REVIEW: ‘Zatanna’ Issue 1

Zatanna Issue 1 is published by DC Comics. Written, art and colors by Jamal Campbell, with letters by Ariana Maher.

Whilst Zatanna prepares for a theatrical production, a magical being starts wreaking havoc on her crew, taking her on an adventure.

Zatanna Issue 1 is split into two. The opening explains the setting of the theatre and the crew, which is essential in what comes next. The setting and the other characters around Zatanna are brand new, so little bits of exposition are necessary. This early stage of the series has a lot of showmanship that only increases as the issue digs deeper. The pace fluctuates, suddenly transforming into a montage of magic and performances. But in the second half, the stakes increase, and Zatanna is suddenly trying to save lives when a being within the theater starts attacking and kidnapping the crew.

A whole new selection of worlds is opened up with a fantastical adventure, and the pace gets frantic and intense. At that point, the story can get challenging to hold on to. It’s fascinating to see, with a breathtaking sense of fun and drama, but it also makes the head spin. That’s not all bad because the magic is meant to be bewildering.

The worlds Zatanna enters aren’t lived in for very long, as it is all about the bigger picture, a journey through different productions in a short amount of time. It’s a chaotic chase sequence that can lose coherence. But the ending of the issue is a brilliantly intelligent callback that brings the plot to a sudden, shocking halt. With the breakneck speed at which the story is moving, the brutality of putting the brakes on in that manner is a powerful gut punch.

Zatanna Issue 1 explores much of what makes the title character superb. What’s important is that it taps into Zatanna as a magician, not a sorceress. They are very different things. A sorcerer is there to cast spells, sometimes scary. Meanwhile, a magician is all about the show, loving the limelight and the misdirections. Campbell captures that with Zatanna.

She’s dazzling early in the book for the crew and the readers. She is friendly and endlessly charming, happy to talk to anyone approaching her. But when the villain shows up, the magician also shows that her magic is real. She’s relentless, determined, and expressive with her spells.

The art is captivating. Campbell’s ensures Zatanna is constantly drawing attention. There is a slight adjustment to her costume that is still instantly recognizable. The flowing coat and hate add flair and pizazz to the book, spreading around her and making her prominent in the panels. Zatanna smiles often in Zatanna Issue 1, making the book feel positive and exciting. It is dazzling to see when the magic starts, and various locations appear.

The characters’ movements are phenomenal, capturing a mixture of speed, dance, and action. Small panels provide an excellent passage of time. Campbell uses many panels on the page, and the comic looks busy and intense. The montages are beautifully crafted, but they make you want to see more than the small glimpses of the world.

The colors are sensational. The magic is vibrant and startling in Zatanna Issue 1. There is frequent use of purple for two-thirds of the issue, a sign of Zatanna using her powers. But the color palette is wonderfully varied, changing every couple of pages and making it a visual masterpiece. The lettering is part of the fun whenever Zatanna is involved. When she casts a spell, the words are written backward. This makes the reader stop and work to figure out what Zatanna is trying to make happen.

Zatanna Issue 1 is a theatrical spectacle. Despite a confusing middle section, Campbell’s magical adventure is a bold and beautiful auteur piece. The magic is stunningly presented, and the main character is a delight. Zatanna is likable in this first chapter and is a terrific anchor at the heart of this fast-paced, energetic journey. While created for the page, the plot has the air of a stage act. It is immensely dramatic and loving towards stories of old.

Zatanna Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.