Review – Zatanna #5: Dance of Death
Zatanna #5 cover, via DC Comics.
Ray: This series has been one of the best Zatanna comics in a long time, and has added a lot of new elements to Zatanna's roster for the future. But to resolve this conflict, Zatanna's going to have to go back to the past. In a flashback segment, we get a much darker version of Zatanna's early years than we're used to – her mother died in childbirth, and her father resented her for the death of his wife. He put the responsibility on her to be a great magician to make up for her mother's loss. When Zatanna didn't show immediate aptitude, he rejected her and began taking on new apprentices instead. Desperate for his approval, she attempted to cast a spell – and accidentally unleashed a dark sorceress who cast a twisted curse on them and spirited Zatara away to another realm. That set off the adventure where she was first introduced to the League – and made the mistake that doomed Zatara for good. Twisted tango. Via DC Comics.
As Zatanna goes on a journey to reach the main villain, we're treated to some stunning visual feats. Jamal Campbell both writing and drawing this issue really makes the story work, because he can do things with the format that really push boundaries. There's a point where the page itself starts altering and devolving that's really fascinating. And there's also a deeply emotional scene where Zatanna finally gets some closure with her mother who she never really got to know. As for the villains, this issue concludes with a great segment as Zatanna gets to turn things around on one main antagonist – and another turns the tables in a way that upends the field of play and sets up a very tense conclusion. Zatanna's one of those characters who only rarely gets a full solo spotlight, so this could be one of those stories that becomes a true evergreen institution for the hero.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
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