Zatanna has always been among my favorite DC Comics character. In a world of Godly superheroes Zatanna has always stood out with how she utilizes her magic ability. She has been firmly established as standing next to any of the Justice League members. And as we’ve seen with her own mini-series and Justice League Dark the magic world of the DC Universe is one filled with so much potential. Let’s see if Jamal Campbell taps into that potential with Zatanna #1.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer and Artist: Jamal Campbell
Letterer: Ariana Maher
ZATANNA #1 SOLICITATION
“Zatanna Zatara, the Mistress of Magic, is back on tour! She’s got her stage crew back together and is looking forward to a new, less chaotic chapter of life. However, her plans are disrupted before they even begin when her stage crew is abducted by a ghostly new adversary, The Lady White. Now, Zatanna is plunged into machinations of tricks, swords, and curses that threaten to tear her apart from the inside out!” – DC Comics
REVIEW
Jamal Campbell shows he knows exactly what fans want from a new Zatanna Zatara comic book. That is creating a story that is as imaginative as it is deep with character exploration. In doing so what we get is an example of exactly why she is such a fan favorite character.
The opening page for Zatanna #1 is a perfect way to get across that this isn’t just going to be another superhero story. This is going to be a magic filled adventure that will have the unlimited imagination that this corner of the DC Universe. Opening with a young, excited Zatanna getting a fairytale read to her drove all that home.
That quickly transitioned into the present with Jamal Campbell really just having Zatanna shine. In doing so Campbell as both the writer and artist creates such a balanced experience. He knew exactly when it was time for the dialogue to progress the story and when the artwork needed to take over.
The fact that other one brief page we don’t get any sort of inner monologue. It may seem like such a simple story choice but says so much about Campbell’s confidence in the story he is telling. Campbell has full trust in his abilities as a writer and artist that he will be able to convey the story without having to hand hold the reader. Having that confidence makes you as the reader pay attention even more to everything going on in every page and panel of this comic book.
Which is extremely fitting for a story where we see Zatanna use her magic abilities in so many ways. From amazing stage performance to adventures through various dimensions, there is so much variety to what goes on. That variety further adds to how special magic is as a plot device. There are no limits to where we can go and it is so much fun to see that being showcased.
Having that type of imagination makes the dynamic with the series cast be something your engaged in. That dynamic leads to the surprises that are delivered hit harder. That especially helps with getting over who the antagonist of this story is. Even if you don’t recognize this antagonist what they do gets you invest in learning what they are planning and how Zatanna will stop them.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Zatanna #1 is an incredibly imaginative debut issue. Jamal Campbell created an experience that is a pure joy to read. The full potential of Zatanna and the magic corner of the DC Universe is showcased here. This is a comic book is a must-read that should be on everyone’s pull list.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10
For more opinions on anime, comic book, movies, and sports you can follow Kevin on Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter/X.