ZATANNA #4: The Invitation

Zatanna #4: Zatanna continues to struggle with her magical abilities after being defeated by Lady White and Brother Night. Despite the sword being lodged deep within her, Zatanna must push and fight against all odds to save Blue Devil and overcome her worst enemy: herself.

Creative Team:

Jamal Campbell (WRITER, ARTIST, and COVER) Ariana Maher (LETTERS)

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Let’s Just Break it All Down:

Jamal Campbell is a one-man wrecking crew for DC right now. In fact how Jamal ever sleeps I may never know because he is doing just about everything in this run and yet somehow continuously elevates the artwork as the issues go on. The start of each book remains to be my favorite as we get a storybook type tale and sets up the issue ahead. The art differs and this issue the art to kick off our “fairytale” brings in warm and inviting colors to the panels luring us into a sense of calmness.

It’s that sense of calm that stands out in stark contrast once the glass shatters and the chaos ensues. Each panel carries so much weight for this story whether it is a single panel showing Brother Night or a splash page that is broken up in various shapes and sizes. The colors in this issue take a step backward from the outwardly vibrant towards more of what greets us on the cover. However, what stands out to me is the sinister smile and look of Brother Night who shows off the evil he has descended from.

As the story goes, this issue shows Zatanna at her breaking point, and deciding enough is enough. And what Jamal does well is again bring us a false sense of security. Just when we think Zatanna has regained the footing she has not had, it is ripped away from her again. It’s that flow and curve of Jamal’s storytelling that continue to make this run a must read monthly.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

Zatanna #4 feels as though everything has been built and the pressure cooker is ready to explode so to speak. Jamal has brought her to her weakest point and is now bringing her to face a difficult choice and I cannot wait to see this story explode with magic and Zatanna not hold back. I implore everyone not to continue to sleep on this run as it has been one of DC’s strongest in their latest new series!

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