“The Curtain Falls”
Writer: Jamal Campbell
Artist: Jamal Campbell
Color Artist: Jamal Campbell
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Review by Kendra Smart
Zatanna #4 brings a deadly dance to the climax, with Zatanna front and center. Her magic has been compromised and there is still a peril filled journey left ahead of her. Brother Night and Lady White are coming to a pivotal part in their plan, and it is all the more important that nothing go wrong.
The main cover by Jamal Campbell is exquisite, a callback to the Ball scene from The Labyrinth for me. The imagery of Zatanna trapped behind the mirrored glass as Brother Night and Lady White engage in a care free dance, is breath taking. We see all the emotions that Zatanna cycles through as she frantically, desperately, tries to break through to stop them. The cover is great and shows us where we stand going in. Lovely.
Once Upon A Time
We drop in to a story time already in session. The tales unfolds of a clash of the demons Nebiros and Etrigan. Etrigan wins, skinning the fallen Nebiros and sending the skin on to its future in the hands of a future hero. Zatanna awakens to Basil’s greetings. That his alliance with the Lady White had been on the contract of a promise to help his family. An ominous red envelope holds more to it, but unknown intent, for now.
While Zatanna takes herself and Basil back to reality, a stop-in reveals that not all is as harmonious between Brother Night and Lady White as was once thought. Your anger really is showing Brother. But while Lady White is assured of their plan, Night fears that Zatanna will learn the sword’s name…and the thread will begin to unravel. An invitation extended, advice from her Mother lovingly given. Friends in the most dire of danger, can the Mistress of Magic deliver?
Look To The Books
Zatanna #4 has so many great moments of art in it. The “diseased” look that she gets anytime she uses magic is so wonderfully depicted. Jamal Campbell has really given such love to the story and art of the series. The attention to detail that he and Ariana Maher have can be seen on each page. I adore the emotional moments as well as the humor. “No I have people for that.” is genuinely a hilarious line. Plus Zatanna’s entrance to the “Night of Desires” is so lush. Gorgeous.
Conclusion
What the ramifications will be for Zatanna now that the die is cast, remains to be seen. But Zatanna #4 sets up a strong fighter, tired of seeing others hurt. I look forward to seeing what happens next!
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.
