It’s a rare treat when DC’s Mistress of Magic, Zatanna Zatara, gets to headline her own series, but when she does, you know it’s going to be a spectacle. And with Jamal Campbell pulling double duty as both writer and artist for the six-issue miniseries Zatanna: It’s Showtime, we didn’t just get a spectacle, we got an instant classic. This run is a vibrant, dazzling, and deeply personal journey that re-establishes Zatanna as a powerhouse performer and a deeply relatable hero, even when she’s fighting ghosts and demons.
Campbell manages to do what the best creators do: he uses the character’s rich history not as a roadblock, but as a trampoline. While the miniseries pays homage to beloved runs, especially those by Paul Dini, it carves out a powerful, new niche for the working-class sorceress. As Zatanna herself wisely states, “If you keep believing that you don’t deserve to be here, that lie will become truth.” This theme of self-belief (and the danger of letting negative thoughts become self-fulfilling prophecies) is the emotional core that elevates this whole series.
The Magical Mystery Tour
The series kicks off with a bang in Issue #1, dropping us straight into Zatanna’s world of vanishing rabbits and dancing flames, only to have the spectral villain, The Lady White, crash the rehearsal. This ghostly new terror, erupting from a painting, immediately ups the stakes by snatching Zatanna’s crew, taking them to the magical Astral Plane. The action-packed start is a magical ride, with Campbell trusting the reader to follow along without clunky exposition.
However, the story hits a slight snag in Issue #2. While the visuals are still out of this world, the narrative felt a bit confusing. Having been betrayed by one of her crew members, Zatanna bursts into the Oblivion Bar, sword-stabbed and frantic, seeking aid yet pushing away the help of longtime friends like Blue Devil and Detective Chimp (Bobo). Moreover, the big revelation that The Lady White is, in fact, a secondary villain is initially disappointing.
Fortunately, the series truly finds its rhythm with Issue #3. Trapped in a bizarre, black-and-white movie world, Zatanna faces a clever trap set by The Lady White, who is revealed to be a former actress with a dark, hidden hatred for the Zatarra family. However, that’s not the only big reveal of the issue. The surprise appearance of Clayface turns this issue into an explosive, memorable set piece, expertly balancing chaotic action with a surprising emotional core focused on family loss.
The pacing accelerates beautifully from there. Issue #4-6 delivers on that setup, while also incorporating an incredibly cool and modern reimagining of Blue Devil’s origin. As a big fan of the character, this is great. Not many people are familiar with Blue Devil, and I appreciate that Campbell chose to include him here and give him significant page space. The climax of this issue builds perfectly toward the spectacular, magical showdown between Zatanna, The Lady White and Brother Night, proving Campbell is a master of the comic book art of the high-stakes payoff.
The Truth Behind the Lie
The core emotional engine of this series is perfectly encapsulated in the quote: “If you keep believing that you don’t deserve to be here, that lie will become truth.”
This theme (that our own beliefs, particularly the negative ones, can become self-fulfilling prophecies) resonates most deeply with Adam’s trajectory. His initial unease gives way to full-blown betrayal and tragedy, a painful illustration of how our internal insecurity can be exploited by external manipulation.
More importantly, the theme applies to Zatanna herself. She’s a “working-class superhero,” grappling with the weight of her magical legacy, personal flaws, and multiple responsibilities, just like anyone else. The story forces her to confront the guilt and unresolved familial trauma connected to her parents. By the end, she doesn’t just defeat a villain; she strategically outmaneuvers them, showing profound compassion for those who are victims of manipulation, cementing her status as a cunning, empathetic, and truly admirable protagonist. Plus, the inclusion of Wonder Woman and the Justice League Dark in the finale smartly reinforces Zatanna’s connections to her vast magical support network.
The series succeeds because it portrays Zatanna not just as a hero, but as a performer. Campbell brilliantly highlights that her magic is inherently a form of showmanship. That panel in Issue #1, where she’s explaining a trick to Adam while simultaneously executing it, is a masterclass in demonstrating her confidence and skill and I enjoyed every bit of it.
Visual Feast for the Eyes
Jamal Campbell’s artwork is, without a doubt, the undisputed highlight of It’s Showtime. To call it merely “art” feels like an understatement; his art throughout is consistently vibrant, impactful, and brimming with creative depth. Zatanna has arguably never looked better, radiating both power and effortless elegance. The action sequences are also a visual feast: whether it’s the lively, chaotic explosion of magic as she fights through Adam’s tendril-infested apartment, or the brilliant double-page spreads that embrace the beautiful chaos that is magic.
Campbell’s color work is also phenomenal. The Crimson Palace Nightclub is a standout, drenched in striking reds that make every demonic figure and magical confrontation pop. In contrast, the black-and-white movie world in Issue #3, with Zatanna’s colors muted against the grayscale, is a brilliant set-piece choice that makes her presence in that entire issue truly stand out. Clayface’s power feels immense, too, under Campbell’s pen, as he captures his huge, brown, and splashy presence perfectly, making his breakdown feel immense, sympathetic, and visually stunning.
Letterer Ariana Maher also deserves praise for elevating the magic. The distinctive pink aura surrounding Zatanna’s backward spells is a simple yet perfect detail that personalizes her magic and makes the backward speech easy to track. Sound effects like an impactful lightning or Clayface’s gooey, earthy-brown word bubbles add personality and visceral impact to every hit and spell, from a soft thok to a hard stomp!
Final Curtain
While the series had a few minor stumbles in the early issues, Zatanna: It’s Showtime! quickly became a powerhouse series that delivers on all fronts: thrilling action, character development, and breathtaking artwork. Campbell has crafted an instant classic for the Mistress of Magic, solidifying her as a hero who is more than capable of carrying a solo title. He leaves a few tantalizing threads dangling, such as the mysterious fate of Adam and the new, intriguing form of Princess Allura, which suggests he has plenty more story to tell.
This series has proven that Jamal Campbell has a lot to say about magic and the visual creativity to pull it off with style!
‘Zatanna: It’s Showtime!’ Review: Mystery, Betrayal & Epic Superhero Magic
While the series had a few minor stumbles in the early issues, Zatanna: It’s Showtime! quickly became a powerhouse comic that delivers on all fronts: thrilling action, character development, and breathtaking artwork. Campbell has crafted an instant classic for the Mistress of Magic, solidifying her as a hero who is more than capable of carrying a solo title.
