Phillip Creary April 18, 2025

Jamal Campbell’s Zatanna #3 sees Zatanna lost in the astral plane via a television screen, facing only more questions. Dark secrets about Adam and Lady White beckon, while the sword’s curse intensifies. Can she handle the chilling truths waiting in the shadows? Let’s find out! 

This issue picks right up where the last one left off, finding Zatanna and Bruce Wayne stuck in a strange, black-and-white movie world. The artwork by Campbell really makes Zatanna pop against the grayscale background. It turns out they’re at a party thrown for the actor Basil Karlo, who’s actually Clayface – a surprise appearance, but he works well here! We learn that the entire movie setup, connected to a film called “The Magician’s Assistant,” is actually just an elaborate trap set by the new villain, Lady White. A quick flashback reveals that she’s a former actress with a disturbing past, and she’s targeting Zatanna for reasons that aren’t yet clear.

While Zatanna tries to figure out this bizarre situation, the story also checks back on Blue Devil, who’s still chained up and now in danger from Brother Night. Back in the movie illusion, Zatanna starts breaking through the facade, leading to an epic showdown with Clayface. After the fight, we get some interesting hints about Lady White having a hidden, darker side that hates the Zatarra family, and there’s even a suggestion that a sword might have controlling powers? The comic wraps up with an emotional beat and a cliffhanger, promising more trouble ahead for the Mistress of Magic.

Credit: DC Comics

While Campbell’s run on Zatanna has been a bit of a mixed bag so far, issue #3 feels like the moment the series truly hits its stride. This issue packs a punch, delivering exciting action, memorable set pieces, and explosive fights, all balanced with an emotional core centered on family loss. Plus, we get some impressive displays of Zatanna’s power – seriously, what more could you ask for? It’s fantastic stuff.

I especially appreciate seeing a more serious Zatanna here, one who really gets to cut loose. Campbell captures this perfectly, particularly in a stunning double-page spread that’s awesomely chaotic in the coolest way. You might not be able to track every single detail happening, but honestly, that fits the nature of magic – it doesn’t always need a neat explanation!

Campbell’s art deserves all the praise again. Choosing a muted color palette – mostly black, white, and a textured brown – is brilliant. It creates a unique atmosphere and visually distinguishes Zatanna. 

Clayface also steals the show in this issue. He’s always a welcome sight, and Campbell uses him incredibly well. Clayface is a villain who can be shaped (pun definitely intended) to fit the story, and he’s presented wonderfully here. His power feels immense, almost splashing off the panels, and his presence is imposing. Yet, you also feel a surprising amount of sympathy for him as you see the life he could have had – his dream of being a movie star – fall apart, leading to an explosive and understandable breakdown. Props to Campbell for effectively setting up that character beat and letting it land with impact.

Credit: DC Comics

Campbell’s colors are fantastic—vibrant yet muted, chaotic yet clear, perfectly showing the many sides of Zatanna’s world. The lettering is also great, simple, and easy to read. Letterer Arian Maher’s use of pink for Zatanna’s magic adds great personality, and Clayface’s gooey, brown word bubbles are a perfectly fitting touch. Plus, the sound effects thok, krak, thhnk, stomp sell the hits Zatanna takes before her explosive power release.

Zatanna #3 marks a high point for the series, featuring striking artwork and a compelling plot where Lady White traps Zatanna in a movie illusion. Combined with a well-utilized Clayface and a satisfying blend of action and emotional depth, the issue delivers a great product from start to finish.

Phillip Creary April 18, 2025

Jamal Campbell’s Zatanna #3 sees Zatanna lost in the astral plane via a television screen, facing only more questions. Dark secrets about Adam and Lady White beckon, while the sword’s curse intensifies. Can she handle the chilling truths waiting in the shadows? Let’s find out! 

This issue picks right up where the last one left off, finding Zatanna and Bruce Wayne stuck in a strange, black-and-white movie world. The artwork by Campbell really makes Zatanna pop against the grayscale background. It turns out they’re at a party thrown for the actor Basil Karlo, who’s actually Clayface – a surprise appearance, but he works well here! We learn that the entire movie setup, connected to a film called “The Magician’s Assistant,” is actually just an elaborate trap set by the new villain, Lady White. A quick flashback reveals that she’s a former actress with a disturbing past, and she’s targeting Zatanna for reasons that aren’t yet clear.

While Zatanna tries to figure out this bizarre situation, the story also checks back on Blue Devil, who’s still chained up and now in danger from Brother Night. Back in the movie illusion, Zatanna starts breaking through the facade, leading to an epic showdown with Clayface. After the fight, we get some interesting hints about Lady White having a hidden, darker side that hates the Zatarra family, and there’s even a suggestion that a sword might have controlling powers? The comic wraps up with an emotional beat and a cliffhanger, promising more trouble ahead for the Mistress of Magic.

Credit: DC Comics

While Campbell’s run on Zatanna has been a bit of a mixed bag so far, issue #3 feels like the moment the series truly hits its stride. This issue packs a punch, delivering exciting action, memorable set pieces, and explosive fights, all balanced with an emotional core centered on family loss. Plus, we get some impressive displays of Zatanna’s power – seriously, what more could you ask for? It’s fantastic stuff.

I especially appreciate seeing a more serious Zatanna here, one who really gets to cut loose. Campbell captures this perfectly, particularly in a stunning double-page spread that’s awesomely chaotic in the coolest way. You might not be able to track every single detail happening, but honestly, that fits the nature of magic – it doesn’t always need a neat explanation!

Campbell’s art deserves all the praise again. Choosing a muted color palette – mostly black, white, and a textured brown – is brilliant. It creates a unique atmosphere and visually distinguishes Zatanna. 

Clayface also steals the show in this issue. He’s always a welcome sight, and Campbell uses him incredibly well. Clayface is a villain who can be shaped (pun definitely intended) to fit the story, and he’s presented wonderfully here. His power feels immense, almost splashing off the panels, and his presence is imposing. Yet, you also feel a surprising amount of sympathy for him as you see the life he could have had – his dream of being a movie star – fall apart, leading to an explosive and understandable breakdown. Props to Campbell for effectively setting up that character beat and letting it land with impact.

Credit: DC Comics

Campbell’s colors are fantastic—vibrant yet muted, chaotic yet clear, perfectly showing the many sides of Zatanna’s world. The lettering is also great, simple, and easy to read. Letterer Arian Maher’s use of pink for Zatanna’s magic adds great personality, and Clayface’s gooey, brown word bubbles are a perfectly fitting touch. Plus, the sound effects thok, krak, thhnk, stomp sell the hits Zatanna takes before her explosive power release.

Zatanna #3 marks a high point for the series, featuring striking artwork and a compelling plot where Lady White traps Zatanna in a movie illusion. Combined with a well-utilized Clayface and a satisfying blend of action and emotional depth, the issue delivers a great product from start to finish.