Many may not be aware of it, but Paul Dini has something of a history with this title character. He helped bring her to the small screen in Batman: The Animated Series, and has created a new, rebellious, teenage spin on the character for online animation. His affection for the character is clear, as he offers up an irreverent, sexy adventure in this one-shot that's sure to have readers clamoring for more. This is an unusually light read for the Vertigo line, but it does combine adult themes with a goofier tone.
Zatanna has refocused herself on developing her career as a stage magician, and as such, she's on the road a lot. It makes it hard to have a social life... that, and the fact that her magical life tends to endanger her lovers. Speaking of which, one of Zatanna's former beaus -- John Constantine -- has found himself in a bit of trouble, and it's up to Z'anna to help him out of a jam by taking on the rookie sorceress responsible.
Rick Mays's Ameri-manga style is perfectly suited to the energetic, youthful feel of the script. He captures the title character's free, sexy personality wonderfully, but she's not the only one with sex appeal. Of course, the seductive Nimue exudes sexuality as well, but so do the male characters. The characters all look quite young, and it's in keeping with the hip quality of the book. I was also quite impressed with the various looks that Mays provides for the title character. Zatanna's classic look is included, but a more modern design that plays with the original is to be found as well.
I was pleased to see that this book was published under the Vertigo mature-readers banner. It really gives Dini the chance to explore Zatanna as an adult, single woman with desires and dreams. I couldn't help but feel as though the creators were still holding back, though. Though sexuality is a major part of this book, the creators don't offer the more blunt visuals and language that we've seen in other Vertigo books. They definitely go beyond the usual DC Universe fare, but they could have gone a bit further to add a playful, slightly more raunchy quality to a somewhat risque book.
Dini has brought a new energy and edge to Zatanna, and he explores just how much potential there is in the character. Bewitched meets Sex and the City, and the result is an ultra-hip, titillating and entertaining new take on DC's premiere mademoiselle of magic. At the same time, Dini has respect for the traditions out of which Zatanna grew, and he doesn't cast them aside in favor of this new, slightly more naughty spin.
