“Behind The Curtains”
Writer: Jamal Campbell
Artist: Jamal Campbell
Color Artist: Jamal Campbell
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Review by Kendra Smart
Zatanna #5 is upon us and with it new stories, answers, and an exquisite cover. Jamal Campbell gives an absolutely jaw-dropping “The Magician’s Trap” themed cover. I would swear to you that the light that you see touching Zatanna’s face was a special limited issue featuring some new L.E.D. effects. But it is a magnificent main cover, with illusion to spare, leading the way to the beginning of our story and potentially more answers. For the readers and for Zatanna, so let’s get to it and pick up where Zatanna #4 left us hanging. Let’s dive in.
Cause Maybe, You’re Gonna Be The One To Save Me
We begin with a very different take on the history of Zatanna Zatara. How she was raised, a different take on the family relations between herself and her Mother and Father. A beautiful narrator in the guise of a reverse palette Zee herself, tells the tale of Zatanna Zatara. An even match for the Show-woman, this faux Zatanna tries to set the pace but Zatanna has other plans, and a trap she has waited for just the right moment to spring.
She finds herself popping off the page and upon return is greeted by a welcome sight and soul. Spiritually refreshed Zatanna is ready to make the final stand. To shine light on the darkness of twisted half-truths and disfigured fairy tales whose aim is to utterly destroy her. To feast upon and cherish her misery. Can Zatanna find her way through the haze and take down the poser with an eye on her top-hat? Also, who is this freeing Lady White? What does this Sorceress of the Shadows really desire?
A Tale For A Tale
Jamal Campbell does some amazing things for Zatanna #5. Each issue feels like someone who is leaving their all out there. Jamal literally brings his best for Zatanna with each issue, whether in connection with the character or with the artwork of bringing that vision to life. The panel work on page 11 is defying you to see Zatanna in all her magician glory between a beautiful ombre of break between fully realized comic art and the pencils. “Went a bit too far.” is definitely one way to put it.
As a reviewer I genuinely enjoy deep dives into characters who don’t normally feel seen. I also love a good rising from the ashes story. Words carry power, and who knows that better than the Mistress of Magic herself? Jamal has been a master of craft himself, showing the passion he also has for this character. He draws the reader in both visually and through story, taking them on the journey of illusion. Seeing Zatanna deal with struggles and finally get a reprieve this issue was also a beautiful touch.
Conclusion
Our puppet master has made herself known. Zatanna has quite a battle before her between this sword carrying lies and the player in the shadows moving the pawns. Zatanna #5 was full of both joy and pain, join me next time to see what awaits our beloved Mistress of Magic.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.
