ICYMI: Zatanna #5: All That’s Hidden Is Not Safe

It’s a very bittersweet homecoming for Zatanna as she is forced to return to the Hidden City in order to investigate a series of magical terror attacks on the populace. As Zee attempts to make peace with the ghosts of her late mother’s past, the hidden dangers within the city are only getting bolder.

The next arc brings Zee to the Hidden City, the birthplace and grave of her mother Sindella. A small bit of homework is needed to understand the full context of just why Zatanna dislikes this place, but the book does a good job of filling in the holes. The main point of Zee’s return is the mystery of the random terrorist attacks happening in the city. The personal stakes in this make for an interesting hurdle for Zatanna to overcome, but at times she feels like she’s taking a backseat in her own story.

Jamal Campbell helps expand on more of Zee’s lore by returning her to the Hidden City. The various characters we meet here serve their purpose to flesh out this mystical place, but at times it seems like they take up more space than Zatanna. I’m sure the narrative will quickly re-center itself around her, but it’s an interesting choice and makes it feel like two separate plots are going on here.

Andrew Dalhouse’s colors add more depth to Campbell’s pencils, and while it can be a bit flat at times there is a unique glow to the Hidden City. The flatness is a minor nitpick however because overall the art is still gorgeous.