Zatanna 12

Once, not too long ago, you wouldn’t see Zatanna from year to year. She might turn up in event books, Justice League of America cameos, a mini-series or special once a decade, the odd Vertigo book… how things change! This month alone we’ve seen her in the JLA 80pp Giant, Power Girl and her own book.

And the latest issue of this last shows just why Zee is such a welcome  guest. She’s fun without being silly, a good mixer and always brings something unique to the party. Her character and place in the DC Universe is so well defined that she’s an inviting proposition – creators just love to play with her.

Take Matthew Sturges, for example, who writes this standalone issue. He picks up on the set-up established by regular author Paul Dini – Zee as San Francisco stage magician and protector, surrounded by trusted colleagues – and runs with it.

Or rather, flies, having Zee traverse the skies over the city as she meditates on the magical nature that makes it such a good fit for her. From the ghosts of the Presidio to the dragon sleeping below the Transamerica Pyramid, it’s a magical mystery tour.

The specific mystery is: who killed the Mer-People at the Sutro Baths, “the most supernatural place in the city”. The answer is Backslash, an English oik with an enchanted sword and an enslaved fairy. He proves a challenge as said sword rewinds time, neutering Zee’s spoken spells. Our girl’s in trouble.

Happily, the titchy Tinkerbell has a brilliant idea as to how Zee should approach the situation but, not wishing Backslash to splatter her, daren’t openly tell the heroine. Quick as a flash, though, Zee picks up on the fairy’s hints and gains the upper hand.

I’m not giving away the nature of the cunning plan as there’s much pleasure to be had from working things out along with Zee. And seeing it put into action is a delight.

Key to the success of the fightback is Zee’s way with words, something we’re reminded of early in the issue via a cute scene with props queen Mikey. It’s often forgotten that Zee can cast spells without the backwards talk, the point of which is to help her focus the arcane energies she taps. The brain training pays off in spades here, paving the way for a joyously witty assault on Backslash.

There’s no backstory on Backslash – if he appeared in Sturges’ much-missed magical team book, Shadowpact, I’ve forgotten him. I like that he’s randomly British; it’s no plot point, it’s simply apparent from spot-on speech patterns. His quirky power sets him up for appearances across the DCU – Zee knows how to beat him, but how will other heroes fare?

I’d like to see the fairy again, too (she has a name, hmm, why might I be avoiding it?). She’s a sharp one, perhaps she can join the JLA or something. We’ve had odder choices.

Former regular artist Stephane Roux returns and brings his own magic. His Zee remains a stunner while the new characters, Backslash and >Ahem<, are eye-catching designs. And he really gets San Francisco, not simply the look, but the feel. He’s obviously having a ball with this story, getting to draw some decidedly unusual subjects. And Roux gives us an onomatopoeic panel that simply pops.

I’d be delighted were Roux to step in whenever current artists Jamal Igle and Jon Sibal need a  break. And bring Sturges with him, as there’s a lovely creative synergy between the pair.

Amanda Conner’s cover is a wonderfully lively composition, though the boobs are a bit much. I know Zee is being drawn as more buxom these days, but those things could suckle a herd of hippos.

Sizeable as the décolletage is, it represents a tiny quibble over the best issue of Zatanna’s always entertaining comic to date, a perfect summation of the heroine and her world.