easy for his protagonist. This creates a consistently thrilling reading experience, keeping the reader invested in both the story and the breathtaking action. 

Campbell’s artwork consistently inspires awe, and calling it merely “art” feels like an understatement. Zatanna, in particular, has arguably never looked better, radiating both power and elegance. The visual creativity throughout the issue is astounding, especially during Zatanna’s struggle with the magical sword. Fallen and jumbled panels perfectly convey her pain and the chaotic nature of her predicament, showcasing a perfect synergy between Campbell’s script and his artistic execution.

Fuseli’s cameo is expertly done, capturing his terrifying presence through both his demonic appearance and chilling voice. This interaction also serves as a satisfying nod to Paul Dini’s memorable run, a detail sure to please longtime readers. Letterer Ariana Maher deserves significant praise for their work, bringing the action to life with a variety of fonts and speech bubble designs, such as Clayface’s earthy brown, Zatanna’s distinctive pink for her reversed spells, and impactful onomatopoeia throughout.

Credit: DC Comics

Zatanna #4 is a standout issue, showcasing Jamal Campbell’s exceptional artistic talent and the creative team’s strong collaboration in delivering a captivating story with significant plot progression. The visually stunning artwork elevates the action and emotional depth, solidifying this issue as a masterclass in visual storytelling and a must-read for fans. If you are not reading Zatanna, do yourself a huge favor and pick up this magical saga.