Writer: Mariko Tamaki
Art: Javier Rodriguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $5.99
Reviewed by: Anonymous
Release Date: June 25th, 2024
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…please put your hands together for Zatanna Zatara! The greatest entertainer in the crappiest hotel and casino of Las Vegas! Not that the ritzier spots on the Strip haven’t come calling, of course. But since a devastating instance of magic gone wrong that forever changed the course of her childhood, Zatanna would much rather live out her days as a top-hat-and-fishnets-wearing sleight-of-hand stage act than bother with real magic. These days, she doesn’t think much of the past at all. That is, until an interdimensional vortex cracks open during Zatanna’s act, and a terrifying demon crawls out to kill her. If she hopes to survive the horrors that follow it, she’ll need to take herself and her power seriously for the first time in a long time—and fast. Because when it comes to your past, you can run…but you can’t hide forever!
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THE DISPATCH
Zatanna: Bring Down The House #1 ushers in a new DC Black Label series for the famed stage magician. Writer Mariko Tamaki takes a fresh approach, presenting Zatanna not as the confident sorceress we often see, but as a disillusioned performer haunted by a past tragedy. This introspective angle breathes new life into the character, making her relatable and vulnerable.
The series’ Las Vegas setting provides a unique backdrop. We see Zatanna reduced to dazzling audiences in a second-rate casino, a stark contrast to her former mystical exploits. Javier Rodriguez’s art perfectly captures this dichotomy. The glitz and glamour of the casino floor mask a simmering darkness beneath the surface.
The issue doesn’t shy away from magical elements. A terrifying interdimensional demon crashes Zatanna’s act, forcing her to confront the magic she’s been avoiding. This sets the stage for a thrilling conflict that promises to explore the depths of Zatanna’s power and the ghosts of her past.
While the issue is light on action, it focuses on building suspense and character development. Tamaki skillfully weaves exposition into the narrative, hinting at the traumatic event that fractured Zatanna’s relationship with magic. This introspective approach might not appeal to all readers who crave immediate thrills, but it lays a promising foundation for a deeper exploration of the character.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Zatanna: Bring Down The House #1 offers a refreshingly introspective take on the iconic magician. The Las Vegas setting and Zatanna’s internal struggles provide a unique twist, and the looming demonic threat hints at a thrilling magical adventure to come. This first issue is a slow burn, but for fans who appreciate character development and a touch of mystery, it’s a magical act worth checking out.