Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Ryan Sook; Mick Gray; Nathan Eyring; & Nick J. Napolitano
Cover Art by Ryan Sook
SUMMARY:
Published for September 2005 by DC Comics, this penultimate issue of Zatanna’s four-part mini-series is entitled “Three Days of the Dead.”
Guiding her young apprentice, Misty, a still-powerless Zatanna Zatara dispenses the malevolent Tempter, in a Southern California exorcism. Upon encountering Ali Ka-zoom’s zombie-like ghost, he directs Zatanna & Misty to drive him to a mobster’s posh estate where the Sheeda massacred his friend’s heavily-armed entourage. Misty’s secret origin is hinted when she thwarts the Sheeda’s capture of the Shining Knight’s flying white steed, Vanguard.
Zatanna is alerted to the Sheeda invasion threatening Earth. Ka-Zoom urges Zatanna & Misty to seek out the bizarre Seven Unknown Men of Slaughter Swamp for pertinent answers. Fleeing the Sheeda’s ‘Neh-Buh-Loh,’ Zatanna & Misty take flight riding Vanguard.
Note: This issue chronologically follow Seven Soldiers: Shining Knight # 2 and # 4.
REVIEW:
Including a stellar cover image, artist Ryan Sook’s visuals are at the top of his game. Unlike some of his other Seven Soldiers mini-series, writer Grant Morrison keeps this Zatanna series on track — that is, provided the reader pays attention and shrugs off some supernatural elements that won’t make sense. It’s a good bet, however, to seek out Shining Knight # 2 and # 4 to better grasp the wonky before-and-after scenes re: the vile massacre at the mobster’s compound.
Overall, Zatanna # 3 is a satisfying read that benefits from Morrison’s more-coherent-than usual storytelling and the art team’s high-caliber visual work.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The single-page “Seven Soldiers” checklist includes thumbnail cover reveals for Klarion the Witch Boy # 3; Shining Knight # 4; and Zatanna # 4.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
