Out This Week - Zatanna #4

An Escape from Tomorrow reader emailed me a couple of days ago to ask whether I read any Marvel comics, and if so which ones, as they noticed I tend to feature mainly DC and Top Cow titles. Well, as I said in my reply, I do read a number of Marvel titles - notably Daredevil, Punisher, one or two of the 'X' books - and I'll certainly concede that the majority of my posts focus on DC and Top Cow quite simply because the majority of my pull list comes from those two publishers.

That said, over the next few months my 'Marvel quota' will rise as a result of the Daredevil/Shadowland event - I've enjoyed what I've read so far and although I'm not picking up all of the associated books I will be picking up those that catch my eye and my imagination - and I'll also be picking up the new X-23 series from Marjorie Liu and Will Conrad later this year.

Strangely, eighteen months or so ago I wasn't picking up very many DC titles at all - I wasn't enjoying the Batman book and for a while dropped this and some of the associated titles. With the relaunch of Batman title I was back on board and started picking up Red Robin, Batman and Robin, Batgirl, Birds of Prey ... the list goes on!

That said, one DC launch that didn't initially catch my radar was Zatanna: I didn't - and still don't - really know a lot about the character and might have passed on it if it wasn't for the enthusiastic recommendations of Newsarama columnist, blogger and friend of Escape from Tomorrow Lan Pitts.

Grounded in the DCU, but equally apearing to be a comfortable 'stand-alone' read, I've been enjoying reading a supernatural storyline that features strong, 'believable', lead characters told by Paul Dini in an engaging and fun way. In many ways I can find similarities with Top Cow's Witchblade - another title that I enjoy.

The artwork of Zatanna, interior and most noticeably the covers, has been delightful and so far each of the first 3 issues has felt like they have told a lot of story across 22 or so pages.

Issue #4 is published this coming Wednesday and marks a change to the creative team with Chad Hardin and Wayne Faucher handling interior art - and I'm liking these preview pages - whilst Roux and Brian Bolland provide some wonderful covers.

Zatanna - highly recommended.

Zatanna #4
Written by Paul Dini, art by Chad Hardin and Wayne Faucher, cover by Stephane Roux with a 1:10 variant cover by Brian Bolland

Zatanna loves Vegas, and Vegas loves her – but should Zee be wary of the attentions of a handsome, well-connected casino owner? She can hold her own against the most ridiculous Royal Flush Gang ever assembled, and she can just about cope with her cousin Zachary's immature antics, but she'd better watch out for the sultry fire demons that are hot on her heels!

Published by DC Comics on Wednesday 11 August 2010
DC Universe, 32 pages, colour, $2.99US