By: Matthew Sturges (writer), Stephane Roux (artist), John Kalisz (colorist)
The Story: We all know Zatanna’s a wordplay geek, but this takes it to a whole new level.
The Review: Zatanna’s backwards talk is an essential part of her character, and one of the most appealing, and yet it’s also probably the least understood. Grant Morrison once had her describe her own magic as “one of the most complicated” of the mystic arts, but most writers use it as a gimmick: if it can be said backwards, it can be done.
Sturges makes an effort to touch the question in a rather unexpected way, though in hindsight, it makes some sense: vocabulary flash cards. In a way, this dumbs down her magic to the confines of the English language (I, for one, would like to see her use backwards Spanish talk), but as you’ll see later in the issue, having the words themselves determine the results of the spell can produce some hilarious effects.
Since she faces a time-reversing thug, Zatanna has to revise her backwards talk on the fly to be effective. With her choice of words limited to those that can work no matter which direction time is flowing, her spells actually become more spectacular (“Ogre flog a golfer, go!” is particularly winning). It’s a clever idea, and Sturges executes it well, but it’s an idea that won’t be used again, most likely; it’s the kind of thing best suited for one story, and this is it.
Besides Zee’s new set of spells, Sturges offers more imaginative ideas in the magical department: fairies, ghosts, and mermaids skinny-dipping in San Francisco’s Sutro baths. Choosing San Fran as Zee’s base of operations hasn’t really paid off until now, as Sturges inserts magical secrets in all the city’s real-life nooks and crannies (a dragon chained beneath the Transamerica pyramid—we need to see this). Her flight over the metropolis also reminds you just how expansive her powers can be, something we need to see much more often in this title.
On the other hand, Sturges doesn’t do a terrific job bringing rounded characters to the table. The sword-wielding, apparently British gangster Nick (he raps—badly) is as one-dimensional as they come. I’m not a huge fan of villains explaining their motivations as “…‘cos I want to. ‘Cos I can.” He goes on a mermaid-murdering spree just because they don’t know where the nearest Mickey D’s are. How an idiot like him captures such a powerful fairy, you have no idea.
In fact, this is definitely one of those issues where the dropped page count makes itself painfully felt, as the story really needs more time to slow down the pace and deliver not only some much needed information about Nick’s background, but also draw out the action for better effect. Zatanna finds Nick and defeats him in fairly short order, with a very brief interlude of danger.
The return of Roux reminds you how strong and capable he can really be on this title: his portrayal of magic looks very cartoony, but convincing all the same. He also brings great details to the settings (the panorama of San Fran really gives you the urge to visit ASAP) and characters, although his Zatanna is astonishingly top-heavy. Kalisz gives everything a thoroughly strong treatment of colors, maintaining a consistent evening lighting throughout the issue.
Conclusion: An entertaining done-in-one, but not nearly as strong as it could be.
Grade: B
– Minhquan Nguyen
Some Musings: – This may mark the first time Zee gets tied up, but her mouth stays free. Good for her.
– Woah, woah, woah—I thought Zee’s a vegetarian, but that taquerias shop clearly has “carne asada a parilla” on its sign. Falling off the wagon already, huh? I can’t say I blame you—meat is delicious.
Grade
Conclusion