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{{short description|DC Comics superhero}}
{{Superherobox| <!--Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics-->
{{About|the superhero|the comic book|Zatanna (comic book)}}
image=]
{{Infobox comics character <!--Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics-->
|caption=Cover to '']: Zatanna'' #4<br>Art by ]
|character_name = Zatanna
|comic_color=background:#8080ff
|image = Zatanna – Superman vol 6.jpg
|character_name=Zatanna
|alt = Zatanna in a stage magician's uniform, pulling a variety of creatures out of a top hat and smiling.
|real_name=Zatanna Zatara
|converted = y
|publisher=]
|caption = Variant textless cover of '']'' vol. 6 #17 (October 2024). <br />Art by ].
|debut='']'' #4
|publisher = ]
|creators=]<br>]
|debut = '']'' #4 (October 10th 1964)
|alliance_color=background:#ffc0c0
|creators = ] (writer)<br>] (artist)
|status=Active
|real_name = Zatanna Zatara
|alliances=
|species = Homo magi
|previous_alliances=], ]
|homeworld = ]
|aliases=
|alliances = ]<br>]<br/>]<br/>]
|relatives=] (father, deceased)<br>] (mother, deceased)<br>] (paternal ancestor, deceased)
|partners = ] (various)<br>]<br/>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]
|powers=Can use magic with commands spelled backwards.
|aliases =Mistress of Magic<br>Princess of Prestidigitation<br>Sorceress Supreme
|}}
|powers= *Mastery of various forms of magic; primarily commands magical energies, cosmic forces, and spell-casting through speaking commands backwards, although not required
* Occult and demonology expert
* Master ] and ]
* Skilled hand-to-hand combatant
|cat=super
|subcat=DC Comics
|hero=y
|sortkey=Zatanna
|IOM_aliases=]|module=}}
'''Zatanna Zatara''' ({{IPAc-en|z|ə|ˈ|t|æ|n|ə|_|z|ə|ˈ|t|ɑr|ə}}), commonly known ]ously as '''Zatanna''', is a superhero appearing in ]s published by ]. The character was created by ] and ], and first appeared in '']'' #4 (November 1964).<ref name=":5">{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=338}}</ref>


Zatanna holds the distinction of being the daughter of the renowned magician ] and belonging to the homo magi race, a unique subset of humanity endowed with innate magical abilities. Widely recognized for her exceptional skills as a professional illusionist, she captivates audiences with her mesmerizing performances with both stage and actual magic. In addition to her stage persona, Zatanna assumes the mantle of a mystic superhero, wholeheartedly dedicating herself to the quest of thwarting malevolent forces.
'''Zatanna''' is a ], a ]ine in the ] ].


Zatanna's extensive understanding of magic and her proficiency in wielding its powers have established her as a highly sought-after consultant in matters pertaining to the arcane arts. Her expertise, coupled with her natural leadership qualities, has led to her assuming prominent roles within the DC Universe. Notably, she has taken up leadership positions in both the contemporary ], a renowned superhero team, and its offshoot branch, the ], which specializes in confronting supernatural threats. This recognition as one of the foremost practitioners of magic solidifies Zatanna's standing as a prominent figure in the DC Universe.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |title=The DC comics encyclopedia: the definitive guide to the characters of the DC universe |date=2016 |author1=Alan Cowsill |author2=Alexander Irvine |author3=Steven Korté |author4=Matthew K. Manning |author5=Stephen Wiacek |author6=Sven Wilson |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |edition=First American |location=New York, New York |oclc=936192301 |publisher=DC Comics}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Zatanna |url=https://www.dc.com/characters/zatanna |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=DC |language=en-US}}</ref>
She is a ], the daughter of two other wizards, and shares the family's inherent ability to cast powerful spells; like her father, ] ] ], she does this by describing the desired effect in backwards speech (e.g., ''sdrawkcab hceeps'').


Zatanna has appeared in several different media adaptations, including appearing in several television series in the ], notably voiced by ] and ]. She has also appeared as a recurring character in the final three seasons of '']'', portrayed by actress ]. A younger version of the character appears in '']'' and '']'', voiced by ], and '']'', voiced by ].
==Character biography==


==Publication history==
Zatanna has one of the most unusual backgrounds in comics. Zatara himself was a descendant of ] (who happened to be a secret magician in the DC universe), the ] ], ] ], and ]. In addition, her uncle is Alchemist ]. Her mother is ], a member of the ] race, who have been suggested to come from ]. (It has been implied that Zatanna is descended from ].)
Created by writer ] and artist ], Zatanna first appeared in '']'' #4 (November 1964). When she is introduced, she is on a quest to find her father ] who made his first appearance in ] but had not been published regularly for several years.<ref>{{cite book |last=Wells |first=John |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: 1960-64 |date=2015 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1605490458 |page=173}}</ref> The storyline crossed multiple comics published by DC at the time, culminating in issues of '']'', also written by Fox.


==Fictional character biography==
===First Appearance===
===Pre-''Crisis''===
]
Zatanna is the daughter of magician ] who appeared in Golden Age comic books and Sindella, a member of the mystical species ''Homo magi''. Her younger cousin, the teenager ], is also a magician in the DCU. Zatanna makes her living as a stage illusionist prior to discovering her magical abilities while investigating the disappearance of her father. Her original costume is based upon her father's costume but substituting fishnet stockings and high heels for slacks. Zatanna's search for her father was the subject of a storyline<ref name="Markstein">{{cite web|url=http://www.toonopedia.com/zatanna.htm |title=Zatanna the Magician |first=Don |last=Markstein |year=2006 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140806054715/http://www.toonopedia.com/zatanna.htm |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> which was featured in several titles edited by ],<ref>{{cite book|last1=McAvennie|first1=Michael|last2=Dolan|first2=Hannah|chapter= 1960s|title= DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle|publisher=]|year=2010|location= London, United Kingdom|isbn= 978-0-7566-6742-9|page= 112|quote= Her first appearance, presented by scribe Gardner Fox and artist Murphy Anderson, ultimately conjured up the era of the crossover, and emphasized the effectiveness of continuity in comics. It was rather ironic that a beautiful mage in fishnets who cast spells by speaking backwards would be responsible for such progressive storytelling.}}</ref> and in it, Zatanna interacts with ] and ];<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= ]|inker= Anderson, Murphy|story= The Girl Who Split in Two!|title= ]|issue= #4|date= October–November 1964}}</ref> battles ] and ] while in disguise as a witch and under the control of the villain the ];<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Fox, Gardner|penciller= ]|inker= ]|story= Batman's Bewitched Nightmare|title= ]|issue= #336|date= February 1965}}</ref> and teams with the ],<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Fox, Gardner|penciller= ]|inker= ]|story= World of the Magic Atom!|title= ]|issue= #19|date= June–July 1965}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Fox, Gardner|penciller= Kane, Gil|inker= Greene, Sid|story= The Other Side of the World!|title= ]|volume= 2|issue= #42|date= January 1966}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Fox, Gardner|penciller= ]|inker= Infantino, Carmine|story= The Tantalizing Troubles of the Tripod Thieves!|title= Detective Comics|issue= #355|date= September 1966}}</ref> The series culminated in '']'' #51 (February 1967).<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Fox, Gardner|penciller= ]|inker= Greene, Sid|story= Z – As in Zatanna—and Zero Hour!|title= ]|issue= #51|date= February 1967}}</ref> This Justice League adventure took place during the '']'' television craze when Batman was at the height of his popularity. The premise that the witch in ''Detective Comics'' #336 was Zatanna was perceived as an attempt to get Batman participating in this issue of ''Justice League of America'' no matter how vague the connection to Zatanna's quest was.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-legends-revealed-408/|title= Comic Book Legends Revealed #408|first= Brian|last= Cronin|date= March 1, 2013|publisher= ]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140409130343/https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-legends-revealed-408/|archive-date= April 9, 2014|url-status= live}}</ref>


She briefly was featured in backup features in '']'' and '']'' from 1971 to 1973.<ref name="GCD">{{gcdb|type=character|search=Zatanna|title=Zatanna}}</ref><ref>McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 153: "For ten issues, continued flying solo, albeit with the occasional help of guest stars like Zatanna and Prez".</ref> Zatanna assists the Justice League of America on a few missions<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= ]|inker= Giella, Joe|story= Batman – King of the World|title= Justice League of America|issue= #87|date= February 1971}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= Dillin, Dick|inker= Giella, Joe|story= The Unknown Soldier of Victory!|title= Justice League of America|issue= #100|date= August 1972}}<br>{{cite comic| writer= Wein, Len|penciller= Dillin, Dick|inker= Giella, Joe|story= The Hand That Shook the World|title= Justice League of America|issue= #101|date= September 1972}}<br>{{cite comic| writer= Wein, Len|penciller= Dillin, Dick|inker= Giella, Joe; ]|story= ..And One of Us Must Die!|title= Justice League of America|issue= #102|date= October 1972}}</ref> before being elected to membership in ''Justice League of America'' #161 (Dec. 1978).<ref name="Markstein" /><ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= Dillin, Dick|inker= ]|story= The Reverse-Spells of Zatanna's Magic|title= Justice League of America|issue=#161|date= December 1978}}</ref> Soon after Zatanna joined the group, the identity of her mother was revealed in a multi-issue storyline.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Conway, Gerry|penciller= Dillin, Dick|inker= McLaughlin, Frank|story= Concert of the Damned|title= Justice League of America|issue= #163|date= February 1979}}<br>{{cite comic| writer= Conway, Gerry|penciller= Dillin, Dick|inker= McLaughlin, Frank|story= Murder by Melody!|title= Justice League of America|issue= #164|date= March 1979}}<br>{{cite comic| writer= Conway, Gerry|penciller= Dillin, Dick|inker= McLaughlin, Frank|story= A Mother of Magic!|title= Justice League of America|issue= #165|date= April 1979}}</ref> Zatanna teamed with ] in '']''<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Conway, Gerry|penciller= Dillin, Dick|inker= McLaughlin, Frank|story= The Night It Rained Magic!|title= ]|issue= #18|date= February 1980}}</ref> and with Batman in '']''.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= ]|inker= Aparo, Jim|story= Angel of Mercy, Angel of Death!|title= ]|issue= #169|date= December 1980}}</ref> A ten-page short story in ''DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest'' #5 (Nov.–Dec. 1980) revealed new details about Zatara's origin and how Zatanna's quest to locate her father began.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Conway, Gerry|penciller= ]|inker= ]|story= The Secret Spell!|title= DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest|issue= #5|date= November–December 1980}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last= Wells|first= John|title= Buried Treasures in DC's Reprint Digests|journal= ]|issue= #76|pages= 55–56|publisher= ]|date= October 2014|location= Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref> During her tenure with the Justice League, her power level diminishes, so that she can only control the ] of earth, air, fire, and water.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Conway, Gerry|penciller= ]|inker= ]|story= The Key Crisis of the One-Man Justice League!|title= Justice League of America|issue= #191|date= June 1981}}</ref> She starred in a backup feature in '']'' #274–278<ref name="GCD" /> and the limitation of her powers is reversed in ''World's Finest Comics'' #277 (March 1982).<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= ]|inker= Spiegle, Dan|story= Doppelganger|title= ]|issue= #277|date= March 1982}}</ref> She assists ] and several other superheroines in fighting an extraterrestrial threat.<ref>Manning, Matthew K. "1980s" in Dolan, p. 196: "In a three-part tale by plotter Paul Levitz, scripter Roy Thomas, and artist Gene Colan, Wonder Woman was helped by Zatanna, Supergirl, Madame Xanadu, Black Canary, Starfire, Wonder Girl, and the Earth-2 heroines Huntress and Power Girl".</ref> Zatanna once elected as the Justice League chairperson via votes.
She was a stage ] before she discovered her true magic powers when investigating the disappearance of her father. The story of this search was the subject of the first major ] ] ] as she meets various superheroes like ], ] and ] and ].


At the conclusion of ]'s ] "American Gothic" storyline<ref>Chronicled in '']'' (vol. 2) #35-50 (April 1985-July 1986).</ref> (which was tied to the events of '']''), ] comes to get Zatanna, ] and ] to come together to help demonic and divine forces in other hellish dimensions battle the entity known as the 'Great Evil Beast'. The séance is held at Wintersgate Manor, the home of ] in Georgetown, Washington D.C., which is also a temporal threshold to other planes of reality. Because Constantine had previously taken Zatanna to a "] studies meeting", Zatara will ''not'' let Zatanna out of his sight with Constantine present and, by his very presence, is forced to take part in the ] to which he was ''not'' invited. The Beast, which is so tall that its thumb alone looms over Hell, takes notice of their group twice. The first glimpse dooms Sargon, whom Zatara convinces to 'die like a sorcerer' and not break the holding of hands. Sargon burns to death nobly. The second glimpse starts to literally heat up Zatanna. Zatara willingly takes the effect onto himself, dying (his smoldering hat lands on the table), but sparing his daughter's life.<ref>''Swamp Thing'' (vol. 2) #49-50 (June–July 1986)</ref>
===Justice League member===
She assisted the ] on a number of cases before finally being elected to membership in ''Justice League of America'' #161. During her tenure with that group, her power level was briefly reduced to having control of the four elements of ] (earth, air, fire, and water); this limitation was reversed in ''World's Finest Comics'' #277.


===Post-''Crisis''===
While she was a member of the group, the villan ] brutally raped the ]'s wife ] and threatned to after the other JLA's members as well. After erasing Light's memories of the event, the JLA decided to also tamper with his mind so he wouldn't pose a threat to their loved ones anymore. Zatanna used her magic to do so, accidentally lowering his intellect as a result. She also had to erase ]'s memories of the event, after he tried to stop them altering Light. This was all revealed in the 2004 miniseries '']''.
Zatanna starred in a special solo one-shot in 1987 that featured Zatanna exploring her mother Sindella's background and battling the villainous sorceress Allura.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= ]|inker= Morrow, Gray|story=Zatanna Special|title= Zatanna|issue= #1|date=1987}}</ref> In ]'s '']'' limited series, Zatanna becomes friends and even temporary guardian to ], a boy destined to become the greatest wizard in the world,<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= ]|inker= Hampton, Scott|story= The Shadow World|title= ]|issue= #2|date=1990}}</ref> and his girlfriend Molly who at the time was cursed by the Queen of the Fairies and unable to touch anything in the human world, including the ground. After a brief stay, she sent Molly home and Tim wandered off on his own adventures. In 1993, Zatanna starred in her first solo limited series, titled ''Zatanna: Come Together'', which saw her summoning her mother's spirit and battling the sorcerer Tannarak and a demon called Xaos.


When the Justice League vanish in the past as they attempt to rescue the missing Aquaman, an emergency protocol set up by Batman assembles a new League, with this team including ] as its magical expert. However, when the current threat is identified as ], an ancient Atlantean sorceress who seeks to conquer the world, she uses a quagmire spell to absorb Zatanna and Tempest into herself. When new League leader Nightwing attempts to order Blood to transform into Etrigan to help them against Gamemnae, Blood insists that Zatanna is the one they need, sacrificing himself to Gamemnae's quagmire spell in order to free Zatanna. She subsequently joins Nightwing, Firestorm and Hawkgirl in travelling back to ancient Atlantis, where Aquaman has been trapped in a pool of water as a water wraith, Firestorm creating a channel between the pool and the sea before Zatanna casts a spell that allowed the water-based Aquaman to control the entire ocean as his body, allowing him to sink Atlantis in the past and present and disrupt Gamemnae's power.
After her departure from the team, she regained her full power and she continues her stage career with the additional calling as a sentinel against mystical threats.


Zatanna starred in another solo one-shot in 2003, ''Zatanna: Everyday Magic'', in which she fought Nimue Ravensong, a magic-user jealous of Zatanna's ability to use magic naturally and without committing sacrifices. Nimue seduced and cursed John Constantine, leading Zatanna into conflict with the wannabe sorceress.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= Mays, Rick|inker= Mays, Rick|story= Everyday Magic|title= Zatanna|issue= #1|date=2003}}</ref> In the 2004 limited series '']'', Zatanna is a member of the Justice League at the time the villain ] rapes the Elongated Man's wife, ]. When apprehended, he threatens the JLA members' families. Although Zatanna is prepared to erase Light's memories of the incident as she had done to other villains with knowledge dangerous to the League, tampering with Light's mind sparks a debate among the team's members: should the villain's personality be transformed to prevent him from repeating his crime. Zatanna, Hawkman, and the ] vote for such action, while ], ], and Green Lantern vote against. The ] breaks the tie. Zatanna mind-wipes Light, and the process results in his intellectual abilities being lowered.<ref>Cowsill, Alan "2000s" in Dolan, p. 313: "The Justice League had...asked Zatanna to erase Light's memory and alter his mind".</ref> In the midst of the process, Batman appears and tries to stop it. Zatanna freezes him, and the members vote unanimously to erase Batman's memories of the incident as well.
In 2005 Zatanna is one of the main 7 in Grant Morrison's 30-issue mini-series '']''.


Her working relationship to Batman sours after he remembers the alteration to his memory. When Zatanna helps Batman with reconnaissance at one of ]'s Lazarus Pits, she asks him why he came to her and Batman says: "I needed someone I could trust. But I had to settle for you". After '']'', their relationship appears to have warmed; in ''Detective Comics'' #824 he calls her for information on a card-counter involved in scamming the ]. He makes no mention of their conflict, and casually calls her by her nickname, "Zee".
===Vertigo===


] discovers that Zatanna's mind-wipe of Dr. Light in ''Identity Crisis'' is not an isolated occurrence; Catwoman's journey from villain to hero and her resulting efforts to lead a moral life are retconned as being the result of Zatanna's mental intervention. Catwoman comes to distrust her memories, motives, and the choices she has made since that incident. In retaliation, Catwoman shoves Zatanna out a window, with her mouth taped shut. Zatanna parries the next attack from Catwoman and freezes her, before apologizing and leaving her.
Zatanna also appears in DC's ] imprint. She appears several times in '']'', typically to counsel Timothy Hunter, the main character. In ] she was the ] partner of ] at one point in the past. An alternate version of Zatanna with blonde hair was seen in '']''. The world depicted there is populated by both humans(known there as the Bred) and by races of the ] (known as the Born). A war is going on between the the Born ruling elite and a coalition of Born and Bred who intend to overthrow the current dictatorial regime. The version of Zatanna that exist on this world fights for this Coalition.


A 2005 four-issue ''Zatanna'' limited series was published as part of ]'s '']'' event.<ref>Cowsill "2000s" in Dolan, p. 319: "Grant Morrison's imagining of the ''Seven Soldiers of Victory'' was one of DC's most adventurous titles...The story started in ''Seven Soldiers of Victory'' #0 and continued in seven four-issue miniseries – ''The Bulleteer'', ''Frankenstein'', ''Mister Miracle'', ''Zatanna'', ''Shining Knight'', ''Manhattan Guardian'', and ''Klarion''".</ref> In it, at a ] for superheroes, she recounts a failed magical ritual to search for her father's tomes, during which one of her past spells summons a shapeshifter named Gwydion, who kills her companions. This ], combined with her guilt from her former mind-wipes, robs her of her powers. With the help of her new apprentice, ], she captures Gwydion to use as her own. She eventually regains her confidence and powers, and uses them to defeat Zor, a rogue Time Tailor who released the Sheeda as a ] to infect and degrade the entire universe. As a reward, the other Time Tailors allow her one last meeting with her father, who reveals that his books were written for her, his "greatest spell and gift to the world". In the final battle against the Sheeda, Zatanna casts a spell to move time and space, retroactively positioning the Seven Soldiers to overthrow the Sheeda.
==Depictions in other media==
]'']]


In ''Detective Comics'' #833 (August 2007), it is stated that Zatanna's father was a friend of ]. Zatara trained Bruce Wayne in the art of escape, and Bruce and Zatanna were childhood friends, although Batman believes that he has never met her in ''Justice League of America'' #51, and her only memory of meeting him is while she was disguised. Bruce helps Zatanna investigate the death of one of her former assistants; all clues point to a performer named Ivar Loxias. Loxias is revealed to be the ] in disguise; he shoots Zatanna in the throat and incapacitates Batman. Zatanna is able to heal herself by writing a curing spell in her own blood, and she is instrumental in foiling the Joker's scheme, driving Joker insane in the process. Bruce puts Zatanna's betrayal behind him, allowing the two to renew their friendship.
The animated version of Zatanna first appeared in '']'' (voiced by ]) where she was depicted as simply being an illusionist with no apparent magic powers. She developed a close friendship with ] during the years in which Bruce was travelling the globe, learning skills that would later serve him as Batman. He came to Zatara as "John Smith" to learn to be an escape artist, but also found his young daughter growing attracted to him. Later in life, she came to ] with her magic show, but found herself being framed by a cynical and criminal magic debunker, Montague Kane. Her efforts to restore her name and stop Kane put her side-by-side with the Batman, whom she ended up recognizing as "John Smith".


On the "Roll Call" of ''Justice League of America'' #22 (August 2008), Zatanna is listed as a part of the team. Called upon to help with the ]'s restoration in his android form, she aids the League when they are attacked by a new, powerful iteration of ]. During the battle, Zatanna has her mouth magically removed with her spells, and once again uses her blood to write out spells and restore it.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= ]|inker= Benes, Ed|story= The Second Coming Chapter Two: Things Fall Apart|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #23|date= September 2008}}</ref> After that Wonder Woman throws off Amazo's concentration and free Zatanna. Zatanna then defeats Amazo once and for all by using the Red Tornado's soul. Following this battle, Zatanna rejoins the team.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= McDuffie, Dwayne|penciller= Goldman, Allan|inker= Rollis, Prentis; Ramos, Rodney; Fridolfs, Derek|story= The Second Coming Chapter Three: The Blood-Dimmed Tide|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #24|date= October 2008}}</ref>
Since then, further depictions both on online ] shorts and in '']'' (voiced by ]) have shown her with powers. Somewhere between ''Batman'' and ''JLU'', she gained both significant magical powers and knowledge of the real secret identity of Batman. This granted her membership to the expanded 57-member superhero group, which helped Batman when Circe transformed ] into a pig. Zatanna led Batman on a chase of the goddess, culminating in Batman having to sing "Am I Blue?" (thus exposing a hidden part of himself) to get Circe to reverse the spell.


Zatanna later accompanies ], ], and Batman to Metropolis after they come to believe ] has been kidnapped by agents of the covert metahuman team known as the ].<ref>{{cite comic| writer= McDuffie, Dwayne|penciller= Benes, Ed|inker= Benes, Ed; Hunter, Rob; ]; Geraci, Drew|story= Be Careful What You Wish For...|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #27|date= January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= McDuffie, Dwayne|penciller= Luis, Jose|inker= Mayer, J.P.|story= Welcome To Sundown Town Part Two: Shadow and Act|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #28|date= February 2009}}</ref> After a brief conflict, Zatanna and the others are informed by teenage superheroine ] that Kimiyo's perceived abduction was actually a misunderstanding caused by the Shadow Cabinet's mission to seek out her help in dealing with the cosmic vampire known as ].<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Wein, Len|penciller= ]|inker= Stull, Rob; ChrisCross|story= Star-Struck|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #29|date= March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= McDuffie, Dwayne|penciller= Luis, Jose|inker= Mayer, J.P.|story= Welcome To Sundown Town Chapter 3: New Moon Rising|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #30|date= April 2009}}</ref> With assistance from ] and ], Zatanna and her comrades are able to defeat Starbreaker in a battle in the ].<ref>{{cite comic| writer= McDuffie, Dwayne|penciller= ]|inker= Dell, John|story= Welcome To Sundown Town Chapter 4: Nyctophobia|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #32|date= June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= McDuffie, Dwayne|penciller= Morales, Rags|inker= Dell, John|story= Welcome To Sundown Town Chapter 6: Metathesiophobia|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #33|date= July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= McDuffie, Dwayne|penciller= ]; ]|inker= Ho, Don; Jose, Ruy; ]; Purcell, Jack; Propst, Mark|story= Welcome To Sundown Town Conclusion: The Dharma Initiative|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #34|date= August 2009}}</ref>
] fan-favorite writer ] wrote both of Zatanna's major appearances as chronicled above, and apparently likes the character quite a lot. (In 1998, Alan Burnett told ]: "Paul Dini wanted to use Zatanna because he’s secretly in love with her. It’s something we try not to talk about too much.") Paul recently married magician , who has been cited by Zatanna fans as a real-life version of the character, so the last laugh may indeed be his.


]'' costume. Art by Mikel Janin.]]
In addition, there were also two episodes of a '']'' contest entry where Zatanna was a teenage hero who was more like a cross between '']'' and '']''.
In ''Gotham City Sirens'' Zatanna is visited and restrained by ], who interacts via a tree and asks her if her encounter with Catwoman changed Selina in any way.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= March, Guillem|inker= March, Guillem|story= Union|title= ]|issue= #1|date= August 2009}}</ref>


Zatanna takes a leave of absence from the JLA, only to reappear during a battle with ]. Once he is defeated, Zatanna informs the League of the apocalyptic events of the '']'' taking place across the globe.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= ]|inker= Hunter, Rob|story= Out Of The Ashes..|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #38|date= December 2009}}</ref> After taking the team to the Hall of Justice to find Firestorm, she is forced to fight the undead form of her father, continually pitting the black magic he wields against her own;<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Robinson, James|penciller= Bagley, Mark|inker= Hunter, Rob|story= By My Black Hand, The Dead Shall Rise! Part One: Reunion|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #39|date= January 2010}}</ref> it is implied she was successful in banishing the Black Lantern, but was left psychologically crushed from having to kill her father again.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Robinson, James|penciller= Bagley, Mark|inker= Hunter, Rob; Hanna, Hanna; Alquiza, Marlo|story= By My Black Hand, The Dead Shall Rise! Part Two: Reunion|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #40|date= February 2010}}</ref> In the aftermath of ''Blackest Night'', Kimiyo mentions that Zatanna is one of the members who has left the team.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Robinson, James|penciller= Bagley, Mark|inker= Hunter, Rob; Alquiza, Marlo; Wong, Walden|story= Team History|title= Justice League of America|volume= 2|issue= #41|date= March 2010}}</ref>
==See also==
*]


In May 2010 Zatanna received her own solo series, written by ] and drawn by ]. No longer an active member of the JLA, Zatanna is asked by officer Dale Colton to help solve a murder case at a restaurant frequented by mobsters. Zatanna informs Dale that the murderer was a powerful sorcerer known as Brother Night, who rules the supernatural crime scene in San Francisco. After Zatanna shows up at Night's demonic nightclub and threatens him, he responds by calling upon a powerful nightmare demon for help in battling her,<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Dini, Paul|penciller= ]|inker= ]|story= Captured By My Worst Enemies...|title= Zatanna|issue= #1|date= July 2010}}</ref> but Zatanna defeats and imprisons the demon to aid her later.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Dini, Paul|penciller= Roux, Stéphane|inker= Story, Karl; Roux, Stéphane|story= Fuseli's Nightmare|title= Zatanna|issue= #2|date= August 2010}}</ref> A crooked casino owner who had made a deal for eternal youth with the demon of avarice by selling the souls of his brides to the demon attempts to use a love potion to win Zatanna's soul.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Dini, Paul|penciller= Hardin, Chad|inker= ]|story= Double or Nothing|title= Zatanna|issue= #5|date= November 2010}}</ref> When her cousin Zachary Zatara breaks the spell, the casino owner begs Zatanna to turn him into a soulless lump of gold in order to escape torment in Hell.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Dini, Paul|penciller= Saiz, Jesus|inker= Saiz, Jesus|story= Married in Vegas|title= Zatanna|issue= #6|date= December 2010}}</ref> Aside from Brother Night, Zatanna faces other threats, such as Oscar Hample, a man who tried to murder her when she was a child and was turned into a puppet by her father.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Dini, Paul|penciller= ]|inker= Chiang, Cliff|story= Pupaphobia|title= Zatanna|issue= #8|date= February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= Dini, Paul|penciller= Chiang, Cliff|inker= Chiang, Cliff|story= Stringleshanks|title= Zatanna|issue= #9|date= March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= Dini, Paul|penciller= Chiang, Cliff|inker= Chiang, Cliff|story= Strung Along|title= Zatanna|issue= #10|date= April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= Dini, Paul|penciller= ]|inker= Sibal, Jon|story= Unstrung|title= Zatanna|issue= #11|date= May 2011}}</ref> The ''Zatanna'' series ended with issue #16 (October 2011).
==External link==
*


===''The New 52''===
]
{{Update|date=August 2017}}
]
In September 2011, '']'' rebooted DC's continuity. Zatanna is one of the main characters in ]'s '']'' series. She sports a new costume, though she still wears her classic magician's outfit during shows. In the first issue, she learns that Superman, Wonder Woman, and ] have been defeated by the ] and volunteers her services to the League.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= ]|penciller= Janin, Mikel|inker= Janin, Mikel|story= In The Dark Part One: Imaginary Women|title= ]|issue= #1|date= November 2011}}</ref>
]

]
The ] and Zatanna graphic novel ''Bloodspell'' written by Paul Dini and drawn by Joe Quinones was to be released in 2012, but was delayed until May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://comicsalliance.com/black-canary-zatanna-bloodspell-review-dc-comics-joe-quinones-paul-dini/ |title=''Black Canary & Zatanna: Bloodspell'' Is The Finest Crossover To Ever Be Based Entirely Around Fishnet Stockings |first=Chris |last=Sims |date=May 21, 2014 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706050038/http://comicsalliance.com/black-canary-zatanna-bloodspell-review-dc-comics-joe-quinones-paul-dini/ |archive-date=July 6, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The story centered around a 16-year-old Black Canary's first meeting Zatanna.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/05/paul-dini-and-joe-quinones-working-on-zatannablack-canary-team-up/|title= Paul Dini, Joe Quinones working on Zatanna/Black Canary team-up|first= Chris|last= Arrant|date= May 12, 2011|publisher= ]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202232843/http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/05/paul-dini-and-joe-quinones-working-on-zatannablack-canary-team-up/|archive-date= February 2, 2014|url-status= live}}</ref>

===''DC Rebirth''===
Zatanna made her first ''Rebirth'' appearance in ''Detective Comics'' #958, assisting ] in taking out a robot chasing after a cult member. Later on, Zatanna shows Bruce magic. Later Bruce sees her again and asks her to teach him more about magic. Ultimately she declines and wipes his memory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGuire |first=Liam |date=2022-07-19 |title=Batman Tried To Learn Magic And Gain Powers Before Becoming A Superhero |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-powers-magic-bruce-wayne-dc-comics/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> After the conclusion of the main storyline of the ''DC Rebirth'' '']'' series, Zatanna is implied to be an outpatient therapist of sorts for Beth Kane, Kate Kane's twin sister.<ref>''Batwoman'' (vol. 3) #17 (September 2018). DC Comics.</ref>

In 2018, a new ''Justice League Dark'' series began, with a redesigned Zatanna being part of the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/justice-league-dark-wonder-woman-swamp-thing/|title = Justice League Dark Artist Reveals Character Designs for New DC Series|date = 26 March 2018}}</ref> Zatanna travels to Northern Italy to bind a group of demons called ''Il Osservatori'' in a story called ''Zatanna: Sleight of Hand'', published in the ''DC New Talent Showcase 2018'' #1.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Cady, Ryan|penciller= Goodheart, Isaac|inker= Goodheart, Isaac|story=Sleight of Hand|title= DC New Talent Showcase 2018|issue= #1|date=2018}}</ref>

== Characterization ==

=== Zatanna Zatara ===
Within the ], Zatanna is commonly depicted as having a public identity as both a stage magician and genuine sorceress that battles evil alongside famous heroes such as the Justice League.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zatanna {{!}} Official DC Character |url=https://www.dc.com/characters/zatanna |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=DC |language=en-us}}</ref> Throughout her publication history, she would adopted several roles as a superhero, serving as a prominent mystic consultant<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /> and a popular leader of various iterations of the Justice League,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Conway |first=Gerry |title=Justice League of America #206 |publisher=] |year=1982}}</ref> most notably the supernatural offshoot, the Justice League Dark, dedicated to handling supernatural threats.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herbison |first=Andrew |date=2021-04-24 |title=Justice League Dark Officially Names a New Leader |url=https://www.cbr.com/justice-league-dark-zatanna-leader/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> Over time, the character's reputation and power is portrayed to be highly regarded, rivaling esteemed sorcerers and sorceresses such as of ],<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Kelly |first=Joe |title=JLA. The Obsidian age. Book One |date=2003 |publisher=DC Comics |others=Doug Mahnke, Yvel Guichet |isbn=1-56389-991-4 |location=New York, NY |oclc=52351767}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bendis |first=Brian Michael |title=Leagues of chaos |author2=Szymon Kudranski |author3=Emanuela Lupacchino |author4=Wade Von Grawbadger |author5=Scott Hanna |date=2023 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-77951-983-2 |location=Burbank, CA |oclc=1356407012}}</ref> ],<ref name=":4" /> and ].<ref name="A costly trick of magic">{{Cite book |last=V |first=Ram |title=A costly trick of magic |author2=James Tynion IV |author3=Amancay Nahuelpan |author4=Álvaro Martínez Bueno |date=2021 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-77950-714-3 |location=Burbank, CA |oclc=1198086664}}</ref> She is sometimes also referred to under the title of "Sorceress Supreme".<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Snyder |first1=Scott |url=https://www.amazon.com/DC-NATION-0-Scott-Snyder/dp/B07CN7G2ML |title=DC NATION #0 |last2=Bendis |first2=Brian Michael |last3=King |first3=Tom |date=2018-01-01 |publisher=DC Comics |edition=1st}}</ref>

==== Heritage and ancestry ====
Originally, the character was portrayed as half human and half homo magi, with her human lineage stemming from her father's side. However, later retellings of Giovanni's background established her as a full homo magi.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wagner |first=Matt |title=Madame Xanadu: Disenchanted |publisher=] |year=2009 |isbn=978-1401222918}}</ref> This updated heritage has persisted in the New 52 onward.<ref name=":3" /> Additionally, the character's maternal ancestry includes demigod ], a revered figure in ancient Atlantean history and the Sorcerer Supreme of ancient Atlantis.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mars |first=Lee |title=Zatanna #4 |publisher=] |year=1993}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Johns |first=Geoff |title=52 #34 |publisher=DC Comics |year=2007}}</ref> Conversely, the character's paternal line makes her a descendant of ] and is related to ], ], ], and Evan Fulcanelli, making her of French and Italian descent.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Fox |first=Gardner F. |title=Justice League of America : Zatanna's search |date=2004 |publisher=DC Comics |others=Gerry Conway, Murphy Anderson, Carmine Infantino, Bob Kane, Gil Kane, Mike Sekowsky |isbn=1-4012-0188-1 |location=New York |oclc=54495465}}</ref>

=== Relationships ===
In comics taking place in the mainstream continuity, Zatanna has had various relationships with other DC Characters, including ] (with whom she practiced ]) and ].<ref>{{cite comic|writer=]|penciller=]|inker=Gray, Mick|story=Talking Backwards Sdrawkcab Gniklat|title=]: Zatanna|issue=#1|date=June 2005}}</ref> Zatanna also had a flirtatious relationship with her fellow Justice Leaguer ] shortly after the death of his wife Iris.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=Conway, Gerry|penciller=]|inker=McLaughlin, Frank|story=Proteus Says: 'All Things Must Change!'|title=Justice League of America|issue=#187|date=February 1981}}</ref> In '']'' timeline, Zatanna is romantically involved with ].<ref>{{cite comic|writer=]; Wein, Len|penciller=Guinaldo, Andres|inker=Wong, Walden|story=Scars|title=]|issue=#1|date=November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=September 19, 2014|title=Zatanna & The Demon Makes Strange Bedfellows in ''Justice League Dark: Futures End'' #1|url=http://www.newsarama.com/22192-justice-league-dark-futures-end-1-preview.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127031043/http://www.newsarama.com/22192-justice-league-dark-futures-end-1-preview.html|archive-date=November 27, 2014|publisher=]}}</ref> In the Mystik U universe, Zatanna pursued a romantic relationship with Sebastian Faust, the son of infamous sorcerer Felix Faust.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Terror |first=Jude |date=August 17, 2017 |title=Alisa Kwitney And Mike Norton Take Zatanna To College In 'Mystik U' From DC In November |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/zatanna-college-mystik-u-dc-november/ |access-date=September 23, 2020 |website=Bleeding Cool}}</ref>

She has a strong friendship with Batman due to their shared (retconned) pasts. In ''Detective Comics'' #843-844, Zatanna and Bruce briefly discuss the possibility of having a more meaningful relationship. Both later concede that Bruce is too devoted to his cause as Batman to give her the relationship she wishes for, but the pair reaffirm their bond as close friends. Catwoman once considered Zatanna a more dangerous contender for Bruce's attentions than ], his fiancé at the time.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=Dini, Paul|penciller=]|inker=Fridolfs, Derek|story=The Riddle Unanswered|title=Detective Comics|issue=#845|date=August 2008}}</ref> A pep talk between the two women confirms how Zatanna really meant, during the fateful discussion with Bruce, to explore the possibility of a true romance, but turned out quietly resigned to the role of best friend and confidant. Claiming to act on Bruce's best interest, she pushes Selina into confessing her feelings to Bruce, thus ''stealing'' him from Jezebel Jet before it is too late.<ref name="Detective847">{{cite comic|writer=Dini, Paul|penciller=Nguyen, Dustin|inker=Fridolfs, Derek|story=Batman R.I.P.: Heart of Hush Part 2 of 5: The Last Good Day|title=Detective Comics|issue=#847|date=October 2008}}</ref>

In mainstream media, ] touches on Bruce and Zatanna's closeness depicted as her having had a crush on him while he trained under her father as "John Smith", though she later found out his real name. Decades later, an elderly Bruce is shown to still care for her as he keeps a picture of her along with pictures of his other love interests in a file in the Batcomputer. In the TV series ''Young Justice'', Zatanna has a flirtatious and possibly romantic friendship with ] during Season 1. Dick later says that they have a "history" in Season 2 (five years after Season 1), implying that they dated and eventually broke up but still remained close. In season 4, Artemis mentions that both Zatanna and ] dated Dick prior.

==Powers, abilities, and resources==
] on the cover of ''Zatanna: Everyday Magic'' (2003). ] by ].]]
Due to her ] heritage, Zatanna possess inherent magical abilities that give her command over mystic and cosmic forces.<ref name=":5" /> In most depictions, the character employs her powers by a unique method known as '''Logomancy''', a form of magic that invokes supernatural effects and reality alteration by speaking backwards, enabling her a wide range of powers including teleportation, healing, manipulation of others' minds, and many more.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |author=Scott Beatty |title=The DC comics encyclopedia : the definitive guide to the characters of the DC universe |author2=Robert Greenberger |author3=Phil Jimenez |author4=Dan Wallace |date=2008 |publisher=DK Pub |isbn=978-0-7566-4119-1 |edition=Updated and expanded |location=New York |oclc=213309017}}</ref> The character is also versed in different variations of magic such as ], ] for insight or divination, and can draw power from a collection of mystic artifacts collected by her family similarly to other traditional magic practitioners.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last=Mars |first=Lee |title=Zatanna #1-4 |publisher=DC Comics |year=1993}}</ref> Zatanna is also a talented ] and has honed her abilities in both the sleight of hand and invented variations of card tricks. She is also depicted as having trained in hand-to-hand combat for situations where she no longer has her magic and is a highly skilled ].

=== Resources and artifacts ===
Due to her lineage from both sides of the family, Zatanna has access to a diverse collection of arcane objects amassed throughout generations from her families. Much of these are stored in the '''Shadowcrest Manor''', the sentient and ancestral home of the Zatara family which relocates to different locations periodically and is invisible to ordinary observation.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book |last1=Dini |first1=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4CqfIQAACAAJ |title=Countdown to Final Crisis |last2=Giffen |first2=Keith |last3=Saiz |first3=Jesús |date=2008 |publisher=DC Comics |isbn=978-1-4012-1824-9 |language=en}}</ref> The manor can only be accessed by special magic keys or voice recognition<ref>{{Cite book |last=Waid |first=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EaeSEAAAQBAJ |title=Batman Vs. Robin |date=2023-07-04 |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-77951-859-0 |language=en}}</ref> and houses the collection of arcane objects, a private library, bestiary, and is inhabited by magical constructs that serve Zatanna, including Hassan the Mummy, who protects the manor.<ref name=":8" /> Zatanna also owns a personal apartment in Gotham City, serving as her more publicly accessible residence. Known as the '''Curious Abode of Zatanna Zatara''', it also serves as the central location for her side business, "'''Zatanna's One-Stop Shop For Magical and Mystical Mayhem and Management"''', providing magical services such interdimensional travel and the delivery of mail across different universes and is occasionally assisted by ].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Howard |first1=Tini |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NQG9EAAAQBAJ |title=Harley Quinn (2021-) #30 |last2=Maines |first2=Nicole |date=2023-05-23 |publisher=DC Comics |language=en}}</ref>

The '''Talisman of Atlantis''' is the mystical amulet Zatanna used during the character's redesign in the 1990s. Used in tandem with a '''magical staff''', it allowed her to channel magic through concentration alone, offering additional ease and control.<ref name=":7" /> She also possess the '''''Demonography''''' book which contained comprehensive on demonic entities and is magically updated by unnamed entities<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Mishkin |first1=Dan |title=Blue Devil #4 |last2=Cohn |first2=Gary |publisher=] |year=1984}}</ref> and the '''Gnosis Sphere''', regarded as among the most perilous objects in the Zatara family collection known for its ability to answer any question posed to it upon direct contact.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tynion IV |first=James |title=Detective Comics: Deus Ex Machina |publisher=] |year=2017 |isbn=9781401274979}}</ref> She also appropriated the '''Sword of the Sleepless Queen''', a weapon capable of transforming others into a "nightmare" version of themselves and serving as a durable, enchanted blade. Zatanna would keep the magical sword after the events of ''Knight Terrors''.

=== Weaknesses ===
Zatanna, as a practitioner of Logomancy, utilizes speech as the primary channel for her magical abilities. This reliance on verbal communication has made her vulnerable to being incapacitated by villains who restrain her through binding and gagging. It is observed that her magical powers tend to increase when unused,<ref>{{Cite comic|writer=]|artist=]|letterer=Brosseau, Pat|editor=], Chris Conroy|story=SymmetryyrtemmyS|title=]|volume=2|issue=#12|date=June 2011|publisher=]|page=|panel=|id=}}</ref> but excessive use can deplete them, leading to a strain on her physical well-being. Similar to other magic users, Zatanna can only replenish her waning powers through an extended period of rest. Additionally, there appears to be a connection between Zatanna's powers and her self-confidence. In the narrative ''Seven Soldiers'', a series of significant mistakes left her emotionally and psychologically shattered, rendering her powerless. It was only through the process of restoring her lost confidence that she was able to regain her magical abilities.

==Other versions==

* '''Conjura''', a character based on Zatanna, appears in ''DC Super Dictionary''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Holmes |first1=Mary Z. |title=The Super Dictionary |date=July 1978 |publisher=Holt McDougal |isbn=9780030437564 |page=44}}</ref>
* An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in '']''. This version is an agent of the Privy Council, a totalitarian religious group that rules over North America.
* '''Wanda Zatara / White Witch''', a fusion of Zatanna and ] character ], appears in the ] universe.<ref>{{cite comic |date=April 1996 |title=Doctor Strangefate |story=The Decrees of Fate |issue=#1 |writer=] |penciller=] |inker=]}}</ref>
* An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in '']''.
* '''Annataz Arataz''', Zatanna's evil ] counterpart, appears in '']'' #23.
* An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in the '']'' storyline. This version is a member of the ] and part of a motorcycle gang.<ref>{{cite comic |date=September 2011 |title=Flashpoint: Secret Seven |story=Part Two: Call of the Wild |issue=#2 |writer=Milligan, Peter |penciller=Blanco, Fernando |inker=Koblish, Scott}}</ref>
* An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in '']''. This version is of ] and ] descent and was previously forced to aid the ], during which she befriended ] before eventually escaping.
* An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in ''Mystik U''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Beedle |first=Tim |date=August 17, 2017 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Zatanna, Faust and More Enroll in Mystik U |url=https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2017/08/17/exclusive-zatanna-faust-and-more-enroll-in-mystik-u |access-date=September 23, 2020 |website=DC Comics}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> This version is a student of the titular academy and girlfriend of ].
* Zatanna appears in the web comic ''Zatanna and the Ripper'', co-published by DC Comics and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jenna |date=July 11, 2022 |title=Zatanna & the Ripper Trailer Released by DC and Webtoon |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/zatanna-and-the-ripper-trailer-released-dc-webtoon/ |access-date=July 16, 2024 |website=DC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lancaster |first=Taylor |date=July 15, 2022 |title=Zatanna's New Webtoon Breaks Pop Culture's Biggest Rule About Magic |url=https://screenrant.com/webtoon-zatanna-ripper-magic-dc-comics/ |access-date=July 16, 2024 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>
* Zatanna appears in the graphic novel ''Zatanna and the House of Secrets''. This version lives in the titular house with her father Zatara and rabbit Pocus.<ref>{{cite press release |title=DC Announces New Young Adult and Middle Grade Graphic Novels at ALA Annual |website=DC Comics |url=https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2019/06/22/dc-announces-new-young-adult-and-middle-grade-graphic-novels-at-ala-annual |date=June 22, 2019 |access-date=September 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mozzocco |first=J. Caleb |date=April 28, 2020 |title=Review: 'Zatanna and The House of Secrets' |url=http://blogs.slj.com/goodcomicsforkids/2020/04/28/review-zatanna-and-the-house-of-secrets/ |access-date=September 23, 2020 |website=School Library Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 18, 2020 |title=Zatanna and The House of Secrets |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/matthew-cody/zatanna-and-the-house-of-secrets/ |access-date=September 23, 2020 |website=Kirkus Reviews}}</ref>
* Zatanna appears in the graphic novel ''Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend by Alys Arden|website=Penguin Random House|url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/667179/zatanna-the-jewel-of-gravesend-by-alys-arden/|access-date=September 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=DC reveals new artwork for Beast Boy, Zatanna, Batgirl YA titles|website=Smash Pages|last=Parkin|first=JK|url=http://smashpages.net/2019/10/05/dc-reveals-new-artwork-for-beast-boy-zatanna-batgirl-ya-titles/|date=October 5, 2019|access-date=September 23, 2020}}</ref>

==In other media==
===Television===
* Zatanna appears in series set in the ] (DCAU):
** She first appears in a ] of '']'', voiced by ].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Zatanna Voices (DC Universe) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/DC-Universe/Zatanna/ |access-date=January 9, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref> This version befriended ] as a youth and developed a crush on him while he was training under her father Zatara. In the present, while working as a magician, she reunites with Batman while foiling criminal magic debunker Montague Kane's plans.
** Zatanna makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in '']'' episode "Chemistry".
** Zatanna makes a cameo appearance in a photograph depicted in the '']'' episode "Out of the Past".
** Zatanna appears in '']'', voiced by ] in "This Little Piggy" and by ] in "The Balance".<ref name="btva" /> As of this series, she has joined the ] while continuing her stage magician career. Additionally, she is capable of reciting spells without speaking and while speaking normally.
* Zatanna appears in '']'', portrayed by ]. Her most major role was attempting to reclaim a comic book Zatara had cursed, but it afflicted the wrong person. By Season 10 Zatanna is on the government's list for the Justice League roster. She also magically spiked wine for Clark and Lois's bachelor/ette party, which lead to shenanigans that ended with ] and ] legally married.
* Zatanna appears in the teaser for the '']'' episode "]", voiced again by Jennifer Hale.<ref name="btva" /> This version wears purple tights instead of fishnets.
* Zatanna appears in '']'',<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2011/09/new-young-justice-batman-the-brave-and-the-bold-october-2011-episode-details/|title= New ''Young Justice'', ''Batman: The Brave And The Bold'' October 2011 Episode Details|first= Jim|last= Harvey|date= September 27, 2011|publisher= Worldsfinestonline.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140426233017/http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2011/09/new-young-justice-batman-the-brave-and-the-bold-october-2011-episode-details/|archive-date= April 26, 2014|url-status= live|access-date= April 25, 2014}}</ref> voiced by ].<ref name="btva" /> This version is initially a teenager and member of the ] who becomes romantically involved with ]. After donning the Helmet of Fate to defeat ], ] refuses to release her until Zatara offers to take her place. Ever since, she works to free her father. In the second season, an adult Zatanna joins the Justice League. In the fourth season, Zatanna trains the ] to help her free Zatara by convincing Nabu to rotate between all of them.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Kevin |last=Lainez |title=YOUNG JUSTICE: PHANTOMS – 'ODNU!' REVIEW |url=https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/young-justice-phantoms-odnu-review/ |date=December 2, 2021 |website=comicbookrevolution.com}}</ref>
* Zatanna appears in '']'', voiced by ].<ref name="btva" />
* Zatanna appears in '']'', voiced again by Lacey Chabert as an adult and by Dayci Brookshire as a child.<ref name="btva" />
* Zatanna appears in '']'', voiced again by Kari Wahlgren.<ref name="btva" /> This version, also known by her first name "Zee", is a dramatic fashionista and student at Metropolis High.
* Zatanna makes non-speaking cameo appearances in '']'' as an associate of the Justice League. As of "A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special", she has entered a relationship with the ].

===Film===
==== Live-action ====
* In 2005, screenwriter Hadley Davis announced that she had written an action-comedy featuring a teenage version of Zatanna.<ref>{{cite web|title=Davis Conjures Zatanna|url=http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire2005/index.php?category=0&id=30663|work=Sci Fi Wire|publisher=]|access-date= April 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051031214705/http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire2005/index.php?category=0&id=30663|archive-date=October 31, 2005|date=March 23, 2005}}</ref>
* Zatanna appears in a proposed ] film project based on the ], which was meant to be part of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://screenrant.com/justice-league-dark-movie-dc-shared-universe/|title= Guillermo del Toro: ''Justice League Dark'' is Part of DC's Shared Movie Universe|first= Ben|last= Kendrick|date= December 3, 2014|publisher= Screen Rant|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150906022604/http://screenrant.com/justice-league-dark-movie-dc-shared-universe/|archive-date= September 6, 2015|url-status= live|quote= Guillermo del Toro: 'Right now the only sort of shared universe project I'm working on is ''Dark Universe'' for Warners, you know, for DC, which is Swamp Thing, Demon, Deadman, Zatanna'.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/28/guillermo-del-toro-gives-justice-league-darkdark-universe-script-to-warner-bros|title= Guillermo del Toro Gives ''Justice League Dark''/''Dark Universe'' Script to Warner Bros.|first= Anthony|last= Couto|date= November 28, 2014|publisher= ]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150109152940/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/28/guillermo-del-toro-gives-justice-league-darkdark-universe-script-to-warner-bros|archive-date= January 9, 2015|url-status= live|quote= The basis for ''Dark Universe'' – the comic book series ''Justice League Dark'' – features supernatural characters from the DC lore, including Zatanna, Deadman, Frankenstein, Swamp Thing, and notably, John Constantine.}}</ref>
* A live-action Zatanna film, developed by ] and ] and with ] serving as a writer, was in production before it was cancelled as of March 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rubin|first=Rebecca|date=March 22, 2021|title=DC Films Taps 'Promising Young Woman' Director Emerald Fennell to Write Zatanna Superhero Movie (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/emerald-fennell-zatanna-movie-1234931976/|access-date=March 22, 2021|website=Variety|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Davis|first=Clayton|date=April 1, 2021|title='Promising Young Woman': Emerald Fennell, Margot Robbie, Josey McNamara on Oscars and if There's a #FennellCut|url=https://variety.com/2021/awards/awards/margot-robbie-emerald-fennell-josey-mcnamara-promising-young-woman-podcast-1234941060/|access-date=April 8, 2021|website=Variety|language=en}}</ref>

====Animation====
* An unnamed alternate universe version of Zatanna makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in '']'' as a minor member of the ].
* The ''Young Justice'' incarnation of Zatanna makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/news/126674-scooby-doo-wrestlemania-mystery-stuns-viewers-with-a-young-justice-easter-egg.html|title= ''Scooby Doo: Wrestlemania Mystery'' Stuns Viewers With a ''Young Justice'' Easter Egg|date= March 13, 2014|publisher= Theouthousers.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160409235640/http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/news/126674-scooby-doo-wrestlemania-mystery-stuns-viewers-with-a-young-justice-easter-egg.html|archive-date= April 9, 2016|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.cbr.com/young-justices-brandon-vietti-pairs-scooby-doo-wwe-hints-at-dc-return/|title= ''Young Justice's'' Brandon Vietti Pairs Scooby-Doo & WWE, Hints at DC Return|last1= White|first1= Brett|last2= Ching|first2= Albert|date= March 25, 2014|publisher= Comic Book Resources|archive-date= October 27, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161027035611/http://www.cbr.com/young-justices-brandon-vietti-pairs-scooby-doo-wwe-hints-at-dc-return/|url-status= live}}</ref>
* Zatanna appears in the ] (DCAMU) films '']'' and '']'', voiced by ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/379295-justice-league-dark-featurette-reveals-matt-ryan-returns-as-constantine|title=''Justice League Dark'' Featurette Reveals Matt Ryan Returns as Constantine!|publisher=Superhero Hype|last=Perry|first=Spencer|date=July 26, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161017100321/http://www.superherohype.com/news/379295-justice-league-dark-featurette-reveals-matt-ryan-returns-as-constantine|archive-date= October 17, 2016|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="btva" /> This version is a member of Justice League Dark.
* Zatanna appears in '']'', voiced by ].<ref name="btva" />
* Zatanna makes a cameo appearance in '']''.<ref name="btva" />
* Zatanna appears in '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harvey |first=James |date=2023-11-22 |title="Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths" Trilogy Teaser Trailer Released |url=https://dcanimated.com/2023/11/justice-league-crisis-on-infinite-earths-trilogy-teaser-trailer-released/ |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=The World's Finest |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Video games===
* Zatanna appears as a playable character in '']'', voiced by ].<ref name="btva" />
* Zatanna appears as a non-playable character (NPC) in '']'', voiced by Claire Hamilton.<ref name="btva" />
* Zatanna appears as a downloadable playable character in '']'', voiced again by Kari Wahlgren.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/05/nightwing-bizarro-and-zatanna-playable-with-lego-batman-2-pre-order-dlc/|title= Nightwing, Bizarro And Zatanna Playable With Lego Batman 2 Pre-Order DLC|first= Evan|last= Narcisse|date= May 22, 2012|publisher= ]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195452/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/05/nightwing-bizarro-and-zatanna-playable-with-lego-batman-2-pre-order-dlc/|archive-date= October 29, 2013|url-status= dead|access-date= November 15, 2012}}</ref>
* Zatanna appears as a playable character in '']'', voiced again by Lacey Chabert.<ref name="btva" />
* Zatanna appears as a downloadable playable character in '']'', voiced again by Lacey Chabert.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.destructoid.com/zatanna-is-the-sixth-dlc-character-for-injustice-259545.phtml|title= Zatanna is the sixth DLC character for ''Injustice''|date= August 7, 2013|publisher= Destructoid.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131213023017/http://www.destructoid.com/zatanna-is-the-sixth-dlc-character-for-injustice-259545.phtml|archive-date= December 13, 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
* Zatanna appears as a playable character in '']'', voiced again by Kari Wahlgren.
* Zatanna appears as a playable character in '']''.
* Zatanna makes non-speaking cameo appearances in ] and ]'s endings in '']''. In the latter, she serves as a founding member of ].
* Zatanna appears as a playable character in ''DC Unchained''.
* Zatanna appears as a playable character in '']'' via the "Justice League Dark" DLC pack.
* Zatanna appears in ''DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power'', voiced again by Kari Wahlgren.<ref name="btva" />

===Miscellaneous===
* Zatanna appears in '']'', voiced by ].{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
* A teenage Zatanna appears in the ''Zatanna: Trial of the Crystal Wand'' segment of ''Cartoon Monsoon'', voiced by ]. This version takes inspiration from '']'' and ] and has an older brother named Damon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/legends-of-yesterday-dc-comics-15-most-forgotten-cartoons/|title=Legends of Yesterday: DC Comics' 15 Most Forgotten Cartoons|date=December 3, 2016|website=Comic Book Resource|last=Webber|first=Tim|access-date=May 31, 2022}}</ref>
* The ''Smallville'' incarnation of Zatanna appears in '']''.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
* The ''Injustice'' incarnation of Zatanna appears in the '']'' prequel comic.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
* The ''DC Super Hero Girls'' incarnation of Zatanna appears in the franchise's tie-in novel ''Spaced Out''.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}


== Collected editions ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Title
!Material collected
!Pages
!Publication date
!ISBN
|-
! colspan="5" |Other collections
|-
|'''''JLA: Zatanna's Search'''''
|'']'' #19, '']'' #4, '']'' #42, '']'' #335 and #355, '']'' #51
|128
|February 2004
|{{ISBNT|978-1401201883}}
|-
|'''''Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell'''''
|''Black Canary and Zatanna''
|144
|June 2015
|{{ISBNT|978-1401201883}}
|-
|'''''Zatanna: Bring Down The House'''''
|''Zatanna: Bring Down The House'' #1-5
|176
|March 2025
|{{ISBNT|978-1799500803}}
|-
! colspan="5" |Volume 2 (2010—2011)
|-
|'''''Zatanna: The Mistress of Magic'''''
|''Zatanna'' #1–6
|144
|March 2011
|{{ISBNT|978-1401230074}}
|-
|'''''Zatanna: Shades of the Past'''''
|''Zatanna'' #7–12
|232
|November 2011
|{{ISBNT|978-1401233006}}
|-
|'''''Zatanna by Paul Dini'''''
|''Zatanna'' #1–16'', Zatanna: Everyday Magic, DC Universe Rebirth Holiday Special,'' ''DC Infinite Halloween Special''
|440
|March 2017
|{{ISBNT|978 1779525833}}
|-
! colspan="5" |]
|-
|'''''Zatanna and the House of Secrets'''''
|All chapters 1-6
|160
|February 2020
|{{ISBNT|978-1401290702}}
|-
|'''''Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend'''''
|All chapters 1-8
|200
|July 2022
|{{ISBNT|978-1401296384}}
|-
! colspan="5" |]
|-
|'''''Zatanna & The Ripper Vol. 1'''''
| rowspan="4" |''Zatanna & The Ripper'' original material
|200
|October 2023
|{{ISBNT|978-1401201883}}
|-
|'''''Zatanna & The Ripper Vol. 2'''''
|200
|December 2023
|{{ISBNT|978 1779522962}}
|-
|'''''Zatanna & The Ripper Vol. 3'''''
|208
|May 2024
|{{ISBNT|978-1779526953}}
|-
|'''''Zatanna & The Ripper Vol. 4'''''
|208
|September 2024
|{{ISBNT|978-1779528179}}
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* at DC Comics.com
* {{comicbookdb|type=character|id=1082|title=Zatanna}}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305031410/http://www.mikesamazingworld.com/features/character.php?characterid=232 |date=2016-03-05 }} at Mike's Amazing World of Comics

{{Zatanna|state=collapsed}}
{{Hellblazer}}
{{Justice League Dark}}
{{Justice League characters}}
{{Gardner Fox|state=collapsed}}

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Latest revision as of 23:44, 21 December 2024

DC Comics superhero This article is about the superhero. For the comic book, see Zatanna (comic book). Comics character
Zatanna
Zatanna in a stage magician's uniform, pulling a variety of creatures out of a top hat and smiling.Variant textless cover of Superman vol. 6 #17 (October 2024).
Art by Stjepan Šejić.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceHawkman #4 (October 10th 1964)
Created byGardner Fox (writer)
Murphy Anderson (artist)
In-story information
Alter egoZatanna Zatara
SpeciesHomo magi
Place of originSan Francisco, California
Team affiliationsJustice League Dark
Justice League
Sentinels of Magic
Seven Soldiers
PartnershipsDoctor Fate (various)
John Constantine
Batman
Wonder Woman
Black Canary
Swamp Thing
The Flash
Raven
Notable aliasesMistress of Magic
Princess of Prestidigitation
Sorceress Supreme
Abilities
  • Mastery of various forms of magic; primarily commands magical energies, cosmic forces, and spell-casting through speaking commands backwards, although not required
  • Occult and demonology expert
  • Master stage magician and escape artist
  • Skilled hand-to-hand combatant
Altered in-story information for adaptations to other media
Notable aliasesDoctor Fate

Zatanna Zatara (/zəˈtænə zəˈtɑːrə/), commonly known mononymously as Zatanna, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Gardner Fox and Murphy Anderson, and first appeared in Hawkman #4 (November 1964).

Zatanna holds the distinction of being the daughter of the renowned magician Zatara and belonging to the homo magi race, a unique subset of humanity endowed with innate magical abilities. Widely recognized for her exceptional skills as a professional illusionist, she captivates audiences with her mesmerizing performances with both stage and actual magic. In addition to her stage persona, Zatanna assumes the mantle of a mystic superhero, wholeheartedly dedicating herself to the quest of thwarting malevolent forces.

Zatanna's extensive understanding of magic and her proficiency in wielding its powers have established her as a highly sought-after consultant in matters pertaining to the arcane arts. Her expertise, coupled with her natural leadership qualities, has led to her assuming prominent roles within the DC Universe. Notably, she has taken up leadership positions in both the contemporary Justice League, a renowned superhero team, and its offshoot branch, the Justice League Dark, which specializes in confronting supernatural threats. This recognition as one of the foremost practitioners of magic solidifies Zatanna's standing as a prominent figure in the DC Universe.

Zatanna has appeared in several different media adaptations, including appearing in several television series in the DC Animated Universe, notably voiced by Julie Brown and Jennifer Hale. She has also appeared as a recurring character in the final three seasons of Smallville, portrayed by actress Serinda Swan. A younger version of the character appears in Young Justice and Justice League Action, voiced by Lacey Chabert, and DC Super Hero Girls, voiced by Kari Wahlgren.

Publication history

Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Murphy Anderson, Zatanna first appeared in Hawkman #4 (November 1964). When she is introduced, she is on a quest to find her father Zatara who made his first appearance in Action Comics #1 but had not been published regularly for several years. The storyline crossed multiple comics published by DC at the time, culminating in issues of Justice League of America, also written by Fox.

Fictional character biography

Pre-Crisis

Zatanna, as she appeared during her debut on a splash page of Hawkman #4 (November 1964). Art by Murphy Anderson.

Zatanna is the daughter of magician Giovanni "John" Zatara who appeared in Golden Age comic books and Sindella, a member of the mystical species Homo magi. Her younger cousin, the teenager Zachary Zatara, is also a magician in the DCU. Zatanna makes her living as a stage illusionist prior to discovering her magical abilities while investigating the disappearance of her father. Her original costume is based upon her father's costume but substituting fishnet stockings and high heels for slacks. Zatanna's search for her father was the subject of a storyline which was featured in several titles edited by Julius Schwartz, and in it, Zatanna interacts with Hawkman and Hawkgirl; battles Batman and Robin while in disguise as a witch and under the control of the villain the Outsider; and teams with the Atom, Green Lantern, and the Elongated Man. The series culminated in Justice League of America #51 (February 1967). This Justice League adventure took place during the Batman television craze when Batman was at the height of his popularity. The premise that the witch in Detective Comics #336 was Zatanna was perceived as an attempt to get Batman participating in this issue of Justice League of America no matter how vague the connection to Zatanna's quest was.

She briefly was featured in backup features in Adventure Comics and Supergirl from 1971 to 1973. Zatanna assists the Justice League of America on a few missions before being elected to membership in Justice League of America #161 (Dec. 1978). Soon after Zatanna joined the group, the identity of her mother was revealed in a multi-issue storyline. Zatanna teamed with Superman in DC Comics Presents and with Batman in The Brave and the Bold. A ten-page short story in DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #5 (Nov.–Dec. 1980) revealed new details about Zatara's origin and how Zatanna's quest to locate her father began. During her tenure with the Justice League, her power level diminishes, so that she can only control the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water. She starred in a backup feature in World's Finest Comics #274–278 and the limitation of her powers is reversed in World's Finest Comics #277 (March 1982). She assists Wonder Woman and several other superheroines in fighting an extraterrestrial threat. Zatanna once elected as the Justice League chairperson via votes.

At the conclusion of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing "American Gothic" storyline (which was tied to the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths), John Constantine comes to get Zatanna, Mento and Sargon the Sorcerer to come together to help demonic and divine forces in other hellish dimensions battle the entity known as the 'Great Evil Beast'. The séance is held at Wintersgate Manor, the home of Baron Winters in Georgetown, Washington D.C., which is also a temporal threshold to other planes of reality. Because Constantine had previously taken Zatanna to a "tantric studies meeting", Zatara will not let Zatanna out of his sight with Constantine present and, by his very presence, is forced to take part in the seance to which he was not invited. The Beast, which is so tall that its thumb alone looms over Hell, takes notice of their group twice. The first glimpse dooms Sargon, whom Zatara convinces to 'die like a sorcerer' and not break the holding of hands. Sargon burns to death nobly. The second glimpse starts to literally heat up Zatanna. Zatara willingly takes the effect onto himself, dying (his smoldering hat lands on the table), but sparing his daughter's life.

Post-Crisis

Zatanna starred in a special solo one-shot in 1987 that featured Zatanna exploring her mother Sindella's background and battling the villainous sorceress Allura. In Neil Gaiman's The Books of Magic limited series, Zatanna becomes friends and even temporary guardian to Timothy Hunter, a boy destined to become the greatest wizard in the world, and his girlfriend Molly who at the time was cursed by the Queen of the Fairies and unable to touch anything in the human world, including the ground. After a brief stay, she sent Molly home and Tim wandered off on his own adventures. In 1993, Zatanna starred in her first solo limited series, titled Zatanna: Come Together, which saw her summoning her mother's spirit and battling the sorcerer Tannarak and a demon called Xaos.

When the Justice League vanish in the past as they attempt to rescue the missing Aquaman, an emergency protocol set up by Batman assembles a new League, with this team including Jason Blood as its magical expert. However, when the current threat is identified as Gamemnae, an ancient Atlantean sorceress who seeks to conquer the world, she uses a quagmire spell to absorb Zatanna and Tempest into herself. When new League leader Nightwing attempts to order Blood to transform into Etrigan to help them against Gamemnae, Blood insists that Zatanna is the one they need, sacrificing himself to Gamemnae's quagmire spell in order to free Zatanna. She subsequently joins Nightwing, Firestorm and Hawkgirl in travelling back to ancient Atlantis, where Aquaman has been trapped in a pool of water as a water wraith, Firestorm creating a channel between the pool and the sea before Zatanna casts a spell that allowed the water-based Aquaman to control the entire ocean as his body, allowing him to sink Atlantis in the past and present and disrupt Gamemnae's power.

Zatanna starred in another solo one-shot in 2003, Zatanna: Everyday Magic, in which she fought Nimue Ravensong, a magic-user jealous of Zatanna's ability to use magic naturally and without committing sacrifices. Nimue seduced and cursed John Constantine, leading Zatanna into conflict with the wannabe sorceress. In the 2004 limited series Identity Crisis, Zatanna is a member of the Justice League at the time the villain Doctor Light rapes the Elongated Man's wife, Sue Dibny. When apprehended, he threatens the JLA members' families. Although Zatanna is prepared to erase Light's memories of the incident as she had done to other villains with knowledge dangerous to the League, tampering with Light's mind sparks a debate among the team's members: should the villain's personality be transformed to prevent him from repeating his crime. Zatanna, Hawkman, and the Atom (Ray Palmer) vote for such action, while Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Green Lantern vote against. The Flash (Barry Allen) breaks the tie. Zatanna mind-wipes Light, and the process results in his intellectual abilities being lowered. In the midst of the process, Batman appears and tries to stop it. Zatanna freezes him, and the members vote unanimously to erase Batman's memories of the incident as well.

Her working relationship to Batman sours after he remembers the alteration to his memory. When Zatanna helps Batman with reconnaissance at one of Ra's al Ghul's Lazarus Pits, she asks him why he came to her and Batman says: "I needed someone I could trust. But I had to settle for you". After Infinite Crisis, their relationship appears to have warmed; in Detective Comics #824 he calls her for information on a card-counter involved in scamming the Penguin. He makes no mention of their conflict, and casually calls her by her nickname, "Zee".

Catwoman discovers that Zatanna's mind-wipe of Dr. Light in Identity Crisis is not an isolated occurrence; Catwoman's journey from villain to hero and her resulting efforts to lead a moral life are retconned as being the result of Zatanna's mental intervention. Catwoman comes to distrust her memories, motives, and the choices she has made since that incident. In retaliation, Catwoman shoves Zatanna out a window, with her mouth taped shut. Zatanna parries the next attack from Catwoman and freezes her, before apologizing and leaving her.

A 2005 four-issue Zatanna limited series was published as part of Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers event. In it, at a support group for superheroes, she recounts a failed magical ritual to search for her father's tomes, during which one of her past spells summons a shapeshifter named Gwydion, who kills her companions. This trauma, combined with her guilt from her former mind-wipes, robs her of her powers. With the help of her new apprentice, Misty Kilgore, she captures Gwydion to use as her own. She eventually regains her confidence and powers, and uses them to defeat Zor, a rogue Time Tailor who released the Sheeda as a plague to infect and degrade the entire universe. As a reward, the other Time Tailors allow her one last meeting with her father, who reveals that his books were written for her, his "greatest spell and gift to the world". In the final battle against the Sheeda, Zatanna casts a spell to move time and space, retroactively positioning the Seven Soldiers to overthrow the Sheeda.

In Detective Comics #833 (August 2007), it is stated that Zatanna's father was a friend of Thomas Wayne. Zatara trained Bruce Wayne in the art of escape, and Bruce and Zatanna were childhood friends, although Batman believes that he has never met her in Justice League of America #51, and her only memory of meeting him is while she was disguised. Bruce helps Zatanna investigate the death of one of her former assistants; all clues point to a performer named Ivar Loxias. Loxias is revealed to be the Joker in disguise; he shoots Zatanna in the throat and incapacitates Batman. Zatanna is able to heal herself by writing a curing spell in her own blood, and she is instrumental in foiling the Joker's scheme, driving Joker insane in the process. Bruce puts Zatanna's betrayal behind him, allowing the two to renew their friendship.

On the "Roll Call" of Justice League of America #22 (August 2008), Zatanna is listed as a part of the team. Called upon to help with the Red Tornado's restoration in his android form, she aids the League when they are attacked by a new, powerful iteration of Amazo. During the battle, Zatanna has her mouth magically removed with her spells, and once again uses her blood to write out spells and restore it. After that Wonder Woman throws off Amazo's concentration and free Zatanna. Zatanna then defeats Amazo once and for all by using the Red Tornado's soul. Following this battle, Zatanna rejoins the team.

Zatanna later accompanies Firestorm, Black Lightning, and Batman to Metropolis after they come to believe Kimiyo Hoshi has been kidnapped by agents of the covert metahuman team known as the Shadow Cabinet. After a brief conflict, Zatanna and the others are informed by teenage superheroine Rocket that Kimiyo's perceived abduction was actually a misunderstanding caused by the Shadow Cabinet's mission to seek out her help in dealing with the cosmic vampire known as Starbreaker. With assistance from Hardware and Icon, Zatanna and her comrades are able to defeat Starbreaker in a battle in the Himalayas.

Zatanna's first New 52 costume. Art by Mikel Janin.

In Gotham City Sirens Zatanna is visited and restrained by Poison Ivy, who interacts via a tree and asks her if her encounter with Catwoman changed Selina in any way.

Zatanna takes a leave of absence from the JLA, only to reappear during a battle with Despero. Once he is defeated, Zatanna informs the League of the apocalyptic events of the Blackest Night taking place across the globe. After taking the team to the Hall of Justice to find Firestorm, she is forced to fight the undead form of her father, continually pitting the black magic he wields against her own; it is implied she was successful in banishing the Black Lantern, but was left psychologically crushed from having to kill her father again. In the aftermath of Blackest Night, Kimiyo mentions that Zatanna is one of the members who has left the team.

In May 2010 Zatanna received her own solo series, written by Paul Dini and drawn by Stéphane Roux. No longer an active member of the JLA, Zatanna is asked by officer Dale Colton to help solve a murder case at a restaurant frequented by mobsters. Zatanna informs Dale that the murderer was a powerful sorcerer known as Brother Night, who rules the supernatural crime scene in San Francisco. After Zatanna shows up at Night's demonic nightclub and threatens him, he responds by calling upon a powerful nightmare demon for help in battling her, but Zatanna defeats and imprisons the demon to aid her later. A crooked casino owner who had made a deal for eternal youth with the demon of avarice by selling the souls of his brides to the demon attempts to use a love potion to win Zatanna's soul. When her cousin Zachary Zatara breaks the spell, the casino owner begs Zatanna to turn him into a soulless lump of gold in order to escape torment in Hell. Aside from Brother Night, Zatanna faces other threats, such as Oscar Hample, a man who tried to murder her when she was a child and was turned into a puppet by her father. The Zatanna series ended with issue #16 (October 2011).

The New 52

This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (August 2017)

In September 2011, The New 52 rebooted DC's continuity. Zatanna is one of the main characters in Peter Milligan's Justice League Dark series. She sports a new costume, though she still wears her classic magician's outfit during shows. In the first issue, she learns that Superman, Wonder Woman, and Cyborg have been defeated by the Enchantress and volunteers her services to the League.

The Black Canary and Zatanna graphic novel Bloodspell written by Paul Dini and drawn by Joe Quinones was to be released in 2012, but was delayed until May 2014. The story centered around a 16-year-old Black Canary's first meeting Zatanna.

DC Rebirth

Zatanna made her first Rebirth appearance in Detective Comics #958, assisting Bruce Wayne in taking out a robot chasing after a cult member. Later on, Zatanna shows Bruce magic. Later Bruce sees her again and asks her to teach him more about magic. Ultimately she declines and wipes his memory. After the conclusion of the main storyline of the DC Rebirth Batwoman series, Zatanna is implied to be an outpatient therapist of sorts for Beth Kane, Kate Kane's twin sister.

In 2018, a new Justice League Dark series began, with a redesigned Zatanna being part of the team. Zatanna travels to Northern Italy to bind a group of demons called Il Osservatori in a story called Zatanna: Sleight of Hand, published in the DC New Talent Showcase 2018 #1.

Characterization

Zatanna Zatara

Within the DC Universe, Zatanna is commonly depicted as having a public identity as both a stage magician and genuine sorceress that battles evil alongside famous heroes such as the Justice League. Throughout her publication history, she would adopted several roles as a superhero, serving as a prominent mystic consultant and a popular leader of various iterations of the Justice League, most notably the supernatural offshoot, the Justice League Dark, dedicated to handling supernatural threats. Over time, the character's reputation and power is portrayed to be highly regarded, rivaling esteemed sorcerers and sorceresses such as of Doctor Fate, Madame Xanadu, and John Constantine. She is sometimes also referred to under the title of "Sorceress Supreme".

Heritage and ancestry

Originally, the character was portrayed as half human and half homo magi, with her human lineage stemming from her father's side. However, later retellings of Giovanni's background established her as a full homo magi. This updated heritage has persisted in the New 52 onward. Additionally, the character's maternal ancestry includes demigod Arion, a revered figure in ancient Atlantean history and the Sorcerer Supreme of ancient Atlantis. Conversely, the character's paternal line makes her a descendant of Leonardo da Vinci and is related to Nostradamus, Alessandro Cagliostro, Nicholas Flamel, and Evan Fulcanelli, making her of French and Italian descent.

Relationships

In comics taking place in the mainstream continuity, Zatanna has had various relationships with other DC Characters, including John Constantine (with whom she practiced tantra) and Doctor Thirteen. Zatanna also had a flirtatious relationship with her fellow Justice Leaguer Barry Allen / the Flash shortly after the death of his wife Iris. In The New 52: Futures End timeline, Zatanna is romantically involved with Jason Blood / Etrigan the Demon. In the Mystik U universe, Zatanna pursued a romantic relationship with Sebastian Faust, the son of infamous sorcerer Felix Faust.

She has a strong friendship with Batman due to their shared (retconned) pasts. In Detective Comics #843-844, Zatanna and Bruce briefly discuss the possibility of having a more meaningful relationship. Both later concede that Bruce is too devoted to his cause as Batman to give her the relationship she wishes for, but the pair reaffirm their bond as close friends. Catwoman once considered Zatanna a more dangerous contender for Bruce's attentions than Jezebel Jet, his fiancé at the time. A pep talk between the two women confirms how Zatanna really meant, during the fateful discussion with Bruce, to explore the possibility of a true romance, but turned out quietly resigned to the role of best friend and confidant. Claiming to act on Bruce's best interest, she pushes Selina into confessing her feelings to Bruce, thus stealing him from Jezebel Jet before it is too late.

In mainstream media, DC Animated Universe touches on Bruce and Zatanna's closeness depicted as her having had a crush on him while he trained under her father as "John Smith", though she later found out his real name. Decades later, an elderly Bruce is shown to still care for her as he keeps a picture of her along with pictures of his other love interests in a file in the Batcomputer. In the TV series Young Justice, Zatanna has a flirtatious and possibly romantic friendship with Dick Grayson / Robin during Season 1. Dick later says that they have a "history" in Season 2 (five years after Season 1), implying that they dated and eventually broke up but still remained close. In season 4, Artemis mentions that both Zatanna and Raquel dated Dick prior.

Powers, abilities, and resources

Zatanna performing a hat-trick on the cover of Zatanna: Everyday Magic (2003). Illustration by Brian Bolland.

Due to her Homo Magi heritage, Zatanna possess inherent magical abilities that give her command over mystic and cosmic forces. In most depictions, the character employs her powers by a unique method known as Logomancy, a form of magic that invokes supernatural effects and reality alteration by speaking backwards, enabling her a wide range of powers including teleportation, healing, manipulation of others' minds, and many more. The character is also versed in different variations of magic such as black magic, tarot reading for insight or divination, and can draw power from a collection of mystic artifacts collected by her family similarly to other traditional magic practitioners. Zatanna is also a talented stage magician and has honed her abilities in both the sleight of hand and invented variations of card tricks. She is also depicted as having trained in hand-to-hand combat for situations where she no longer has her magic and is a highly skilled escape artist.

Resources and artifacts

Due to her lineage from both sides of the family, Zatanna has access to a diverse collection of arcane objects amassed throughout generations from her families. Much of these are stored in the Shadowcrest Manor, the sentient and ancestral home of the Zatara family which relocates to different locations periodically and is invisible to ordinary observation. The manor can only be accessed by special magic keys or voice recognition and houses the collection of arcane objects, a private library, bestiary, and is inhabited by magical constructs that serve Zatanna, including Hassan the Mummy, who protects the manor. Zatanna also owns a personal apartment in Gotham City, serving as her more publicly accessible residence. Known as the Curious Abode of Zatanna Zatara, it also serves as the central location for her side business, "Zatanna's One-Stop Shop For Magical and Mystical Mayhem and Management", providing magical services such interdimensional travel and the delivery of mail across different universes and is occasionally assisted by Khalid Nassour.

The Talisman of Atlantis is the mystical amulet Zatanna used during the character's redesign in the 1990s. Used in tandem with a magical staff, it allowed her to channel magic through concentration alone, offering additional ease and control. She also possess the Demonography book which contained comprehensive on demonic entities and is magically updated by unnamed entities and the Gnosis Sphere, regarded as among the most perilous objects in the Zatara family collection known for its ability to answer any question posed to it upon direct contact. She also appropriated the Sword of the Sleepless Queen, a weapon capable of transforming others into a "nightmare" version of themselves and serving as a durable, enchanted blade. Zatanna would keep the magical sword after the events of Knight Terrors.

Weaknesses

Zatanna, as a practitioner of Logomancy, utilizes speech as the primary channel for her magical abilities. This reliance on verbal communication has made her vulnerable to being incapacitated by villains who restrain her through binding and gagging. It is observed that her magical powers tend to increase when unused, but excessive use can deplete them, leading to a strain on her physical well-being. Similar to other magic users, Zatanna can only replenish her waning powers through an extended period of rest. Additionally, there appears to be a connection between Zatanna's powers and her self-confidence. In the narrative Seven Soldiers, a series of significant mistakes left her emotionally and psychologically shattered, rendering her powerless. It was only through the process of restoring her lost confidence that she was able to regain her magical abilities.

Other versions

  • Conjura, a character based on Zatanna, appears in DC Super Dictionary.
  • An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in Batman: Holy Terror. This version is an agent of the Privy Council, a totalitarian religious group that rules over North America.
  • Wanda Zatara / White Witch, a fusion of Zatanna and Marvel Comics character Scarlet Witch, appears in the Amalgam Comics universe.
  • An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in JLA: Another Nail.
  • Annataz Arataz, Zatanna's evil Earth-3 counterpart, appears in Countdown to Final Crisis #23.
  • An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in the Flashpoint storyline. This version is a member of the Secret Seven and part of a motorcycle gang.
  • An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in DC Comics Bombshells. This version is of Jewish and Romani descent and was previously forced to aid the Nazis, during which she befriended Raven before eventually escaping.
  • An alternate universe variant of Zatanna appears in Mystik U. This version is a student of the titular academy and girlfriend of Sebastian Faust.
  • Zatanna appears in the web comic Zatanna and the Ripper, co-published by DC Comics and Webtoon.
  • Zatanna appears in the graphic novel Zatanna and the House of Secrets. This version lives in the titular house with her father Zatara and rabbit Pocus.
  • Zatanna appears in the graphic novel Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend.

In other media

Television

  • Zatanna appears in series set in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU):
    • She first appears in a self-titled episode of Batman: The Animated Series, voiced by Julie Brown. This version befriended Batman as a youth and developed a crush on him while he was training under her father Zatara. In the present, while working as a magician, she reunites with Batman while foiling criminal magic debunker Montague Kane's plans.
    • Zatanna makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in The New Batman Adventures episode "Chemistry".
    • Zatanna makes a cameo appearance in a photograph depicted in the Batman Beyond episode "Out of the Past".
    • Zatanna appears in Justice League Unlimited, voiced by Jennifer Hale in "This Little Piggy" and by Juliet Landau in "The Balance". As of this series, she has joined the Justice League while continuing her stage magician career. Additionally, she is capable of reciting spells without speaking and while speaking normally.
  • Zatanna appears in Smallville, portrayed by Serinda Swan. Her most major role was attempting to reclaim a comic book Zatara had cursed, but it afflicted the wrong person. By Season 10 Zatanna is on the government's list for the Justice League roster. She also magically spiked wine for Clark and Lois's bachelor/ette party, which lead to shenanigans that ended with Oliver and Chloe legally married.
  • Zatanna appears in the teaser for the Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode "Chill of the Night!", voiced again by Jennifer Hale. This version wears purple tights instead of fishnets.
  • Zatanna appears in Young Justice, voiced by Lacey Chabert. This version is initially a teenager and member of the Team who becomes romantically involved with Robin. After donning the Helmet of Fate to defeat Klarion the Witch Boy, Nabu refuses to release her until Zatara offers to take her place. Ever since, she works to free her father. In the second season, an adult Zatanna joins the Justice League. In the fourth season, Zatanna trains the Sentinels of Magic to help her free Zatara by convincing Nabu to rotate between all of them.
  • Zatanna appears in Teen Titans Go!, voiced by Kari Wahlgren.
  • Zatanna appears in Justice League Action, voiced again by Lacey Chabert as an adult and by Dayci Brookshire as a child.
  • Zatanna appears in DC Super Hero Girls, voiced again by Kari Wahlgren. This version, also known by her first name "Zee", is a dramatic fashionista and student at Metropolis High.
  • Zatanna makes non-speaking cameo appearances in Harley Quinn as an associate of the Justice League. As of "A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special", she has entered a relationship with the Flash.

Film

Live-action

Animation

Video games

Miscellaneous


Collected editions

Title Material collected Pages Publication date ISBN
Other collections
JLA: Zatanna's Search The Atom #19, Hawkman #4, Green Lantern #42, Detective Comics #335 and #355, Justice League of America #51 128 February 2004 978-1401201883
Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell Black Canary and Zatanna 144 June 2015 978-1401201883
Zatanna: Bring Down The House Zatanna: Bring Down The House #1-5 176 March 2025 978-1799500803
Volume 2 (2010—2011)
Zatanna: The Mistress of Magic Zatanna #1–6 144 March 2011 978-1401230074
Zatanna: Shades of the Past Zatanna #7–12 232 November 2011 978-1401233006
Zatanna by Paul Dini Zatanna #1–16, Zatanna: Everyday Magic, DC Universe Rebirth Holiday Special, DC Infinite Halloween Special 440 March 2017 978 1779525833
Graphic novels
Zatanna and the House of Secrets All chapters 1-6 160 February 2020 978-1401290702
Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend All chapters 1-8 200 July 2022 978-1401296384
Webtoon
Zatanna & The Ripper Vol. 1 Zatanna & The Ripper original material 200 October 2023 978-1401201883
Zatanna & The Ripper Vol. 2 200 December 2023 978 1779522962
Zatanna & The Ripper Vol. 3 208 May 2024 978-1779526953
Zatanna & The Ripper Vol. 4 208 September 2024 978-1779528179

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