ZATANNA #2: Shot to the Heart

Zatanna #2: Zatanna is haunted by recurring visions of death all around her. As she searches for the Lady in White and her connection to everything going on, Zatanna is struggling as the sword she was stabbed with has done damage to her magic, leaving her spells in chaos. However, how long can she keep herself and those she cares about safe as she begins to slip more and more.

Creative Team:

Jamal Campbell (WRITER, ARTIST, COVER)

Ariana Maher (LETTERS)

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Art and Letters:

We have to start this story off discussing the artwork because Jamal is on another plane of existence when it comes to this issue. Jamal levels up the art from issue one, starting with the cover. The cover is gorgeous and gives us a taste of what is to come in this issue as we see Dan and Zatanna posed up. The coloring and vividness bring excitement before the pages even open up.

When it comes to what transpires within the pages, Jamal has just done insane work. There is so much intricate line work and yet the pages and panels never feel too busy. The way Zatanna’s artwork is drawn up and how we see the magic she is wielding leaps from panel to panel. The colors are vivid and bright it’s almost as if the tv was left on in the dark with how they flash and transcend the panels.

Shoutout to Ariana, who is keeping up with the breakneck pacing of the art and the way the letters weave through the lightning bolts, or the chaos is seamless. When it comes to our characters, they are drawn so detailed, and there is a realism to the depth of their faces and the texture. It is all so well done.

The Story:

I am enjoying how each issue so far has opened up with a fairytale-like start. The style lures us into a lullaby in a sense before the chaos unfolds. Zatanna finds herself with friends at The Oblivion Bar. It’s enjoying to see characters such as Bobo and Dan appear in this magical tale. I was not expecting the couple of curveballs Campbell throws the readers way in regards to Adam as we find out he is dead. There is so much more to him because of his relationship to who is behind the mayhem. We do get hints of other Justice League members in a blink and you miss it with Wonder Woman and then a shocking revelation as to whom the Lady in White is with as this issue wraps up.

Overall Grade: 9.7/10

Zatanna #2 is an explosion of magic and chaos, as every panel is full of demonic possession and never knowing what is going to happen next. Jamal is blowing me away with the level of detail and depth the art is feeding us, and yet the story and Ariana’s letters keep pace every step of the way. Do not sleep on this!!!!

Drop us your thoughts in the comments and follow Matt and all of his reviews as well as his weekly podcast episodes at http://hops-geek-news.com