Zatanna #4
“The Prime Magus”
Writer: Jamal Campbell
Artist: Jamal Campbell (page 1 only), Edwin Galmon
Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Artist: Jamal Campbell
As I write this, Jamal Campbell just won an Eisner award for best writer/artist. Looking at this issue we’re about to discuss, I’d say it’s more than well deserved. Congratulations, Jamal!
Nothing Up My Sleeve
Zatanna #4 is a bit of an interlude issue. Zatanna Zatara sits down with the previous Prime Magus—Zehuti, Lord of Wisdom. Together, they have a discussion about the title, what it means for the holder, and the very nature of magic itself—particularly the personifications of its three aspects, which Zatanna calls the Shades of Magic. As each one is discussed, we are treated to a short tale of Zatanna demonstrating or interacting with that aspect’s main virtue.
Her visit completed, Zatanna decides to visit her mother’s old home, the Hidden City of the Homo Magi. But what she finds is not a happy homecoming…
Magic Kingdom
I’m disappointed that we have a guest artist already, but I have to admit that it took me some time to realize that Campbell wasn’t doing the art this month. We’ll talk more about the art in a minute.
This issue was a nice change of pace, after the relatively brisk pace of the first three issues. Here we get some more information about the title of Prime Magus, what it means, and—most importantly—why no one has questioned or challenged Zatanna’s claiming of the title after thousands of years. Well, we get an idea of that last one, anyway. As Zatanna tells us directly, a magician never reveals their secrets.
I enjoyed the concept of the three Shades of Magic that Zatanna sees, and how each one represents a different aspect. Hecate, who sees the world through the wide eyes of a child. The Upside-Down Man, who represents hatred, cruelty, and war. Zehuti, who is the manifestation of learning, wisdom, and knowledge. Each one gets a full-page splash showing their Shade form and giving a full backstory on them, all of which are very cool to look at.
After each Shade is introduced, we get a story of Zatanna interacting with their aspect. For Hecate, we get a hilarious encounter where she has to bring peace to groups of fairies that have gone to war over pranks and misunderstandings. For the Upside-Down Man, she has to face off with Barghests (think werewolves and you’re close). This one is much darker and violent than the others. I loved the way she took silver bullets and made a sword out of them in order to better fight the beasts. Lastly for Zehuti, she has to stop an artificial intelligence from bringing the world to an end by overthinking a question (yes, I’m serious). The resolution to this scenario was hilarious, and it reminded me a bit of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Each of these encounters told us more about magic, but it also told us more about Zatanna herself. The way she resolved each situation is a window into how she views and carries herself. It’s great multi-layer storytelling that helps to move the series forward even when it feels like it’s falling behind.
It doesn’t seem like things are going to slow down soon, though. It looks like Zatanna is going to be in for an extended visit to the hidden city where her mother was from, which seems to be in plenty of trouble of its own. I wonder if this will tie back to Agent Di Manes of the DEO, or if this will be its own thing?
Magician’s Assistant
For the first time in the run, Jamal Campbell is only writing this issue. Well, he drew page one but that was it. The rest of the art was handled by Edwin Galmon, with colors by Andrew Dalhouse.
Campbell’s script is still good, with his usual array of high-concept ideas. You can tell he toned a few things down since he wouldn’t be the one drawing the issue, and there are fewer “break the fourth wall by talking to the reader” moments than in past issues. But his strong characterization of Zatanna continues, and he still does a great job giving her creative and varied situations to solve.
Galmon’s art is very good. It actually took me a few pages to figure out that he wasn’t Campbell. I think it helped that the first few pages were the conversation with Zehuti and so there wasn’t as much potential for craziness. Once the story really got going with the different short tales, you could tell then that either Campbell was having an off day or it was a different artist. Overall Galmon did a great job, though.
Ditto for Dalhouse on colors. Everything isn’t as glossy as when Campbell colors it, but it’s still bright and colorful. There are interesting shades used (on the Shades, no less) and creative effects. It may not be as mind-blowing as when Campbell is doing his own colors, but it’s still high-level work.
Signature Trick
Zatanna #4 is an interlude issue that gives us plenty of insight into the title of Prime Magus and what it means for our heroine going forward, while still giving our dose of the expected magical craziness. Even with a fill-in artist instead of Jamal Campbell, it’s easy to tell why he just won an Eisner. Just as Zatanna herself continues to learn more about what her new role means for her, I think we can say the same about Campbell on his creative journey.