ZATANNA #3: Songs in the Key of Gods

As Zatanna reels from her last encounter with Di Manes, she finds herself owing favors to unlikely allies. Meanwhile, Di Manes is preparing for his own Magnum Opus and Zatanna must unleash hell if she is to put a stop to it!

Creative Team: Jamal Campbell and Ariana Maher.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story

Jamal is weaving an intricate story that is as deep and full of magic as the art filling each panel. I love how, in each issue, we see Zatanna digging deeper and deeper within herself and her powers to overcome every obstacle. We are three issues in, and Di Manes’ goal hasn’t become fully clear, but we do know that he holds a grudge against her, and there is a secret about how she became Prime Magus.

There was some unexpected humor as Zatanna is offered help in exchange for 3 favors, one of which is to cuss out Guede Nibo, and well, who am I to kink shame? Not to get lost in the intricate plot, Zatanna hasn’t been in the good graces of everyone, as her recklessness has left a trail of destruction that isn’t ignored, and I love that Campbell doesn’t shy away from showing this as well.

The Art

Jamal produces perhaps the best work in this run yet, as there is so much detail in every panel. I truly do not understand how Jamal does it. The big showdown with Di Manes features so much tedious linework and minor details that this had to have taken days to draw, let alone color. When it comes to coloring, the shading and gloss are executed perfectly. We see so much power leaping from these panels simply through the color choices and the way each character has their own style. I truly don’t know if there is an artist on the level Campbell is on with Zatanna, as I am in awe after every issue. Ariana is keeping up with the lettering, offering various dialects and details, giving these epic moments a life of their own in such an impressive way.

Final Thoughts

Zatanna #3 continues to show the struggles she faces as Prime Magus and how not everything is easy for her. While the plot at times gets a little too convoluted, Jamal and Ariana are doing magic of their own with this run through the art, which is truly a sight to behold.

Overall Grade: 9/10

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