Zatanna #2: The Magic of the Muse

When a mysterious box finds itself in Zatanna’s possession after a job, she heads to Memphis to try and figure out what to do with it. As Z begins to make preparations for a musical ceremony, the newest member of the DEO makes his presence felt. 

Magic in the mainstream comic landscape is often very one-dimensional in just how it’s depicted. Rarely are cultures outside of the typical western depictions of magic are explored with any reverence. This issue of Zatanna pushes back against that in a very fun way showing traditional mysticism from the African diaspora.

Jamal Campbell being a black man puts him in a unique position to explore these forms of Black magic through the eyes of a known white character. Memphis being the destination for Zatanna’s quest is a very deliberate choice as it is an essential city in Black American history and has a magic all its own. Even the character of Elodie Arnette is a reference to that history, as she is a nod to the Black jazz singers of the 20s that used to populate the clubs of Beale Street. There is also the very present threat of Agent Di Manes and the DEO, who continue to stalk Zatanna and make her job as Prime Magus that much harder. 

The art all over this book stands out as Campbell is one of the most underrated talents in the industry today. HIs eye for composition and color is up there with some of the greats of today, and he continues to showcase just what he can do as he illustrates this magical world that Zatanna inhabits. Elodie’s introductory scene in particular is a splash of beautiful blues and whites that just burst off the page.